Queensland’s major toll-road operator Transurban has forecast a major increase in bike usage as society recovers from COVID-19.

Transurban commissioned a study which surveyed 4500 people in Australia and selected urban areas of North America. (https://www.transurban.com/content/dam/transurban-pdfs/03/Urban-Mobility-Trends-from-COVID-19.pdf)

Brisbane’s most exciting stat out of the whole survey shows up in how people expect their transport use will change. In Brisbane, use of the bicycle as a transport mode is up 36%, which is great. What is more surprising is the expected (future) use of the bicycle is up 71%.

In comparison, the expected use of cars and motorcycles is to stay the same, with train and bus public transport is expected to be down 15%.

Brisbane specific statistics highlight a major increase in bike usage as a mode of transport.

Data from road and public transport authorities show both private vehicle and public transport use was down during the lockdown stages of the pandemic. Sadly, private vehicle use has rebounded close to previous levels. Public transport use remains around 35-40% of previous levels.

The survey found that ‘personal health and safety’ has moved ahead of convenience in as a determining factor for the choice of transport mode.

Of the six factors influencing transport mode choice in the survey, sustainability remains the bottom of the list.

Transurban is not a neutral observer in this process. Their report reflects this, urging Governments to bring forward major road projects in response. They say these projects must include active transport options, saying “our survey showed an increased of up to 27% in cycling in most cities”.

Bicycle Queensland sees these results as confirmation of the findings of the survey we ran during the pandemic. Similarly, our survey found that 80% of respondents said they planned to cycle the same or more after the pandemic.

In conclusion, these survey results highlight the need for greater investment in active transport. For instance, it highlights the need for a safer environment for people switching from public transport, but also to provide those people driving motor vehicles, trapped in even greater congestion, to have another option to save time and money while boosting sustainability back up to its rightful place as a transport choice factor.

In light of Carolyn Lister’s tragedy last month, BQ’s CEO Rebecca Randazzo is asking for a national change to cyclist and heavy vehicle safety.

Rebecca expresses her concern for cyclists interacting with heavy vehicles stating that “while road design and upgrades responsibilities fall to State Governments, more can be done at the federal level to facilitate safer interactions between heavy vehicles and cyclists.”

In this letter, Rebecca has asked for the mandating of sensors and cameras on heavy vehicles to be added to the Transport Infrastructure Council Meeting agenda.

Read the full letter to the Deputy Prime Minister here.

Before COVID-19, 800,000 people across Queensland cycled every week, with higher than average participation rates occurring in Mackay, Gladstone and Cairns. 

Cycling has increased 300% in popularity during COVID-19 as it provides a way for people of all ages to remain connected to their community whilst maintaining physical and mental health. It is important we sustain this momentum around cycling in a post-COVID19 world.

BQ’s CEO, Rebecca Randazzo, wrote to the Premier about the impact that $22 million in funding will have on cycling across the state.

View the one pager here, and read the letter to the Premier here.

It has been an eventful three months navigating through COVID-19 at BQ. Despite a brief transition to a work from home structure, we have continued to advocate for safer cycling across QLD.

Read about the projects we have advocated for to improve cycling safety and accessibility in the link below.

Not included in this list are regular communications with BQ members and other bike riders on safety and infrastructure issues across the state.

View Quarter Two’s Advocacy Update here.

Queenslanders return to work frustrated that their end of trip facilities (EoT) are still closed and share concerns over COVID-19 hygiene and cleaning protocols. 

COVID-19 has seen an increase in cycling for health and the daily commute, as people avoid public transport.

Bicycle Queensland (BQ) commissioned an EoT survey and found that people are not happy with the hygiene standards or communication over cleaning routines.

To help cyclists and businesses develop solutions to current problems in their end of trip facilities, BQ has created a best practice guide for EoT users and managers.

“We want to make the most of the bike boom and help promote alternative modes of transport,” BQ’s Director of Education, Patrick Trowse said. 

“EoT fit outs should accommodate the needs of their users and this is not always the case,” Mr Trowse said.

Mr Trowse said user numbers increase when hygiene standards are adequate, and businesses should strive to maintain this so people feel confident and comfortable when arriving to after active travel.

We have a range of expert EoT facility partners who are ready to help with fit outs and other EoT services,” Mr Trowse said.

Recently, BQ called for State Government funding to support increased cycling in workplaces and Queensland is now well-positioned to support workplaces with bike parking, electric bike charging points, active transport salary packaging and essential education and training.

“Cities need to accommodate different transportation methods while maintaining appropriate safety norms,” BQ’s Chief Executive, Rebecca Randazzo said. 

Now is a great time for Queensland to expand the horizons for health and lifestyle. 

To achieve our goal of being Australia’s healthiest state, action must be taken to support education on safe bike riding in all its forms, particularly to and from work. 

For more information on how to promote safety in your EoT facility contact bqinfo@bq.org.au.

View the PDF document here.

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

Queensland Department for Transport and Main Roads Infrastructure Benefit Evaluations: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Cycling/Research-and-resources/Infrastructure-benefit-evaluations

Cycling during COVID-19 survey: https://bq.org.au/news/riding-a-bike-is-39-times-better-than-going-to-the-gym-queenslanders-say/

Release by Bicycle Queensland.

More information or comment from

Rebecca Randazzo, CEO

Email: r.randazzo@bq.org.au or phone 0411 260 336

Andrew Demack, Director of Advocacy

Email a.demack@bq.org.au, or phone 0411 688 460