Brisbane City Council has released two sets of concept plans for the long-asked-for safe link from the Miskin Street terminus of the Centenary Cycleway at Toowong, and the Bicentennial Bikeway.
This one of the busiest bike commuting routes in Brisbane, and it runs for 1.8km along Sylvan Rd and Land Street. Bicycle Queensland and the bicycle user groups have been asking for a safe off-road route along Syvlan Rd since the Centenary Cycleway opened in 2005.
There are two concept design options for the Sylvan Road and Land Street corridor which both provide protected bikeways separated from people walking and driving. One option provides a continuous bi-directional bikeway and the other option is part uni-directional/part bi-directional bikeway.
The bi-directional version has some advantages. In that design, Sylvan Rd would be one-way only from the Milton Rd corner east-bound to Croydon Rd intersection. Even though the proposed bikeway would cross from one side of the road to the other halfway through that section, it would be crossing only one lane of traffic.
The alternate has a single lane bikeway either side of two-way traffic, in the same Milton Rd-Croydon Rd section.
One notable improvement that is shown on both proposed designs is the removal of on-street parking for the length of Sylvan Rd. This will certainly have a safety benefit for people using the bikeway.
Both designs use a bi-directional bikeway on the north side of Sylvan Rd, from the Croydon Rd corner east-bound past Wests Rugby and Toowong Memorial Park, and continuing along Land St until it joins the underpass towards the Bicentennial Bikeway.
Brisbane City Council is inviting people to “have their say” on these proposed designs. Bicycle Queensland’s message to our bike-riding community is to make sure you weigh in with massive support for the project. This is a bikeway that we don’t want to see held back by local residents who wrongly perceive that it will create problems for them. So hit the link and let them know!
Bike riders and pedestrians will continue to have access through Victoria Park during early works for the Brisbane 2032 stadium precinct, with a temporary protected shared path set to open from June 1.
While large sections of Victoria Park public green space will progressively close as construction begins, the temporary corridor will maintain an important north-south active transport connection between the North Brisbane Bikeway and Herston.
The temporary route will run from the end of the North Brisbane Bikeway along Gilchrist Avenue towards the land bridge at Herston, providing a wide, protected space for people walking, riding and rolling through the area.
The measure is expected to remain in place while a permanent dedicated shared path is constructed, which will be part of a broader set of active transport routes as part of the infrastructure delivery.
The connection is significant for commuters, recreational riders and local residents who regularly use Victoria Park as a safer and more direct route between the inner north, Kelvin Grove, Herston and the CBD.
Maintaining riding and pedestrian access during major construction projects is essential, particularly as Brisbane prepares for rapid population growth and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Bicycle Queensland CEO Matthew Burke said: “We know cyclists have been very worried. But we’re really grateful the project team has thought of us, planned for us, designed for us, and are now implementing a reasonable solution as early works begin. We’ll have a safe temporary route through Gilchrist Ave at first, then what should be a safe route off the North Brisbane Bikeway and around the stadium in the construction phase.”
He said: “We should maintain pretty good access to and from the North Brisbane Bikeway right through the stadium development. It won’t be as convenient for those coming from Herston and the Enoggera Creek Bike Bridge, and cyclists will have to keep alert for construction traffic.”
“We’ve also asked for all heavy vehicles to use protection side guards, also known as ‘skirts’, to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe, like they do in London.”
The temporary arrangements come amid growing community concern about maintaining safe walking and cycling access during large-scale infrastructure works across Brisbane ahead of the Games.
Victoria Park’s bikeways have become increasingly important transport corridors in recent years. They provide connections to schools, hospitals, universities and the city centre, as well as being key training and recreational bicycle routes.
The long-term plan for the precinct is said to include expanded active transport infrastructure designed to improve connectivity across the inner north, with dedicated cycling and pedestrian facilities expected to form part of the final network. Delivering permanent, high-quality active transport infrastructure as part of the Games legacy is vitally important for Brisbane and the Games.
Further details about construction staging and future active transport infrastructure are expected as planning for the Victoria Park stadium precinct progresses.
Bike riders travelling through Brisbane’s CBD will see a temporary detour on the Herschel Street crossing to Roma Street from Wednesday 11 February 2026, as part of ongoing works for the Cross River Rail project.
The shared path between George Street and Roma Street will close for up to eight weeks to allow construction of an improved walking and riding environment. While the detour will require adjustments to your regular route, the outcome will deliver better safety and connectivity for riders.
You have a few options during the closure, however the George Street bike lane provides a clear and safe alternative south of the closure, and the signalised crossing at Makerston Street will assist people walking or riding through the area. If you must use the Roma Street footpaths, please be considerate of pedestrians. There will be traffic control and signage in place to assist riders, pedestrians and motorists.
Allow another minute or two on your trip, and take extra care on the detour you choose – including being mindful as pedestrians negotiate the same changes in their route.
BQ has long advocated for safer, more intuitive and higher-quality cycling infrastructure through the Brisbane CBD, particularly on key east–west links like Herschel Street. Unfortunately, a safe riding thoroughfare along the full length of Herschel Street will not be developed within this particular project.
Once construction is complete, a new shared link between George and Roma streets will open, with excellent connections to Roma Street station.
BQ will continue to keep members informed as works progress and encourages riders to report any issues encountered during the detour so they can be raised with the project team. More details can be found on the project website.
Bicycle Queensland welcomes the reopening of a key section of the Riverwalk at the Waterfront Brisbane project, after more than two years of construction works.
The upgraded Riverwalk section will reopen by midday on Tuesday 3 February, after being closed for approximately 30 months to enable construction works by Dexus.
This section of the Riverwalk had long been a challenging pinch point for people walking and riding, with narrow widths, poor sight lines and tight corners creating conflict and safety concerns for all users.
BQ was invited by Dexus to preview the new Riverwalk section ahead of its reopening.
The shared path now features a generous 6m-wide corridor with smooth concrete surfacing, improved sight lines and safer corners. Shallow cobblestones have also been used to visually indicate areas where users can expect higher foot traffic, supporting safer behaviour and awareness along the shared route.
Riverwalk will also connect directly to end-of-trip facilities for the Waterfront Brisbane currently under construction, supporting more people to choose walking and riding as part of their commute when the towers open.
BQ CEO Matt Burke praised the upgrade and the project’s delivery timeline.
“While construction has taken over two years, the Riverwalk is re-opening on time and it looks like the finished product is pretty darn good. Well done to the developers to creating and sticking to that vision.”
Bicycle Queensland will continue advocating for high-quality, safe and connected active transport infrastructure across Brisbane and Queensland, ensuring that shared paths and commuter corridors work well for everyone.
On January 27, Brisbane City Council officially opened the Viola Place bikeway. It’s a really important 600-metre shared path connecting Viola Place to Schneider Road near Brisbane Airport. While short in distance, the link fills a long-standing gap in Brisbane’s bike network, providing a safe, off-road alternative to some of the area’s most challenging and traffic-heavy roads. The link has solar lighting for added safety after dark.
Brisbane City Councillor Ryan Murphy said the opening marked the end of a frustratingly long journey for riders and advocates alike.
“This link was about to be constructed when I became a councillor in 2012 and we’re opening it in 2026,” Cr Murphy said. “This is one of those ones that was caught in development hell between land acquisition, TradeCoast, lawyers, between state government and council.”
Despite the delays, Cr Murphy said the importance of the connection was always clear, given the tens of thousands of people who work in the airport precinct. “The fact that it’s now open is really satisfying to me. This is one of the most satisfying openings I’ve ever been to, even though it’s a small link.”
Cr Murphy said the bikeway provides a vital alternative to dangerous on-road routes.
“People come off the Gateway Bridge and they want to get straight into the airport precinct,” he said. “They can’t do it unless they go down Sugar Mill Road, and it’s an extremely dangerous connection. You’ve got trucks, lots of delivery vehicles, because we’ve got some of the big freight companies here.”
“This just means those cyclists are now safe. They can continue on what is an off-road path, all the way through to the airport precinct, and we know that there’s tens of thousands of people that work at that precinct.”
Cr Murphy also paid tribute to the persistence of local advocates.
“We also just thank the advocates who have been so patient, and many of the Bicycle Queensland members have been so patient, waiting for this connection to be here,” he said.
Bicycle Queensland CEO Matthew Burke, who was at the opening, said “Parts of this route were built many years ago, but only this week is it all starting to stitch together as a bicycle friendly route to the airport precinct.”
He said “Kudos to Mitch Bright and the Brisbane Airport Bicycle User Group (BUG) for their decades-long advocacy for this network. Congratulations to Council’s project team for completing a tricky project that wasn’t made easy by Queensland Rail and other land owners.”
Mitch Bright with Andrew DemackBelinda Ward from Space4Cycling BNE
Prof Burke also highlighted the need for a bike-friendly airport. “People already arrive at Brisbane Airport with bikes and try to ride to the city centre. They find themselves on pretty awful roads straight away. We’re now that bit closer to a safe direct route.”
For Mitch Bright from the Airport BUG, the opening represents more than a decade of advocacy.
“The bikeway connecting to the Gateway Bridge was first suggested when the bridge was in planning. The bridge opened in 2010, with no connection,” Mr Bright said.
He said council funding was committed years ago, but progress stalled.
“In 2014, the Brisbane City Council determined that this connection … through Viola Place to Schneider Road, was an option that they should pursue,” he said. “In 2019, we still hadn’t seen any action on that, so we started getting active, talking to the local newspapers. In 2021, council announced they’d be building it that year, and then nothing happened, and then, finally, in 2025, we finally got a work order.”
For riders, the difference is immediate.
“The alternative is Sugar Mill Road, which is quite heavily trafficked by trucks,” Mr Bright said. “There’s also Nudgee Road, which is a freight route as well.”
Belinda Ward from Space4Cycling said the link transforms access for riders crossing the Gateway Bridge.
“It’s a major connector for anyone who comes over the Gateway Bridge,” she said. “This path, although it’s only short, it cuts out some horrendous pieces of infrastructure.”
She said the opening also supports changing travel patterns. “This suddenly opens up a cheap, safe alternative to get to a lot of workplaces.”
As Brisbane’s airport and surrounding employment precincts continue to grow, the Viola Place bikeway stands as a reminder that sometimes the most best infrastructure upgrades are the ones that finally connect the major projects.
Bicycle Queensland has reached out to Brisbane City Council about a funded active transport project in Aspley in Brisbane’s north. $5 million in State Government funding was provided to Brisbane City Council in June 2024, but construction has yet to begin.
The Aspley link goes from Beams Road to Cabbage Tree Creek. It will allow you to ride up and beside the Beams Road overpass, avoiding the dangerous road crossing underneath. It serves a number of transport functions, providing safer access Aspley State High School and to Carseldine rail station.
Yesterday, Queensland’s Shadow Transport Minister Bart Mellish effectively posed two important questions: Where did the funding go? When will the project proceed? Both the local community and the bicycle community deserve answers to these questions.
Late Friday our CEO, Matthew Burke, received assurances from the Lord Mayor’s office that Council still wants to build the bikeway.
It may take us a bit more time to get a fuller picture on the funding agreement and the timing for delivery. We’ll engage with Council and others over the coming weeks and will let the large Northern Brisbane cycling community know more when we have a clear picture.
Through June 2025, Brisbane City Council engaged with the local community regarding intersection improvements around Milton Road, Croydon Street and Sylvan Road. This section is a highly trafficked corridor for bike riders – and there was strong community support for separated bikeways and footpaths, along with slower speeds. The community also supports reduced parking, with the provision of wider footpaths and street trees to create a better street experience.
“Bicycle Queensland is pleased the Sylvan Road bikeway is a bit closer to reality. It’s this road that has long been the unsafe ‘missing link’ between the Western Freeway Bikeway and the Bicentennial Bikeway putting thousands of cyclists at risk every week,” said Bicycle Queensland CEO Professor Matt Burke.
“The good news is the community is extremely positive about putting protected bike lanes down Sylvan Road. The number one thing people want is “separated facilities”. This is no surprise to the cycling community of course: real safety improvements should have happened here decades ago.”
“Bicycle Queensland has been campaigning for this link for more than two decades. Studies have been completed. The value of the project has been established. It’s not expensive and funds are available. The community is now clearly on board. Let’s just get it done!”
Council is promising to now produce concept designs and Bicycle Queensland expects to be engaged with these proposals in the coming months. Early works (pre-construction) are slated for mid-year. The full bikeway should open by 2028.
“Thanks to all our members and supporters who have helped with this campaign. Thanks to the great folks at Brisbane West Bicycle User Group, and Space for Cycling Brisbane, and the other groups that have been part of this fight. Thanks to everyone in the community who engaged with Council during their consultation period. We’ll organise a party if this link finally opens.”
Brisbane City Council recently announced plans for thousands of new high-rise apartments in South Brisbane’s Kurilpa precinct, as part of Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s anti-sprawl strategy.
Under the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct Plan, developers will be able to build taller, more sustainable buildings that exceed current height limits. Council says new buildings exceeding existing height limits must demonstrate design excellence, incorporating subtropical design principles. It is said they must also deliver new green spaces and pedestrian plazas, and contribute topublic art and creative lighting.
Bicycle Queensland wants Council’s Plan to ensure bike-friendly development.
Proposals have been lodged for 5,279 new dwellings across 12 projects, including apartments, student accommodation and hotel rooms. Plans include:
Three 50-storey towers on Nott Street
Three towers ranging from 24 to 50 storeys on Melbourne Street
Six towers between 12 and 30 storeys on Donkin Street
A 19-storey student accommodation project on Tribune Street with 525 rooms and a rooftop space
The area has very strong public transport links and a developing active transport network that will be strengthened with the completion of the Grey St bikeway and streetscape project. Justifiably, the Kurilpa precinct is being designed as a neighbourhood where owning a car is optional, with CBD-style maximum mandatory car parking limits and easy walking access to shops, cafes, essential services and public transport.
Bicycle Queensland welcomes the precinct’s focus on sustainable, connected living and it represents a significant step forward for the city. However, BQ’s CEO Prof. Matthew Burke is adamant that there needs be clear encouragement for active transport, including bike riding.
“We have to get premium resident and visitor bike parking into these new tall apartment developments. If these precincts are going to be “car-optional” as the Lord Mayor suggests, the developers have to provide safer bike storage options than are found in most Brisbane apartment buildings, where thefts are an ongoing concern.”
BQ’s Director of Advocacy, Andrew Demack, admired the plan’s promotion of urban density and the benefits that may create.
“Sustainable, connected living, which gives people the convenient, safe choice to walk, ride or take frequent public transport, is what makes great cities great. Brisbane can do this while also recognising that in a subtropical city, shade and shelter are vitally important.”
“In these parts of the city, the best way to go out for dinner will be to walk to the dining precinct. The best way to visit the shops will be on your e-cargo bike. And the best way to get to work might be via frequent bus or train services.”
To that end, Prof. Burke insisted that speed limits also be addressed.
“We also need to reduce the posted street speeds in these small, crowded streets down to 30km/h. The Kurilpa precinct will be crammed with pedestrians, shops, cafes and activity, and you can’t have high speed traffic in such places. We can’t build like the densest Asian cities and not bring our street speeds down to their level.”
