January 30, 2022eastbug

30 Jan 2022

North Brisbane Bikeway

Families are riding on Sunday 13 February in support of Brisbane City Council’s plans to complete stage 5 of the North Brisbane Bikeway between Wooloowin and the Kedron Brook Bikeway. The ride will highlight the proposed 1,400 metre link that will complete the route. The first Safe Streets Family Ride of 2022 is presented by Brisbane North BUG, and Space for Cycling Brisbane.

The riders will meet by the North Brisbane Bikeway at Windsor Park in Albion, and ride through Eagle Junction (‘All the Way to EJ’) and on to the Kedron Brook Bikeway at Toombul.

Brisbane City Council released preliminary plans for stage 5 of the North Brisbane Bikeway in October last year, and consulted on the design in November. They are expected to release further details soon.

The missing link will enable people who live all along the existing high quality paths out to Redcliffe, to reach the centre of Brisbane by bicycle – safely and directly.

Check the Facebook event for details.

We’re also happy to notice a couple more signs on fences in Clayfield supporting Council’s proposed North Brisbane Bikeway route through Eagle Junction. These signs in Keith Street help balance those shouting “Save our Streets” along the route. Perhaps these people recognise that their local streets don’t need saving from people on bicycles, and appreciate plans for traffic calming and improved street lighting.

This local show of support for the bikeway also challenges the rhetoric from politicians who claim they are speaking for the community in opposing the bikeway.

Moreton Bay Cycleway

It was great to see a lot of people out enjoying the Moreton Bay Cycleway on the weekend – including plenty of families with kids, and older people on electric bikes. But we don’t think they should have to check the tide timetables to figure out if they’re be able to ride across Lota Creek, or if they might be stranded by a high tide coming home.

Please sign our petitions to Brisbane City Council AND to Queensland Parliament asking that they take action to improve the Lota Creek causeway and boardwalk, or provide an alternative connection – which could logically follow the rail corridor.

Yes, the current work by Brisbane City Council (with the help of funding from the federal government) will finally improve the connection from The Redlands west along Rickertt Rd, but it won’t help connect north from there to Lota, Manly and Wynnum.

Norman Creek Bikeway, Stones Corner

Oooh, isn’t this exciting?! We can’t wait for the Norman Creek Bikeway underpass beneath Logan Road at Stones Corner. This connection has been a long time coming!

SE Freeway Bikeway, Tarragindi

Before Christmas we posted some photos of the latest upgrades to the SE Freeway Bikeway in Tarragindi, behind the houses on Sunshine Ave. At that stage some of the finishing touches—including the landscaping—were not complete. Now finished, it’s a lovely spot for a ride, walk, or jog on a hot day, and it feels much safer at night!

Bicentennial Bikeway: disruption ahead

Prepare for some disruption on the Bicentennial Bikeway opposite the Regatta Hotel for a couple of months. Brisbane City Council is replacing the decking at the Regatta Ferry Terminal, with work starting February 7 and due to be completed in late April.

During the works the pedestrian path of the Bicentennial Bikeway will be closed and pedestrians diverted into the cycle lane side, making it a shared path.

“Cyclists will be asked to slow down when travelling through the project area for the safety of all path users. Cyclists and pedestrians should follow all signage and directions on site.”

Brisbane City Council

University of Queensland

In St Lucia, Brisbane City Council have started work on the intersection at Coldridge Street and Sir Fred Schonell Drive at the entrance to the University of Queensland. We’ve previously expressed disappointment that the intersection design does not include any cycling infrastructure, and nor does it include pedestrian facilities on all arms despite being on the route to the University; a major attractor of trips by walking and cycling after the CBD.

Interestingly this is the second time Brisbane City Council has ‘upgraded’ this intersection in less than a decade. This time federal black spot funding has been allocated due to the excessive crash record of the intersection from the last design.

(For more on the background, see our post from November 2020)

Also at the University of Queensland, we’re disappointed that UQ have not responded to our request that they remove the concrete island on the road shoulder of Sir Fred Schonell Drive which creates a squeeze point for cyclists. UQ has numerous signs directing drivers to ‘look for cyclists’, but as the road managers they are responsible for making the roads safe for all users – including people on bicycles. Rather than just put up signs, the university should take measures to make the roads safer. They certainly shouldn’t be introducing physical hazards like this concrete island.