Tag: Brisbane

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Advocacy

North Brisbane Bikeway – Stage 5 announcement and reactions

Earlier in February it was revealed that Brisbane City Council had decided on the final route for Stage 5 of the North Brisbane Bikeway. This is an important link connecting the CBD with Brisbane’s northern suburbs. The consultation process has taken many years, and Bicycle Queensland has been involved throughout the consultation, along with the Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) in the area.

Read the news from Brisbane City Council

A concept design was released in 2021, connecting Kedron Brook bikeway via Dickson and Jackson streets.

‘Bicycle Queensland and the Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) have always been keen for the route to continue along Dickson Street and cross through Eagle Junction before going down Jackson Street to Kedron Brook bike way,’ explained Andrew Demack, BQ’s Director of Advocacy. The Community Working Group and local councillor, Cr Julia Dixon, did raise concerns about the Price Street to Kedron Brook route. There were also two petitions from the community, opposing a safe and direct active transport link on the proposed route. The Kent road concept from 2018 has been chosen as the preferred option.

‘The new plan that has been announced goes via Price Street, Kent Street, Park Road and on to Brooke Road,’ said Andrew Demack once the news was announced. ‘So it zig-zags towards Kedron Brook bikeway. It’s really good because it goes past a school, so this link enables more kids to ride to school. It is not as direct as the original alignment that BQ and the Bicycle User Groups have been calling for. We really think that the direct alignment is the most useful transport alignment.’

As it stands, Dickson street is a direct connection – but not suitable for all users as it stands.

‘A very confident rider could ride along Dickson street as it is, but it is a door zone and unpleasant for most people. The fact that the separated bike way stops 500m before Eagle Junction is a real barrier for people.’

‘The newly announced changes are good for school transport, but this isn’t the best transport outcome,’ Andrew Demack continued. ‘Bicycle Queensland would like to see the best transport outcome to be what is finally built. This proposed link remains a good link from the high-quality North Brisbane bikeway to the Kedron Brook bikeway that includes access to a school. However this is not the solution that delivers a high-quality link through Eagle Junction to Kedron Brook bikeway.’

Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine wrote to Cr Ryan Murphy to express how Bicycle Queensland, the Bicycle User Groups, and over 12000 BQ members felt about the decision.

Cr Murphy acknowledged the difficulties for the 5th stage of the North Brisbane bikeway – from concept through to construction.

‘As Transport Chair, I carefully reviewed each of the proposed alignments and found that they had their own technical strengths and weaknesses, as well as differing levels of support within the community. No option was perfect.’

It seems that despite the results of the community consultation, at the end of the day the decision has been made according to “broader concerns” raised by Local State MP Tim Nicholls and local Councillor Dixon, as noted in the response to petitioners provided by BCC. We are not sure what these concerns actually are.

‘I understand that some of your members will likely be disappointed in this outcome. However, it’s important that Council listens to community stakeholders, and makes adjustments when required, as we have here.’

‘This alignment will strike a balance that will allow cyclists to traverse the North Brisbane Bikeway in its entirety, while minimising negative impacts on the local community.’

If you have feedback, we encourage you to write to the local councillor, Cr Julia Dixon: hamilton.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au

You can also sign a petition to make Dickson Street safer for bike and e-scooter riding.

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Advocacy Press releases

Bikeway dismount hours amended to allow evening commute

The Sono Lumo lights festival at Star Casino is causing an issue for bike and scooter riders who use the Bicentennial Bikeway. The event organisers had required that riders must dismount from 4-11pm to travel through the Festival area at Queen’s Wharf.

Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine said: “It is unacceptable to require bike riders to dismount on their commute home on Brisbane’s busiest bikeway. The timing applied to date is simply too restrictive. We’ve heard from plenty of members who are having to find other routes to bypass this event.”

There has been also significant protest about this blockage from Brisbane CBD BUG and Space4Cycling.

BQ had earlier spoken to Destination Brisbane Consortium before the festival began, and had offered a solution that would enable commuters to continue to ride through the space (Queen’s Wharf Plaza) which bisects the Bicentennial Bikeway at the new casino, until the end of the evening peak. 

Today BQ spoke with organisers of the event and let them know of the concerns of the cycling community, asking for a push-back on the timing that will at least allow for the evening commute to occur without interruption. Star Casino have agreed to not enforce the dismount until it is necessary for safety reasons, and have asked all bike riders to please ride slowly through the event zone. BQ’s understanding is that the requirement to dismount will now be after the evening peak. We remain concerned about this situation and will continue to monitor it until we have an outcome that allows people using this space for active transport to do so safely and conveniently. 

At the heart of the issue is the poor design choices made in this area when part of this transport corridor was surrendered to become part of this precinct. The State could have kept the bikeway separate to the multi-use area, but have compromised both the integrity of the corridor and the safety of all users by choosing not to. When an event like Sono Lumo comes along, this failure becomes all too evident.

BQ has also raised with Destination Brisbane Consortium our concern over the rumble strips placed on the bikeway near Queens Wharf Plaza without consultation with any bike groups. We believe that these strips are unnecessary, and a safety concern especially for e-scooter riders.  This is an on-going concern and we have no news to report on that matter.

It is clear that Queens Wharf Plaza must have an uninterrupted path for bike riders that can be ridden safely and conveniently 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It is part of the Bicentennial Bikeway, the most popular bike route into Brisbane’s CBD.

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Events Press releases

Bicycle Queensland celebrate 2024

Bicycle Queensland (BQ) held a memorable end-of-year function at Queensland’s Parliament House, bringing together key figures from local and state government, industry partners, BQ’s Board of Directors and Chair, staff, Bicycle User Groups (BUGs), and long-time members to celebrate the achievements of the past year and to set the stage for future advocacy for bike and scooter riding in Queensland.

The event, which took place on the evening of 21 November, was a vibrant gathering of passionate riders, policy makers and industry leaders, all united by their shared commitment to making riding safer, more accessible, and more integrated into Queensland’s transport landscape.

A Night of Reflection and Forward Momentum

BQ’s CEO Alton Twine kicked off the evening thanking attendees for their support and outlining the significant strides made in riding infrastructure, policy, and community engagement over the past year. From expanding safe cycling routes to advocating for stronger local government partnerships, Twine praised the collective efforts that have seen cycling continue to grow as a sustainable and healthy transport option across the state.

“We’ve achieved a lot together this year,” Alton Twine said. “But there’s still more work to be done. We are just getting started, and with the support of all our partners here tonight, I have no doubt we’ll continue to make Queensland a safer and more connected place for riding.”

Bicycle Queensland’s Chair, Rachel Nolan, spoke to attendees about how essential the work that BQ does is for future proofing Queensland’s cities and regions. Of key importance, Nolan said, the fact that active transport needs to be the basis for connection for Brisbane 2032 – not an add on.

BQ also acknowledged the role of local and state governments in advancing the cause of cycling. With several elected officials in attendance, including Brisbane City Council’s Ryan Murphy, the event served as an opportunity to further strengthen relationships and discuss future initiatives aimed at improving riding infrastructure and safety.

Graham Turner of the Flight Centre Group was also in attendance, and spoke to the guests about his concerns in the e-mobility space, specifically around the high-powered e-bikes and scooters that are well beyond the legislated limits. “These are actually electric motor bikes,” Turner said, with suggestions to change the retailing and use of the bikes for improved safety in Queensland. Bicycle Queensland are working on a position statement to put forward in this regard.

A Lifetime of Advocacy

The event was also a chance to award Life Memberships. Ben Wilson and Lisa Davies-Jones were both awarded Bicycle Queensland Life Memberships for their service to Bicycle Queensland. Ben Wilson was on hand to receive his from Rachel Nolan.

As the evening continued, attendees shared ideas and made connections through an informal networking session. The evening left a sense of optimism and shared purpose as those involved in the riding movement look forward to another year of progress.

You can read through Bicycle Queensland’s Annual Report and Strategy document in our Governance section.

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Bikeway detours and closures

Temporary Closures on Elizabeth St, Brisbane

Bikeway Closures
Brisbane Bikeway Closures


From 9am Saturday 21 September to 1pm Sunday 22 September, Elizabeth Street will be closed between George and Edward streets to remove the tower crane from the Albert Street northern station entrance building site (Lot 3). 

There will be traffic control arrangements in place with the temporary road closure. While the CityLink Cycleway on Elizabeth Street will be maintained during this period, sections of the cycleway will be detoured via the opposite footpath – so stay aware of changes and follow directions.

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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

Bicycle Queensland membership update for September 1

From September 1, 2024, Bicycle Queensland will be updating our membership offering and insurance, meaning all members will now be covered with accident insurance and public liability insurance, whether they use an e-scooter or a bike. This means as a Bicycle Queensland member you will be covered when riding a legal e-scooter with your Individual, Concession or Household membership. We’re excited to introduce this change, meaning you’re covered no matter what method you choose to ride more often. This coverage does not extend to BQ Supporter memberships.

Coverage starts from September 1, 2024. For the Bicycle Queensland members who have only taken out an e-scooter membership, you will have a slight price increase when it is time for your membership to renew, be it annual or monthly. Your membership will now become an Individual membership. You still have the same coverage with your e-scooter use, but also for using a bicycle. . If you currently have paid for an e-scooter add on, this additional cost will not be added when your membership is up for renewal.

Not yet a member of Bicycle Queensland? Sign up here.

Membership typeCurrent inclusions Price ($) annual/monthlyNew inclusions from 1/9/24Price ($) annual/monthly from 1/9/24
IndividualBike riding insurance only$134/$12.99Bike and e-scooter riding insurance $134/$12.99
ConcessionBike riding insurance only$99/$9.99Bike and e-scooter riding insurance$99/$9.99
Household of 2Bike riding insurance only$172/$15.99Bike and e-scooter riding insurance $172/$15.99
Household of 3 PlusBike riding insurance only$198/$17.99Bike and e-scooter riding insurance$198/$17.99
E-scooterE-scooter riding insurance only$113/$10.99Transition to Individual membership$134/$12.99

BQ is excited to introduce this change as the updated membership and insurance structure offers a far more inclusive policy for all our members, ensuring they are covered whether they choose to get around via a bike or an e-scooter. If you have questions regarding the updates, please email bqinfo@bq.org.au or call 07 3844 1144 between 8:30am – 4:00pm Monday-Friday.

Take a look at what our membership includes.

Bicycle Queensland membership insurance
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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.

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Advocacy

The North Brisbane Bikeway’s missing link is coming

Bicycle Queensland was pleased to take the opportunity to participate in Brisbane City Council’s community working group for the next and final stage of the North Brisbane Bikeway: between Price Street to Kedron Brook.

As the working group has completed its work, we have written to the Chair of Transport for BCC, Cr Ryan Murphy, urging Council to complete this vital project.

This 500 metre section of bikeway will unlock a direct connection from Sandgate and even Redcliffe, all the way to Brisbane’s CBD. As a missing link which makes a difference to every bike rider, e-bike rider and e-scooter rider on the north side of Brisbane, it is hard to understate the significance of the NBB project.

North Brisbane Bikeway

We’ve been working closely with Brisbane North Bicycle Users Group as we look for the best way to help BCC see that even with some local opposition, this project is one which benefits almost everyone, through reducing congestion and enabling safe active transport.