Cr Kim Marx

Thanks to Councillor Kim Marx (LNP for Runcorn Ward) for setting aside time to meet with Kurt from Brisbane South BUG. They discussed the people who currently ride a bike, those who don’t, and the many who might if our suburbs were more inviting places to try.

It was a freewheeling conversation covering everything from big infrastructure costs to outdated footpaths and how a network is only useful if it can get you all the way to a destination.

Cr Marx was curious about the potential for cycling in Brisbane; how much is it limited because Brisbane isn’t flat like a certain European biking destination? That led into a good discussion on Runcorn Ward’s access to the public transport network via a series of train stations and well-used bus lines. Kurt pointed out that there could be a lot of value realised from making multimodality (the combination of public and active travel) a more attractive option. There’s even a well used bike rack at a suburban bus stop near shops, a rare but obviously appreciated offering. Giving people appealing travel alternatives is a great way to bust congestion and make streets happier and healthier places to be.

Cr Marx mentioned the on road bike lanes along Gowan Road and how she hasn’t personally seen them being used. Fortunately Kurt was able to present the Strava heat map showing Gowan Road as one of the most actively used in the whole Ward. This led into a wider discussion on complete networks and potential users that aren’t represented, as many (most?) on-road bike routes still require a measure of personal courage.

The Councillor was very receptive to ideas and network gaps she could compile into a task list. Even better if they didn’t exhaust the Ward fund – low cost, high impact! Cr Marx also mentioned the missing path at Bonemill Road Park & Margaret Page Oval. Hopefully everyone being aware of the need for it means we’ll see it connected early this next election cycle, no matter the political affiliation!

Both participants were rewarded with extra things for the to do list and agreed to follow-up meeting pending the result of the election.

There was even promise of a future bike ride, something we can always get behind!