$18M State Government Boost for Pedestrians and Cyclists

The State Government is giving a whole new meaning to ‘get on your bike’ following an $18m bikeway boost announced by Acting Premier Paul Lucas today.

Mr Lucas said the State Government had approved 88 new projects that would expand the South East Queensland cycle network by an extra 90km.

“This is an investment in the health and liveability of South East Queensland,” Mr Lucas said.

“The projects are part of the State Government’s commitment of $556 million over 20 years for the development of cycle routes.

“Today’s $18m State Government commitment will be matched by funding from local governments, so all up this will deliver $36m worth of new and upgraded bikeways.

“This is an important part of our long term strategy to reduce reliance on private vehicles, cut traffic congestion and carbon emissions, and improve the health of Queenslanders.

“Most bikeways can be used for cycling, jogging or walking – all healthy alternatives to get people around the South East without the need for cars.”

Major projects approved include:

·BICENTENNIAL BIKEWAY STAGE 1 – a 5.5m wide separated pathway, joining an existing 5.5m wide elevated pathway on the northern bank of the Brisbane River between Park Road and Little Cribb Street

·EPRAPAH CREEK CYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE – a 3m wide, 700m long cycleway including a steel framed timber deck bridge that will provide a critical link between Thornlands and Victoria Point

·LOGAN CENTRAL BIKE ROUTE – an 900m long, 1.5 to 2 metre wide on-road bikeway and a 2.5 to 3m wide shared path/cycleway in Kingston, providing a link between major trip attractors – schools, parkland areas and sporting facilities

·COOLANGATTA KIRRA BILINGA OCEANWAY – a 3.5m wide, 3km long cycleway along the ocean front, including lighting and way-finding signage

·RIVERWAY CYCLEWAY – a 1.6km long on and off-road bikeway that will connect Noosaville and Tewantin.

“This is on top of $30 million being spent in the Gateway Upgrade Project for a dedicated bikeway and walkway on the new bridge,” said Mr Lucas.

The South East Queensland Cycle Network will provide a vast system of linked bikeways stretching from Noosa down the Sunshine Coast through Brisbane and Ipswich to the Gold Coast.

“This is a massive boost to our bikeway program,” Mr Lucas said.

“The State Government funded 32 cycling projects with local governments in 2006/2007, 61 projects in 2007/2008 and work is now beginning on these 88 projects, due for completion in 2008/2009.

“The bikeways pass through some of the most spectacular areas of the beautiful South East, making them a drawcard for tourists as well as local residents.

The Acting Premier said the work on the Bicentennial Bikeway would be a great boost for the area.

“This work will make walking or riding along the river even nicer,” Mr Lucas said.

“People in the area are graced with easy access to the city biggest asset – the Brisbane River – and improving the bikeway will make it easier for people to get out of their cars and walk or ride instead of driving.

“This is a great investment in the local area and in the health of the local community.”

The State Government's 20-year $556 million commitment includes:

·$223 million for Greater Brisbane (Brisbane, Logan, Redlands and Moreton Bay),

·$139 million for the Gold Coast,

·$139 million for the Sunshine Coast, and

·$55 million for the western corridor (Ipswich and Toowoomba).

“Wherever possible, bikeways are provided separately from the existing roadway, to cater for all road users, including school children. Where appropriate, cycle priority lanes will be clearly marked on traffic lanes on existing wide roads,” Mr Lucas said.

“The funding also provides for route signage to help bikeway users find their way around the system to activity centres, employment areas, shops, schools, public transport and other destinations.”

The Acting Premer also encouraged employers to provide end-of-trip facilities that include secure bicycle racks, showers and change areas so staff and visitors could ride or walk to work.

Further information about the South East Queensland Cycle Network Program is available at: www.transport.qld.gov.au

Media inquiries: Matt Klar 0437 435 223