Cyclists call for better infrastructure
Cycle advocates say Brisbane needs better and safer infrastructure.
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- The riverside bike path sees over 3000 users a day
Cycling in Brisbane can be a nerve-wracking experiences, ask anyone who has tried the commute to the University of Queensland along Sir Fred Schonell Drive. Cycling enthusiasts are calling for better infrastructure on popular routes to ensure the safety of riders.
Ben Wilson from Bicycle Queensland, a community and advocacy group for safer cycling, believes there is a need for better and safer infrastructure in the Brisbane area.
“Current riders would like more bike lanes on current roads, lower speed limits, and greater awareness of cyclists,” Mr Wilson said.
“They need separated bikeways either on road or off-road, as per world’s best practice.”
Roads without bike lanes, such as Sir Fred Schonell Drive, can also create tension between cyclists and motorists.
“Most [drivers] are considerate but a sizeable minority are either poor drivers or inconsiderate drivers,” Mr Wilson said.
The University of Queensland has a significant number of cycling commuters that need a safe route. Other areas in need of upgrading are commercial and shopping districts.
Mr Wilson said Toowong, Chermside, Stones Corner and Mt Gravatt needed better bike lanes and road markings.
John Fistonich, editor of the magazine Cycle Brisbane, believes that Brisbane not only needs more bikeways and shared paths-but they need to be policed better in order to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists alike.
“The bikeway to Toowong, that carries 3000 bikes a day, but some of the guys are doing it like they’re training on their own personal velodrome,” he said. “It needs better enforcement.”
Kieran Rogers, marketing executive for the Brisbane City Councils CityCycle scheme, has confidence in the council’s new cycling infrastructure projects and believes they will improve cyclist safety.
“Council is investing $100m over four years on new bikeways, shared pathways and improving cycling infrastructure,” Mr Rogers said.
“Council continues to install green cycle lanes and Bicycle Awareness Zones across the CityCycle network and recently lowered the speed limit on key CBD streets to 40 km/h.”
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