Charles Druckmann

Like thousands of other Australians, Charles Druckmann, The Greens candidate for Pullenvale Ward, is not able to drive a car due to his level of vision. So he always relied on public transport, and on people driving him places. That was until 2020, when Charles joined Chris from Brisbane West BUG for a ride around Pullenvale on a borrowed electric bike. As a result of that experience, Charles bought his own e-bike, and soon found it opened up new opportunities for him to get to work and other destinations on his own timetable. E-bikes are the real heroes of the EV revolution!

Charles was excited to join Chris again this year, along locals with Simon, Victoria and Michael, for a very transport-focussed look at Kenmore. Starting at the Metrowest Shopping Centre at Chapel Hill, the group set off along Market Street to the Centenary Bikeway tunnel, rode along the Bikeway to Fig Tree Pocket, through Cubberla Reserve, and then battled their way up the inadequate ramp and crossing at Moggill Road to reach Kenmore Plaza. From there they picked their way along the footpath of Moggill Road, to the Richard Pollett ghost bike memorial, and on to Kenmore Village for refreshments.

Candidate rides in the west have focussed on real trips that local residents take on their bikes today. In this case, the “safe” route via the Centenary Bikeway adds a lot more distance and time, while the direct route really can only be done on the footpath – and we found that obstructed by bins and overhanging vegetation.

We note that the State Government has started plans to build a cycleway along Moggill Road, but we have been disappointed by Council’s apparent lack of enthusiasm for collaboration when they are the asset manager for much of the land required for the local connections. Charles, on the other hand, is fully supportive of infrastructure that is safe, separated, direct and fit for purpose. He recognises how important it is that Council and State Government cooperate to deliver the outcomes the community desperately wants and needs.

We think the western suburbs would be well served by a local representative like Charles who understands that widening roads and adding lanes at intersections is not the answer to traffic congestion, and that cars are certainly not the answer for everyone who wants to get around our suburbs.

Thanks for riding with us Charles!