Bike squad expansion to keep Brisbane safe

Police will use more pedal power to help make Brisbane’s streets and bikeways safer for the public.

“I am please to announce the Brisbane Bike Squad is to more than double in size from six full time officers to 15,” Police Minister Judy Spence said.

“The squad will be renamed the Brisbane Central District Bike Squad and will increase from four officers on bicycles to 11 and the number of police on trail bikes will double from two to four.

“There have been a number of attacks on women on Brisbane bike paths in recent times. This increase in the number of police on bike paths and walkways will help keep these areas safer,” Ms Spence said.

Brisbane City currently has more than 400 kilometres of bike paths and the expanded squad will be able to better patrol this vast network.

“In fact it’s predicted that in the next five years bicycles and bikeways will account for eight per cent of all trips made by members of the public in Brisbane,” Ms Spence said

“These bike paths are not only used by bike riders with walkers, joggers and skateboard riders also using them on a daily basis.

“The Brisbane Bike Squad expansion will help police better control this increased traffic on bike paths,” Ms Spence said.

The squad will also benefit from the purchase of new trail bikes, bicycles and safety equipment.

“The bike squad will also be used to control crowds and traffic during protests, patrol venues like the Suncorp Stadium during events, as well as intelligence patrols,” Ms Spence said.

Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287