Statement: Cycle grants to boost networks

[ozbob]

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media/media-releases/298-cycle-grants-to-boost-networks.html

Cycle grants to boost networks

Thursday, 21 March 2013 08:05

Queensland cyclists will have a better connection to public transport with the Newman Government committing $2 million towards Connect To projects.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson today announced the new program while attending the 2013 Bike Week Ride to Work Day breakfast.

"South east Queensland councils can apply for up to 50 per cent funding towards cycling infrastructure that connects directly to public transport through this program," Mr Emerson said.

"Already we've got commitments to fund better end-of-trip facilities for train stations at Darra, Beerwah and Dutton Park.

"This will support councils in delivering for their local cyclists to link to public transport across south east Queensland.

"There are 170,000 cycle trips across Queensland every weekday and studies show even more people will take up cycling if there are better pathways or shower facilities at the end of their ride."

In addition councils outside of South East Queensland seeking funding for cycling infrastructure can apply to TMR's Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.

In 2012-13, the Newman Government committed $16 million to 27 cycling infrastructure projects across seven councils through two rounds of Cycle Network Local Government Grants.

"These grants will contribute to safe, direct and connected routes for cyclists and it's great to be making this announcement on Ride to Work Day," he said.

"It is important that we continue to see connectivity between different modes of transport as it will boost public transport patronage and ease congestion on our roads."

Bike Week (March 16-24) is a nine-day celebration of all things cycling with activities for cyclists of all ages and abilities, organised by Bicycle Queensland.

Connect To projects recently awarded funding include:

    Beerwah station shared path on the Sunshine Coast
    Darra rail station link in Brisbane south
    Major cycling connection between the Princess Alexandra Hospital cycle facility, Dutton Park rail station and Eleanor Schonnel bridge, south of Brisbane's city district. 

For more information on Transport and Main Roads' cycling initiatives, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au and visit www.bikeweek.bq.org.au for more information on Bike Week events.

[johnnigh]

A bike week re-announcement of old funding, good to see, nonetheless. Contrast this with Emerson's response to the epetition on the Centenary Hwy cycleway indefinite postponement to allow them to spend more on inducing more car traffic and commuting from Springfield.

I have to say that spending that money for cars and planning no more than 2tph each way on the Springfield railway (too expensive to run more trains) indicates where the genuine priorities of government lie. We will remain hostage to cars indefinitely. The populist lobby stoked by interest groups including motor vehicle and oil interests and the RACQ, which is their client in any case, will keep PT and AT very marginal here in Queensland and Australia.

[ozbob]

Media release 21st May 2013



SEQ: More protected bicycle lanes and paths, we don't need more roads

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called for increased investment in protected bicycle paths and bicycle lanes throughout Brisbane and south-east Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Active transport is good for the community.  It leads to improved health outcomes and considerable health cost savings. To encourage active transport participation more emphasis must be placed on making footpaths safe for pedestrians, and constructing a connected network of protected bicycle paths and lanes."

"Research clearly shows that separating cyclists from road and footpath users is the way forward (1)."

"Active and public transport go together.  Already there are some excellent bicycle storage facilities at key rail and bus stations, but more is needed."

"Rather than passively driving children to school, a proper bicycle network would encourage more children on to bicycles and perhaps walk.  This helps to set up healthy life time habits that reap huge dividends for the individual and community."

"No more roads are needed in Brisbane, what is needed are proper protected bicycle paths and lanes.  Time we got out of cars onto the bike, buses, trains and ferries!" 

Reference:

1. http://momentummag.com/blogs/bike-advocacy/research-supports-need-for-protected-bicycle-lanes/

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Drive.com.au --> Steep rise in injuries for male bikers and cyclists

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Cyclists one third of emergency room cases