Brisbane City Council and the Queensland state government have formed an advisory committee to address missing links between the city’s bikeways.
To support the dramatic increase in bike riding since the COVID-19 lockdown, the Active Transport Advisory Committee will work on integrating the network of bikeways which have previously caused issues for people who ride.
When compared to the same time last year, an estimated 1 million extra riders have used Brisbane’s bikeways and up to 90% increase in capacity in some areas at certain times, according to the council's data.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey acknowledged that there had been a planning breakdown between the state government and local council and that they would seek active input from cyclist advocacy groups for how to improve the bikeways.
Public and active transport committee chairman Ryan Murphy said the committee will draw on the experience of cycling groups to help resolve problems for bike riders.
“So far this year, there’s been a 30 per cent increase in total usage of our bikeway and pathway network," Cr Murphy said to the Brisbane Times.
“The advisory group will allow direct communication on council and state bikeway planning, to inform future priorities and enable the people of Brisbane to continue to make active and healthy travel choices."
The announcement comes in response to calls from advocacy groups to implement more bike friendly networks and encourage people to ride, like many cities worldwide that have also experienced a significant uptake of bike riding due to COVID-19.
Bicycle Network General Manager of Public Affairs Anthea Hargreaves said that forming the committee is a positive commitment to bike infrastructure that is vital for millions to go back to work.
“Like many cities around the world, Brisbane has a seen a huge uptake of people riding bikes during the lockdown period and it needs to capitalise on this,’ said Ms. Hargreaves.
“We can’t return to existing transport networks, we need a new system to get people moving around our cities again and bikes are the best solution.”
Bicycle Network recently announced its Pedalling to a better normal plan which calls on state and federal governments to invest in bicycle infrastructure and programs that will create jobs and establish a better transport network for years to come.
Click here to download our Pedalling to a better normal plan.
PEDALLING TO A BETTER NORMAL PLANImage credit: Visit Brisbane - Brisbane bike paths
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