Tag: active transport

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Advocacy

Queensland’s 50c Public Transport to continue

The announcement earlier this year that the Queensland Government would undertake a 6-month trial of 50c fares for public transport was welcomed by Bicycle Queensland. Making public transportation more affordable is a step in the right direction toward reducing congestion and promoting sustainable travel options.  

Whilst public transport use has increased most markedly in the south-east corner, around the state patronage has typically increased between 8-15%. Rail has been the big winner in south east Queensland, with a reported 26.5% increase in patronage after the first month of the initiative. 

On the weekend Premier Steven Miles said that the government would keep the 50c fares post-election. Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said that the LNP would keep the commitment for cheaper public transport if his party won at the state election in October. Bicycle Queensland welcomes this bipartisan support for this great public transport initiative. 

We understand from media reports that this cost for subsidising public transport 50 cent fares has been estimated to be approximately $300 million a year, although it may end up less if patronage grows.  

By way of comparison, the Queensland Government has committed $315 million over four years for walking and bike riding in their transport budget. 

Bike riding, e-scooter riding and walking typically go hand-in-hand with more public transport use to allow for properly connected routes. At Bicycle Queensland, we would encourage further investment in walking and riding infrastructure so Queenslanders can make the best use of the ongoing subsidies for public transport. 

Cycling and micromobility has a very real role in supporting more public transport trips, particularly as part of the “door to door” customer experience. Many park-and-ride facilities on the public transport network are already full or close to capacity, so alternatives need to be considered. Additional investment in secure bike parking, and investing in greater capacity for carrying bikes on trains would help. 

‘Having ongoing discounted public transport as a bipartisan promise for the coming state election is a positive step for all Queenslanders,’ stated Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine. ‘We encourage all parties to match this additional $300 million investment in public transport with investment in active transport, to make the best use of the incentives and opportunities.’ 

Interestingly, the Household Travel Survey data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads shows that there are double the number of people riding bikes compared to using trains in Southeast Queensland, despite the significantly lesser investment in active transport. 

Can you imagine the increase in mode share for cycling and micromobility if a similar level of investment to public transport was applied? 

With the state election looming, Bicycle Queensland encourages you to engage with the candidates in your area to find out what they are doing to improve cycling in your region. 

You can support Bicycle Queensland’s Advocacy work by becoming a member.

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Advocacy

Bicycle Queensland supports completion of the Samford Cycle Link

The Samford to Ferny Grove Cycle Link has had two stages built, connecting Ferny Grove Station to Samford via the old rail line corridor on Lanita Ave and McLean Road South. After crossing Camp Mountain Road, the route connects along McLean Road North and into a shared path before meeting the end of Peterson Road. At this point the rail corridor is now privately owned, and the route then climbs two hills on Peterson Road, before turning left atop a crest back onto Camp Mountain Road, with no continous shoulder to the narrow bridge over Oliver’s Crossing, and into Samford via a path and crossing at the roundabout with Samford-Dayboro Road.

Get more details around supporting the Cycle Link completion.

When opened, Bicycle Queensland were disappointed with the final stretch, as it adds distance, hills, and greater exposure with motor vehicles compared to a lot of the route.

The property on the old rail corridor on Peterson Road is now for sale privately, creating an opportunity for Transport and Main Roads to complete to the Samford Cycle Link, or for the City of Moreton Bay to do the same.

Bicycle Queensland’s Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack met with local resident Harry Audus and Brisbane North Bicycle User Group (BUG) President Andrew Methorst to promote the action that is possible for TMR or MBCC.

WATCH the discussion and join the conversation on Facebook

‘When this was opened, we thought the first 80% was brilliant, but the last bit into Samford could do with some work,’ said Demack.

‘This is such a fantastic bike way, but Peterson Road as it stands is terrible for anybody except the most fit cyclist, and it is unsafe as the sight lines are poor and the main road further on is not really safe to cycle on,’ Harry Audus told BQ. ‘So this is great, the property is for sale, council could buy it and main roads could use the property to extend the bike way.’

The property leads all the way to Samford Road at the bottom of the range, so a crossing would be required in the 60km/h zone, with access over the bridge and onto Cash Avenue, which leads to the heart of Samford.

At the time of the original project, property resumptions were suggested but justifiably shelved. But this sale presents an excellent opportunity. The current route on Peterson and Camp Mountain road is not a safe route for families, young riders or less experienced riders. A proper bike link would reduce congestion in Samford and solve a missing link in this network. Alternative plans have been suggested around carrying on over Peterson Road to Wights Mountain Road (as on the Principle Cycle Network) or making a separated path all the way along Camp Mountain Road from the end of McLean Road South. However, the direct link to Samford should be the priority route, while these other bikeways can work with the main route to offer better access to Wights Mountain, Samford Valley and Highvale – along with safe connections for Samford State School and Samford Steiner School.

‘On behalf of Brisbane North BUG, Bicycle Queensland members who live in Samford and Bicycle Queensland’s perspective, we would really love to see this link upgraded. The first bit is brilliant, but from Peterson Road to Camp Mountain Road through to Samford is substandard, it is not a good bike way,’ Demack stated.

‘We really need this to be finished, to become a proper cycle link. It would link into Cash Avenue which takes you right into the heart of Samford Village.

‘One of the benefits of following a rail alignment… is that they are flat, more or less,’ added Andrew Methorst. ‘It is a win for everyone who can ride, even if they aren’t as confident they don’t need to ride with traffic, so the old railway alignments are fantastic bike ways.’

Bicycle Queensland encourages both the City of Moreton Bay and Transport and Main Roads to consider completing the Samford Cycle Link, to promote better connectivity within this community and towards Ferny Grove.

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Advocacy

$6.5 Million Boost for Cycling and Walking Infrastructure in Queensland

Bicycle Queensland welcomes the recent announcement by the Queensland government for a commitment of over $6.5 million in local council grants. The grants are aimed at improving bike riding and walking networks across Queensland. The funding is expected to support 31 new cycling projects and 16 new walking initiatives over the next two years. Earlier this year Bicycle Queensland asked local governments to increase funding to cycling infrastructure and programs. This announcement from the state certainly helps local governments across Queensland achieve this aim with co-investment under this program. 

These grants, allocated through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants and Walking Local Government Grants programs, are part of the record $37.4 billion Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) for 2024-25 to 2027-28.

The funding will facilitate the development of priority bike routes and walking network plans, addressing key locations such as schools, public transport hub, and town centres. From the Gold Coast to Torres Shire, these projects will include the creation of shared paths, crossings, and comprehensive planning efforts.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish also highlighted the benefits of this funding: “Queenslanders deserve world-class active transport facilities. Every person who rides a bike or walks to work, school, or leisure reduces traffic congestion, cuts pollution, and saves on transport costs. This round of funding will support the delivery of new cycling and walking projects statewide, ensuring more Queenslanders can safely and efficiently reach their destinations.”

Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine praised the announcement, stating, “This investment will help Queensland become a leader in active transport. Enhanced cycling and walking infrastructure not only improves connectivity but also promotes healthier lifestyles and a more sustainable environment. We are thrilled to see such progressive support for our vision of more people riding more often.”

Grants in action

Eligable projects in the grant submissions included off-road exclusive use bikeways, aeparated bikeways, off-road shared paths, bicycle streets, mid or end of trip facilities and on-road facilities such as bike lans, line marking or shoulder widening.

Notable projects
– Active transport lighting – Fig Tree Point Park (Brisbane)
– Separated bikeway- Sylvan Rd: Miskin-Land St (Brisbane)
– Design shared path – Opal st to Botanic Gardens (Central Highlands)
– Construct shared path – Boat Harbour Drive to Old Mayrborough Rd (Fraser Coast)
– Construct shared path – Parksville Drive to Kahler Close (Gladstone)
– Construct shared path – Short St to Riddle St (Goondiwindi)

All the successful grants can be viewed online.

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Press releases

Bicycle Queensland announces Regional Forum Tour

Bicycle Queensland is pleased to announce a comprehensive regional tour scheduled for August. The tour, led by Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine and Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack, aims to engage with local Bicycle Queensland members, bike riders, the bike industry, tourism bodies, schools, universities and regional councils across Queensland.

The Regional Forum Tour underscores Bicycle Queensland’s commitment to advocating for cycling as a vital component of community health, sustainable transport, and tourism opportunities for the state of Queensland. Throughout the tour, Alton Twine and Andrew Demack will meet with stakeholders to discuss the benefits of cycling, effective transport planning, and the significant impact of cycling on local economies and community well-being.

Dates:

Confirmed locations are in our Events Listing.

August 5, 7pm: Cairns – Cairns Library Meeting Rooms, 151 Abbott Road
August 6, noon: Atherton – Atherton Community Centre, 16A Robert Road
August 6, 6pm: Innisfail – Community Support Centre, 13-17 Donald Street
August 7, 6pm: Townsville – Franks Pizza Napoli, 3 Ross River Road
August 12, 6pm: Noosaville
August 13, 6pm: Redcliffe
August 14, 6pm: Toowoomba
August 19, 6pm: Mackay
August 20, noon: Yeppoon
August 20, 6pm: Rockhampton
August 21. 6pm: Bundaberg

September 2: Gold Coast
September 3: Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan
September 4: Redlands
September 5: Scenic Rim

(Exact locations are being finalised – email media@BQ.org.au for specific locations)

CEO Alton Twine expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming tour, stating, “This tour provides an excellent opportunity for us to connect directly with our members, local leaders, and candidates. Cycling plays a crucial role in enhancing the liveability of our communities, promoting active lifestyles, and reducing traffic congestion. We look forward to discussing these important issues and advocating for better cycling infrastructure and policies.”

Bicycle Queensland would like to thank the Queensland government for their support in running this tour, so we can understand the trends and challenges facing bike riding and micromobility. Bicycle Queensland aims to work with the Department of Transport and Main Road to communicate the investment opportunities around bike infrastructure and actions to best serve BQ members, stakeholders and communities.

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Advocacy

Brisbane Airport Active Transport update

It’s great to see that Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) has completed a pathway link from Sugarmill Road along Lomandra Drive, linking to Viola Place and Da Vinci Boulevard. This path will be a great benefit to people getting around the Brisbane Airport precinct by cycling or walking.

BAC has also announced some further active transport projects, including a secure bike parking facility at the Domestic Terminal, and plans for a corridor study at the airport to work out the best active transport routes.

These are actions from BAC’s Active Transport Strategy and Action Plan, which BAC has emailed us to say is complete. Sadly, that document is not available to the public, which makes it difficult for Bicycle Queensland and the Airport Bicycle Users Group to really engage collaboratively with BAC. From our perspective, transparency is as important as providing the infrastructure, and our message to all agencies and governments is that making your plans available to the public builds trust and respect with the community.

Are you currently a Bicycle Queensland member? Find out more about membership right here.

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Advocacy Press releases

Queensland Government invest $315 million in bikeways

The Queensland Government has committed $315 millon over the coming four years to expand the network of bikeways and walking paths. Bicycle Queensland applauds this investment, which overshadows the recent announcement of a $100 million Active Transport Fund.

The state government is aiming to encourage more Queenslanders to leave their cars at home, however the $315 million investment is still a fraction of the eye-watering $34.7 billion that is registered in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) following the state budget announcment. So while $315 million seems like a lot, and it is, it’s not even 1% of the total investment in transport. The United Nations suggest 20% of transport infrastructure funding should go towards active transport, but Queensland is falling well short.

‘Every person who rides a bike or walks to work, school, to socialise or to go to the shops means less traffic and less pollution, and can also mean savings on transport costs,’ stated Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish. ‘It’s not only cheaper than using a car but it’s much better for your health and we think Queenslanders deserve world class active transport facilities.’

The Queensland government state that for every dollar invested in a bikeway, nearly five dollars are returned in economic benefits to Queensland – however the cost to benefit ratio for many built motorways is as low as 0.24, compared to close to 5.0 for bikeways.

Some other projects of note within this funding include:
– $41.5 million for the Cairns Southern Access Cycleway (co-funded with the federal government)
– $36.1 milion velobridge over Birdwood Road on the Veloway 1 in Greenslopes
– $9.4 million towards the second stage of the New England Highway Bikeway between Highfields and Toowoomba
– $10.4 million for improvements to active transport on Moggil oad from the Centenary Motorway to Chapel Hill Road.
– $22.5 million to fill gaps on the Riverwalk at Kangaroo Point – which makes an unbroken link between Kangaroo Point and Mowbray Park
– $9.6 million to develop a network of bike-friendly streets in South Brisbane, Highgate Hill and West End.

‘Bicycle Queensland members and the 800,000 Queenslanders who regularly ride a bike all welcome this announcement from the Minister,’ said Andrew Demack, Bicycle Queensland’s Director of Advocacy. ‘Building bikeways is great value for money for Queensland towns and cities, and we’re keen to see connected, high-quality bikeways built that give people the chance to get to their destinations safely while building their fitness and reducing congestion and carbon emissions.’

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Advocacy

Toowoomba creates Queensland’s first Safe Active Street

On Friday June 21, 2024, Toowoomba Regional Council opened Queensland’s first Safe Active Street on Pierce Street in Toowoomba. Not just a first for Queensland, this was a first for the whole eastern seaboard of Australia. A Safe Active Street prioritises cycling, with a speed limit of 30km/h. Cars need to yield to cyclists, with painted lanes making all road users aware of the changed conditions.

Dropping the speed limit to 30km/h reduces the severity of any collisions between road users (no matter the modality) but it also helps make more bike riders feel safer on said street. Piercee Street in Toowoomba is a connector on the West Creek Cycleway, and amending the street into a Safe Active Street was a more cost-effective solution than creating a separated bikeway to create the connection. As Pierce Street ends in a quiet cul-de-sac there will be minimal impact on drivers of vehicles, but enhanced safety for those on bikes.

What does a Safe Active Street mean?

  • The speed limit is 30km/h. This applies to all road users.
  • People riding bikes are to ride near the centre of the shared travel lane (the terracotta painted zone).
  • People driving cars are to maintain 30km/h or less behind the person on a bike until safe to overtake, ensuring a distance of one metre from the rider. You are allowed to drive over the outside lines of the terracotta zone to overtake safely or to pass an oncoming vehicle.
  • Always give way to oncoming traffic and drive or ride in a safe and courteous manner.

Brian McKay, Senior Transport Planner at Toowoomba Regional Council, explained the concept of a Safe Active Street, and why they can be an important part of transport networks – and also affect change.

‘A Safe Active Street is something that is common throughout a lot of countries in Europe. Basically it is a street where everyone shares the same space. It has a lower speed environment… and we all know that 30km/h is that critical speed limit for safety. Bike riders have priority on this street and car drivers will have to sit behind a cyclist until they’re safe to move past.’

Having looked at various options to solve this missing link on the West Creek Cycleway, this was deemed the best fit by council.

‘We have a very car dominated road network in Queensland and in Australia,’ added McKay. ‘So all the time we can get these incremental changes to show people that there is a different kind of behaviour that is appropriate and safe for all users, then it is a great outcome for all.’

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Advocacy

New Veloway bridge over O’Keefe street

Veloway Okeefe St

Transport and Main Roads (TMR) recently opened a new bridge on the Veloway. removing a dangerous intersection on this critical piece of cylcling infrastructure. The bridge was opened by the Hon Bart Mellish, alongside Mark Bailey, Joe Kelly and other dignitaries.

Andrew Demack, our Director of Advocacy, was at the bridge opening and was enthusiastic about the impacts it will have.

‘This bridge takes out a really dangerous crossing on O’Keefe street and the crossing with Carl street. Morning peak hour on Carl street was horrendous, and this new bridge takes all of that out.’

Instead, when you approach the city you now come in on a long loop under the main road, with a gentle gradient taking you onto the bridge and along the pre-existing parts of the V1 as you head north to the city.

‘East-west also has a connection, so if you are coming along from the Princess Alexandra Hospital you can come in from the northern side of the road, which you couldn’t in earlier designs. I’m so glad that the Queensland state government and TMR allowed that link to be part of the overall project. Of course, the next missing link is at Birdwood road, but they are working on a bridge for that as well.’

The Miles Government is investing a total of $315 million over the next four years, aiming to expand the cycling and walking paths in Queensland. This is a part of the $37.4 billion Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2024-25 to 2027-28. Projects included in this investment include the velobridge in Greenslopes and a Riverwalk expandsion at Kangaroo Point.

‘Every person who rides a bike or walks to work, school, to socialise or to go to the shops means less traffic and less pollution, and can also mean savings on transport costs,’ explained Minister Mellish. ‘It’s not only cheaper than using a car but it’s much better for your health and we think Queenslanders deserve world class active transport facilities.’

This new bridge represents an investment of $22.03 million, and we’re certain it has improved efficiency of the network and the safety for all users.