New cycling strategy the focus at Queensland Cycling Forum

Key players from across Queensland have come together in Brisbane to discuss a new cycling strategy for the state.

Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Minister Mark Bailey said the cycling forum follows on from an online survey, written submissions and workshops held across the state.

“We are here today to hear what Queenslanders want for their cycling future, encouraging more people to cycle and see our great state pedal forward,” Mr Bailey said.

“Feedback will shape a new cycling strategy for the state, setting the direction for cycling in Queensland over the next ten years.

“We will also release a two-year action plan, which will focus on what we need to do right now to get more people riding.

“Today is about positive action – we are doing so much already for the cycling community but there is more that can be done.”

Andrew Methorst from Brisbane North Bicycle User Group (BUG) said the forum was a fantastic opportunity to meet with colleagues from all over the State and share ideas with the government.

“We’re excited to be a part of shaping and influencing the new cycling strategy,” Mr Methorst said.

“I look forward to seeing the strategy come to fruition.”

The Palaszczuk Government is investing over $162 million into high-priority cycle infrastructure over the next four years, including more than $84 million in cycle infrastructure on the state-controlled network.

The funding was detailed in the recently released Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2016-17 to 2019-20 and was part of Transport and Main Roads’ statewide Cycling Infrastructure Program.

Mr Bailey said the funding would go towards more than 30 cycling infrastructure projects.

“These projects will deliver better facilities for cyclists, improve the safety and convenience of cycle networks and encourage more people to cycle, more often,” he said.

“With about 760,000 Queenslanders cycling each week and another 1.53 million wanting to ride a bike, it is vital they are supported by good planning and investment in safe infrastructure.

“We’re committed to improving the safety of our transport network with works expected to be carried out over the next four years.”  

Some of the funded projects include:

• Veloway 1 from O'Keefe Street, Woolloongabba to Lewisham Street, Greenslopes in Brisbane
• North Brisbane Bikeway from Bowen Hills to Wooloowin
• Cycling facilities along sections of the New England Highway and Ruthven Street in Toowoomba
• Bohle River Bridge cycling facilities, and improvements to North Ward Road cycling facilities in Townsville
• Bike lanes along sections of David Low Way and Nicklin Way on the Sunshine Coast
• Bike lanes along sections of Southport-Nerang Road from Wardoo Street to Moora Street, and the Lake Intrepid Bridge Cycleway in the Gold Coast

Mr Bailey said the funding was in addition to nearly $17.5 million awarded to local governments through Transport and Main Roads’ Cycle Network Local Government Grants program.

“The funding will go towards 58 infrastructure projects across 26 local governments from 2016-17,” he said.

Transport and Main Roads hosted an online survey recently, targeting all Queenslanders to find out their most important issues about cycling.

Mr Bailey said more than 5300 people took part in the survey, with 60 written submissions received.

“We have been busy visiting regional stakeholders, meeting with local government, bicycle user groups and other government active transport professionals to discuss the key challenges surrounding cycling infrastructure, culture and education,” he said.

“More will come from the feedback we received - Queensland cycling is changing for the better thanks to the investment and response it’s receiving from the Palaszczuk Government.”

For more information on the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2016-17 to 2019-20, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Zoe Russell – 0428 079 640