Article: Ride to Work to celebrate safe cycling and beat traffic congestion

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Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
18/03/2009

Ride to Work to celebrate safe cycling and beat traffic congestion

Sport Minister and regular cyclist Judy Spence today encouraged Queenslanders to take a healthier and less stressful trip to work tomorrow as part of the annual Ride to Work day.

Ms Spence said: "Ride to Work is one of a number of fun events being held around Queensland to encourage people to get involved in cycling as part of Bike Week. It is a great opportunity to leave the car in the garage and cycle to work."

"The Bligh Government is committed to supporting cycling and cycling safety and that's why Queensland Transport have been the principal sponsor of Bike Week for the past eight years.

"In the last financial year we have invested almost $20 Million in upgrading bike tracks and cycle networks throughout South-East Queensland.

"More than $4 Million is being invested in new and upgraded cycleways on the Sunshine Coast which is a major part of the $556 Million South East Queensland Cycle Network that will link the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast by cycle paths within 20 years.

"Last month Minister Mickel also opened a new cycleway $4.5 Million 2km bikeway that connects Ipswich city centre, North Ipswich and Brassall. This is an example of how these facilities connect communities as well as encouraging healthier lifestyles.

"We are also building a new $8 Million 750-bike Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital cycle centre which will compliment the 400-bike facility at King George Square.

"I urge all Queenslanders to share that commitment and get involved in cycling.

"When you are driving, please keep a keen watch for cyclists because there are more than usual on the roads during Bike Week, and many may be first timers or former riders just getting back on their bikes after many years.

"Bike Week events across the state are a fun and wonderful way of drawing attention to a healthy and sustainable mode of transport," Ms Spence said.

Ms Spence, who regularly cycles to work from her home at Eight Mile Plains, will join the fun by riding from Parliament House to the official Ride to Work breakfast at Reddacliff Place, at the top of the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane.

Ms Spence urged cyclists to also get involved in the Great Brisbane Bike Ride events at Southbank next Sunday (March 21) from 7am.

"Cyclists should always follow the road rules, and both cyclists and motorists should share the road and look out for each other to keep our roads safe for all road users," she said.

Ms Spence encouraged all Queenslanders to cycle to improve their health, save money in vehicle running expenses, and help make our environment cleaner.

"If 10 per cent more of the population rode bicycles regularly, more than $600 Million could be saved in health care costs annually in Australia," she said.

"Try to ride a bike instead of driving a car just once a week.

"If it is not possible for you to ride to work or school, try riding your bike to the local shops, or when you visit a friend," she said.

For information on more Bike Week 2009 activities in your area, visit the Bicycle Queensland website at www.bq.org.au.

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