Early works to investigate ground conditions are in sections adjacent to the Bicentennial Bikeway, which may require some temporary reductions in width, however bikeway access will be maintained at all times.
What to expect
The bikeway will remain open, with the width reduced in some areas while works are underway. Works will include:
– A drill rig and support vehicles
– Temporary fencing around the exclusion area
– Workers in the exclusion area undertaking drilling and test pit works
Building new bikeways and shared paths is the most positive way that Queensland cities can use the Federal Government’s post-pandemic stimulus money.
Bicycle Queensland CEO Rebecca Randazzo said bikeways and shared paths will give a massive economic, health and sustainability benefit to Queensland local authorities which are now eligible to receive their share of $500 million of Federal stimulus money.
The Federal Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program has made $41,282,528 available to local governments in Queensland, to be spent in the 20-21 financial year. All councils have to do is submit a work schedule outlining the projects.
Cycling and walking paths are specifically listed as eligible community infrastructure for this program.
The State Government’s own assessment program for bicycle infrastructure has demonstrated that each dollar spent on bikeways can return up to $5 in benefit to the community.
Bicycle Queensland is working with local bicycle advocacy groups across the state to help communities determine what new paths they would like to see built as part of this program.
“Thousands of Queenslanders started riding their bikes more during the pandemic, and many more were walking more for exercise,” Ms Randazzo said.
A survey commissioned by Bicycle Queensland of more than 3000 people across the state found that 81% of the respondents wanted to keep riding their bikes after the pandemic.
“Now is a great time for local Governments to use this post-COVID stimulus money to bring about positive change in their communities.
“More people cycling and walking makes for a healthier community. It helps address our national obesity crisis. It contributes to lowering pollution and carbon emissions.”
“And best of all, if we plan the paths wisely, it has a 500% return on investment. Surely every local government in Queensland wants to be part of that,” Ms Randazzo said.
Sources:
Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program/index.aspx
It looks like cycling could be here to stay post-pandemic as we see bicycle numbers soar in local schools. Ferny Grove State School now needs a second bike rack, because their current rack has been full every day since students returned to school.
Ferny Grove State School’s overflowing bike rack.
Ferny Grove State School Principal, Brett Shackleton, said that more families are travelling to school together by bike. He adds that it’s now common to see a bottleneck at most gates in the school as keen cyclists try to get a good spot in the bike racks.
“We’ve had to provide temporary bike racks just to make do in the interim,” Mr Shackleton said.
Riding to school is important, as 39% of Queenslanders are not getting enough exercise and screen time dominates the home school environment. The bicycle commute is a simple way for communities to get their 60 minutes of accumulated physical activity a day and combat screen fatigue.
Bicycle Queensland’s Director of Education, Patrick Trowse is thrilled so many kids are riding to school again.
“Commuting to school not only covers the daily exercise needs, but also gives students an opportunity for growth and development.
“As bike paths and racks fill up, it is time to push for improved conditions for cycling, so that even more families will consider riding to school,” Mr Trowse said.
