March 2022 – Bicycle Queensland

Update 23 March

Great news! Brisbane City Council have agreed to our suggestion of a pop-up bikeway on Coronation Drive.

The left outbound lane of Coronation Drive between Lang Parade and Graham Street will become a temporary bikeway from Monday morning.

Brisbane City Council said the speed limit in that section would be slowed to 40 kilometres per hour and water-filled safety barriers would separate vehicle and cycling traffic.

Read more here..

Following on from constructive work done by Brisbane West BUG, Bicycle Queensland wrote to Brisbane City Council to seek their assistance in the quickest possible restoration of the Bicentennial Bikeway.

Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack wrote to Cr Ryan Murphy, Chair of Transport, saying:

“The BCC website currently gives no timelines for either inspection of the bikeway, or for the removal of debris. It would be very helpful to have a timeline on how long this disruption will last!

“We urge you to collaborate closely with Maritime Safety Queensland to expedite the removal of the former Drift restaurant from the bikeway.

“Lord Mayor and Cr Murphy, our bikeways are always vulnerable to severe weather events because our network of bikeways and shared paths is not resilient, and lacks alternatives. The Bicentennial Bikeway is a world-class facility, but there is no fallback, no detour bikeway for 5000 regular bike riders to use.

“Bicycle Queensland’s members are keen to work with BCC on solutions. Here are some suggestions that take seriously the concerns of bike riders and others who use the Bicentennial Bikeway:

BCC could provide a temporary bike lane on Coronation Drive.
Free train travel for bike riders at Toowong and Auchenflower stations to CBD stations.
Free travel on BCC buses for bike riders from Toowong to City destinations.
Sign alternate route such as https://www.strava.com/routes/2938247928450082494.
Temporary lowering of the speed limit to 40 km/h on the sections of Coronation Drive which are likely to have increased bike traffic.

“Many BQ members have reported to us that they see the lack of timelines for repairing bikeways as a symbol of BCC’s priorities. We urge you to consider active transport and e-mobility as being of equal significance in Council’s transport system as the road network.

“Building a resilient system that can withstand future flood events is part of re-ordering these priorities,” Mr Demack said.

Read our letter to Cr Ryan Murphy here

Devastated but Determined

We know that many of our members, friends, and neighbours have been impacted by the recent weather events experienced in South-East Queensland, South Burnett, Maryborough and Tweed regions. Our hearts go out to those impacted and who are currently displaced as the clean-up process continues.

Sadly, Bicycle Queensland’s Milton office has also suffered extensive damage. From everyone at BQ we would like to sincerely thank the volunteers who assisted in the clean-up over the last week. The job has been enormous.

With the office being submerged for three days, we have lost almost everything. We were able to salvage a few children’s bikes that are used in our education programs, and some shade marquees.

Our membership and event systems are all online and will continue to operate without interruption. Given we will be in recovery mode for some time, the Bicycle Queensland team is working remotely.

The best way to keep in touch with us is via email:

Please send membership enquiries to membership@bq.org.au.
Please send Brisbane to Gold Coast enquiries to events@bq.org.au.
All other general enquiries to bqinfo@bq.org.au.

We are full speed ahead on the 2022 Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge, to be held on its new date of Sunday 17 July. We hope you will support us in this year’s event as either a participant or sponsor. A sold-out event will expedite our recovery and get us “back on the bike” faster. If you would like to sign up for the 2022 Downer Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge visit our website here https://b2gc.com.au/ or if you would like to sponsor the event contact bqinfo@bq.org.au.

Also on track is the next round of Her Ride courses to encourage and give more skills to women bike riders. The next course will commence on Sunday 13 March. To sign up and support our HER RIDE initiative you can secure a spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/266593015887

The road ahead is challenging. We will draw on our Queensland spirit, and remain positive and resilient staying connected to and servicing our members and the state remains our priority. We are determined to rebuild and continue our work to make Queensland the best place to ride a bike.

Stay safe and happy riding,

Rebecca Randazzo

Chief Executive Officer

Rachel Nolan

Vice President