Ministerial Statement: King George Square Cycle Centre clicks into gear

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Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
02/06/2008

King George Square Cycle Centre clicks into gear

Brisbane commuters are being urged to strap on their bike helmets and slip on their walking shoes as the new King George Square Cycle Centre prepares to open its doors.

The Centre, a joint initiative between Brisbane City Council and Queensland Transport, will be open for the public to tour facilities and sign up for membership from Monday 2 June.

Located at the King George Square Station on the corner of Ann and Roma Streets, the Centre provides everything commuters need - from bicycle lockers and showers to dry-cleaning services - to make cycling and walking part of their daily journey in and around the CBD.

Brisbane City Councillor Jane Prentice said the people of Brisbane now had the perfect reason to ditch the car in favour of more active, healthy and sustainable travel options.

"As the first of its kind in Brisbane, the King George Square Cycle Centre demonstrates our commitment to encouraging people to live a more active, healthy and sustainable lifestyle," said Cr Prentice.

"Our challenge has always been to change the way people think about commuting by offering a facility that shows walking and cycling can be more convenient, far cheaper and better for the environment than travelling by car.

"The more people we get travelling on two wheels or two legs, the more cars we take off the road enabling us to live healthier and greener lifestyles that will contribute to ensuring Brisbane's long-term sustainability."

Operated by Brisbane-based contractors 'Fit2Work', the King George Square Cycle Centre will be open from Monday to Friday, 6am to 8pm.

The facilities are available to members only at a cost of $5 to $7 per day and include daily access to secure electronic bike parking, fresh towels, showers, restrooms and individual lockers.

Commuters can also take advantage of an optional laundry and dry-cleaning service, meaning that the 'crumpled in the bottom of your backpac k' look need never apply.

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said that, by using the King George Square Cycle Centre, the average commuter could save more than $25 dollars per day.

"The average car commuter can spend up to $33 per day on off street parking alone when travelling into the CBD," said Minister Mickel.

"Compare this figure to the $5 to $7 daily cost of using the King George Square Cycle Centre and the financial benefits are obvious.

"Not only will you be adopting an active, healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for yourself, you'll also be doing the same thing for your wallet."

For further information about the King George Square Cycle Centre log on to www.cycle2city.com.au

2 July, 2008

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