Article: Hire bikes spared from flood fury

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Hire bikes spared from flood fury

Hire bikes spared from flood fury
Dan Nancarrow
January 19, 2011 - 5:55AM

Brisbane's CityCycle fleet survived the devastation of last week's floods, but many stations in affected areas remain closed.

Before the Brisbane River began to rise last week, CityCycles close to the river were moved to safety by operator JCDecaux.

Although many CityCycles were left to brave the elements - bikes on Charlotte St were partially flooded - Brisbane City Council reported no loss or damage to any cycles during the floods.

Despite the fleet being intact, as many as 17 CityCycle stations were out of action.

Public and Active Transport chair Margaret de Wit said some stations had been closed or disconnected in the interest of public safety.

"Council's priority is the safety of residents and as such we will work with JCDecaux and Energex to inspect those stations affected by flooding and return them to operation as soon as possible," she said.

"The flood event is also expected to delay the commissioning of some CityCycle stations completed awaiting power connection."

A total of 17 CityCycle stations have been reconnected since waters began to subside on Friday.

A council spokesman reminded bike riders that many city bikeways remained closed until they could be cleaned or inspected.

Cr Newman today promised to rebuild the Riverwalk, which connected New Farm to the CBD before the surging Brisbane River destroyed it last week.

Details of CityCycle stations in operation can be found at www.citycycle.com.au.