New Cycle Centre for RBWH

Minister for Transport John Mickel has today announced plans to build a new $8 million, 750-bike cycle centre at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital as part of the Queensland Government’s Toward Q2 plan.

It’s no secret that Queensland’s rapid population growth is putting our roads and public transport under stress.

That’s why the Queensland Government is working in many ways to tackle traffic congestion and improve our road network.

“Our Toward Q2 goal is to preserve what we love about Queensland, and then make it even better, even greener, and even smarter,” Mr Mickel said.

The new cycle centre will be constructed with the Northern Busway section from Herston to Windsor.

Located next to the hospital, the cycle centre will be accessible to the thousands of people that pass in and out each day; it will be close to the Bowen Hills Urban Development Area; and close to Airport Link connections and the North South Bypass Tunnel.

“We recently announced an $18 million boost for 89 new cycle projects across South East Queensland, which will make it easier and quicker to commute for work and leisure,” Mr Mickel said.

“Cycleways can make a significant contribution to reducing traffic congestion and cutting exhaust gas emissions.

“Cycling is smart and it’s green.”

To make cycling and walking a more attractive choice, the Queensland Government is delivering end-of-trip facilities with secure bike storage, showers and ironing areas.

The Government has already provided these facilities in some of its own buildings, and has established the popular King George Square Cycle Centre in cooperation with Brisbane City Council.

Mr Mickel said that when facilities such as these are built, results are seen.

“We make a real difference by putting our plans into action,” Mr Mickel said.

“The cycle centres and bikeways we have built have resulted in a seven-fold increase in bicycle mode share in the past 20 years.

“The wheels are in motion on the new cycle centre at Herston, and I’m advised construction will start early next year.”

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26 November 2008

Media contact: Jane Rowe 3406 7664 or 0409 588 302