Categories
Advocacy

Bike Bus scheduled for Story Bridge

When ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred passed through Brisbane in March, it left more than just downed trees and sodden streets in its wake. For thousands of people who walk, ride or scoot to get around, it severed a critical link across the river.

Both shared paths on the iconic Story Bridge were closed following damage inspections. Three months on, they remain shut—and the timeline for reopening them has not been made public. The repairs, it seems, will take much longer than anticipated.

But for locals who rely on active transport, life hasn’t paused. While there is a suggested detour, it takes longer and leads users through areas that many deem unsafe to use. And this has meant some people abandon active transport and resort to single passenger journeys in a car instead.

But Kathryn Good’s new “bike bus” is looking to provide a temporary solution.

“A a bike bus is basically kind of like a normal bus,” Kathryn explains. “It has a pickup point and a drop-off point, and everyone travels together. But on a bike bus, everybody is cycling. They’re on their bikes instead of being on a physical bus, so it’s about visibility and safety of people cycling together in a group. You know, there’s a lead and a tail rider and everyone rides together, and everyone’s heading to the same destination, just like a bus.”

Kathryn’s initiative grew from frustration and a strong sense of community responsibility. In April, she helped organise a group ride to raise awareness of the continuing Story Bridge path closures.

“We did a group ride previously in April to bring awareness to the issue,” she says. “Obviously the footpaths are still closed. There’s still no end in sight, and people still need to get across safely.”

Riding alone across the bridge’s traffic lanes is legal, but daunting.

“It’s a pretty scary thing to ride across by yourself,” Kathryn says. “There’s heavy traffic. The lanes are pretty narrow. It’s definitely not something a lot of people feel comfortable doing by themselves.”

The bike bus offers safety in numbers—and sends a clear message to Brisbane City Council that a proper solution for riders and walkers is still urgently needed.

“Hopefully this is a way to get at least a few people over the bridge safely, doing it together. And yeah, bring visibility as well to the fact that the footpaths are still closed and there’s still no end in sight.”

The bike bus is launching next week with an 8:00 AM departure heading north over the bridge toward Fortitude Valley. The first week is a pilot program, shaped by community feedback.

“We probably will informally ride back over the bridge if there’s anyone that wants to head back the other way,” Kathryn explains. “But yeah, the first week is kind of a trial. We want to hear feedback about whether people would prefer earlier, later, or an evening ride, what time would actually be useful.”

Volunteers are vital, but finite. Kathryn is hoping to strike a balance between availability and demand.

“Volunteer availability is the limiting factor at the moment. So if we can try and have it at a time that’s useful to the most people—and have a bigger group, more visibility, more safety—that’s the goal.”

Early community response has been strong.

“Some people have just been choosing to ride across the bridge regardless, in the car lanes, which is a pretty scary thing to do by yourself,” she says. “It’s great that we’re getting some of those people who hopefully either have tried it and not felt comfortable, or people who haven’t felt comfortable doing it alone – hopefully now they will.”

But while the bike bus offers a solution for people on bikes, it leaves others behind—especially those on foot, scooters, wheelchairs or pushing prams.

“Obviously, the solution that we are actually hoping for in the long term, because it seems that the footpath closures are going to be long term, is that Brisbane City Council do something like they did on Coronation Drive in 2022,” Kathryn says.

She’s referring to an incident in which Council temporarily blocked off a lane of traffic with plastic barriers to give people walking and riding a safe corridor, when the Bicentennial Bikeway was closed due to flood damage.

“If they would block off a lane of the bridge, then people could walk, ride, scoot, or take prams or wheelchairs – anytime of the day.”

Kathryn is quick to note that while cycling across the bridge is still legal, walking and scooting are not possible.

“So it’s helping cyclists, but ideally we would have a lane of the bridge open for everyone to get across. That would be the best solution while the footpaths are being repaired in the very long term.”

While a formal petition to Brisbane City Council closes today, Kathryn encourages everyone affected to keep the pressure on.

“The most effective thing we can do is to get in contact with the Council and ask them for this lane to get across,” she says. “Just calling or writing to the Council and asking them to put barriers up – to put a lane on the bridge- then everyone can get across safely. That needs to happen.”

Bicycle Queensland supports Kathryn’s initiative as a creative and caring workaround, but agrees it is not a substitute for action from Brisbane City Council. The Story Bridge is a critical piece of the city’s active transport network, and a safer solution for all users needs to be developed.

You can follow the Bike Bus Facebook page for updates on the schedule – or get in touch via Facebook or the email address below if you would like to volunteer:

https://www.facebook.com/storybridgeactivetravellalliance
storybridgeactivetravel@gmail.com

Photo thanks to Space4CyclingBNE

Categories
Advocacy

Construction starts on more of the Moreton Bay Cycleway

In a reminder that bicycle advocacy is about persistence over time, Bicycle Queensland congratulates Brisbane City Council on the announcement that construction on the 600m shared path from Schneider Road to Viola Place starts this month. It is a tiny but vital link that completes a safe cycling route to (most of) the Brisbane Airport precinct.

On hearing the good news we checked in with our friends at Airport BUG, who BQ have worked with on this issue for close to a decade.

“Airport BUG are very pleased that construction on the Viola Place to Schneider Rd bikeway starting this month. The bikeway will connect the long awaited section of the Moreton Bay Cycleway from the Gateway Bridge bikeway to the Kedron Brook Bikeway” Mitch Bright from Airport BUG said. 

“Airport workers will be able for the first time to connect to Lamington Avenue and through to Lores Bonney Riverwalk via Nudgee Rd. 

“The next steps are to complete the active transport infrastructure on Lamington Avenue and to make Nudgee Rd safer for cycling by removing car parking from the bike lanes there.”

“This is a great link from the Gateway Bridge to Kedron Brook, completing a missing link,” said BQ’s Director of Advocacy, Andrew Demack. “However, more sections need to be completed in the future to make the best use of the current investment infrastructure.”

The focus now shifts to Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) to complete a safe cycling route to the Domestic Terminal. BQ and Airport BUG have been part of the consultation process, but we will be contacting BAC to encourage them to complete this long-awaited project.

Completing missing links is the best value for money action that BCC can take to improve safe bike riding right across Brisbane. In 2023 we collaborated with the metro area BUGs on a document for BCC prioritising which links would have the greatest impact and should therefore be top priority. That document is still highly relevant.

BQ looks forward to more priorities from this list being announced in the future.

Categories
Advocacy

Bicycle Queensland welcomes B2032 100 Day Review

Bicycle Queensland welcomes today’s announcement of the results of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games 100 Day Review.

The announcement of the 63,000 seat major venue at Victoria Park gives real impetus to the creation of a wide, well-let and signposted walking and cycling link from the Brisbane CBD to this main stadium. This important connection also needs to link to the Valley, and the announcement of a new $650M aquatic centre at the existing Centenary Pool at Spring Hill in close proximity to the main venue reinforces the need for this vital link that includes both venues. 

The current tired, old, narrow and inadequate path that goes behind the Grammar schools towards Victoria Park has needed significant upgrading for some time now, and the Games should see the creation of a world-class active travel corridor through this space and beyond into the Valley, creating a much-needed connection as a lasting legacy.

The 100 Day Review lists 9 critical transport programs to implement, including active travel and accessibility aligned to the Games Master Plan, acknowledging the need for more sustainable transport options and also acknowledging that existing transport infrastructure is insufficient to meet the Games transport requirements.

Given the regional distribution of Games venues across south-east Queensland  and beyond, it is not surprising  there is a heavy emphasis in the report’s critical transport program on public transport improvements. Nevertheless there are three important elements noted for improving active travel:

1. Expand inner-city and venue active travel corridors
2. Illuminate and shade inner city paths
3. Create bike and micromobility venue parking

Encouragingly, the report notes “A program of active travel infrastructure and facility upgrades needs to be co-ordinated, planned and prioritised across Queensland to ensure all venues, transit hubs and live sites can be adequately serviced by active travel needs”. This is great to hear.

BQ believes that the planned inner-city and venue expansion of active transport corridors should be complemented by an investment program across government of improved cross-city corridors that link to these essential new Games corridors, providing the opportunity for the public to ride all the way from home or hotel to venues. The rise of e-mobility supports this with longer journeys being easily undertaken, and the very welcome announcement of bike and micromobility parking at venues will be a key enabler for these trips.

“It is encouraging to hear that the review has listened to feedback,” said Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine “but now the real work begins to plan and active the critical infrastructure to enable a successful Games and legacy”. 

BQ looks forward to working with the Queensland Government on shaping the outcomes of this 100 Day Review to build great infrastructure for a successful 2032 Games and for the future of all Queenslanders.

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
Bikeway detours and closures

Temporary Closures on Elizabeth St, Brisbane


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.

Categories
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.