Moreton Bay Bikeway

[colinw]

Looks like the Petrie - Kippa-Ring line will include an adjacent bikeway. 

Ministerial Media Release -> click here

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Monday, September 19, 2011

New Moreton Bay Bikeway and Active Towns Program Headline Queensland Cycle Strategy

19 September 2011

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk launched the new Queensland Cycle Strategy for 2011–2021 at the opening of the Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress today.

Ms Palaszczuk said the cycle strategy would promote the government's vision of 'more cycling, more often'.

"We have a great environment for cycling here in Queensland – and people love it," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The Queensland Cycle Strategy is about building cycling infrastructure, promoting cycling education and creating cycle-friendly communities.

"As part of this commitment, we'll be including a dedicated cycleway as part of the Moreton Bay Rail Link project.

"Extending 12.6km from Petrie to Kippa Ring, this new cycleway is part of the Bligh Government's policy of building cycling infrastructure as part of other road and rail transport projects.

"This multi-modal approach gives people the greatest choice when it comes to choosing how to travel.

"Many shorter trips are easier and cheaper by bicycle."

The Moreton Bay Rail Link project, which has federal, state and local council funding, will also ensure that cycling and walking is catered around stations - a direct application of the Queensland Cycle Strategy's 'Connect to' approach.

Ms Palaszczuk said the Government was committed to growing cycling in Queensland which is why they've invested more than $90 million to expand the cycling networks last financial year.

The key initiatives of the strategy include:

§creating a network of bikeways within five kilometres of major centres across Queensland

§growing a cycling culture and creating cycle-friendly communities

§ensuring cycling is integrated into future Government infrastructure projects wherever possible, from the beginning of a project

§developing a cycling economy including recreation trails

Ms Palaszczuk said a signature part of the new strategy is setting up an Active Towns program which aims to rapidly increase cycling and walking in targeted regional communities.

"We'll be piloting the Active Town program in Cairns, Mackay and the Gold Coast where we will work with local governments, communities and the bicycle industry to invest in key infrastructure and promotion.

"Active Towns will kick off next year and will see the towns share $12 million during a three year period.

"This approach will develop cycling friendly communities in regional areas through infrastructure, education and marketing."

Ms Palaszczuk said the government's support of cycling stemmed from the number of benefits it delivers to the Queensland community.

"The 2011 National Cycling Participation Survey showed one fifth of people or 814,000 Queenslanders are already riding their bikes each week," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The health benefits of cycling are there for everyone to enjoy. It reduces the number of vehicles on our roads, in turn reducing traffic on our roads and pollution.

"There are cost advantages, with cycling being a cheaper alternative to driving. It can often be a quicker journey than the more traditional transport options for trips less than 5 kilometres."

The Queensland Government is committed to promoting safe cycling across the state as well as profiling the activity as a fun, healthy alternative transport option. The Queensland Cycle Strategy and the Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress are just two examples that demonstrate this commitment.

ENDS

[Mr X]

Good news!  :bi

[O_128]

Who cares, when does construction start.

[Mr X]

Once the feasibility study is complete  why we need a feasibility study for a bikeway I have no idea

[O_128]

Once the feasibility study is complete  why we need a feasibility study for a bikeway I have no idea

Hmm last time I checked you did a feasibility study to get the funding, so whats to point.

[Mr X]

Just endless studies and paper shuffling!
Each one pushing the project 5 years back.
It used to be "from 2010-2015" but now it's 2026+ or 2031+

[Golliwog]

Once the feasibility study is complete  why we need a feasibility study for a bikeway I have no idea

Hmm last time I checked you did a feasibility study to get the funding, so whats to point.

Thats may be one of the main reason you do one, but another is cost optimisation. Though if they've already decided the route (which I'm fairly sure they have) this would probably be more correctly called detailed design.

[dwb]

Who cares, when does construction start.

Um I care. This is a significant change to previous government policy. Yes construction is important, and yes there is a track record of killing cycling infrastructure during construction (South East Busway). But the cycle team is doing a great job so that when these projects go ahead, they do support transit choice. AT is and should be an integral part of PT whether you like it or not.