A new 10 kilometre ride will be open to anyone over the age of eight with a family-friendly route through Launceston away from the challenging road traffic.

Sally’s Ride co-chairman Alan Harris said the organisation understood not every rider wanted to battle the West Tamar traffic, so the new ride was introduced to be a more enjoyable time for those who don’t need to race.

“We’re encouraging anyone who hasn’t been on a bike before … come and join the fun,” he said.

A flat fee is payable for all events instead of a tiered payment system depending on which race competitors select, with all moneys raised going to prevention of youth suicide in Northern Tasmania.

The ride began in 2002, originally a solo around-Tasmania ride by Sally Fletcher.

In 2009 the Rotary Club of Central Launceston took over, with more than $300,000 raised over the years.

Mr Harris said there is a new course for the 160km race down the East Tamar, across the Batman Bridge, through Legana, Bridgenorth Four Springs and Hagley.

The 100km race has a new hill, while the 70km has the same course as last year, and the 45km goes through Rosevears on the Tamar.

He said the ride hopes for 700 entries this year on its way to a goal of 2000 entries in years to come.

“We need to be the premier community cycling event in Tasmania,” Mr Harris said.