
Media release 9th September 2016
Brisbane: Convert Victoria Bridge to a ' green ' bridgeRAIL 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 the conversion of the Victoria Bridge to a green bridge.
Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:
"RAIL Back on Track supports conversion of the Victoria Bridge to a Green Bridge to allow buses, bicycles and pedestrians only.
"We already have major bus congestion associated with the Cultural Centre bus station and Victoria Bridge. This is only going to worsen considerably with road closures associated with Queens Wharf Brisbane project. This means in effect that even more buses will be added to the existing bus jam on Victoria Bridge.
"Network reform needs to proceed but we also need to bite the bullet and free up Victoria Bridge for buses, bicycles and pedestrians only.
"BCC has made a request to make Victoria Bridge a green bridge but the State Government has refused this request.
"We support BCC on this. It is essential that the State Government re-think their decision. We have looming transport chaos and clear thinking is required.
"To test the impacts on car traffic, we propose a controlled experiment. Brisbane City Council could block two car traffic lanes using barriers, leaving both lanes for exclusive bicycle use. Cycle parking could also be placed at the entrance of Stanley Street, near QPAC. An alternative entrance to the QPAC car park exists underneath the Queensland Museum, so we do not believe that will be a problem.
"These changes can be introduced over a single weekend, at minimal cost. The beauty of this approach is that these changes are also easily and cheaply reversed.
"During this trial, which we suggest should last about 4-6 months, Brisbane City Council should monitor car traffic, pedestrian and cyclist numbers. It should perform monitoring at two 'control' sites, for example, the Story Bridge, Bowen Bridge Road or Breakfast Creek Rd. This will allow council to rule out confounding influences.
"Closing the Victoria Bridge to car traffic is not unprecedented: The Victoria Bridge is often closed for special events such as marches, parades, or fireworks. Figures from Brisbane City Council show three times more traffic uses the William Jolly Bridge (ca. 35,000 vehicles/day) than the Victoria Bridge (ca. 10,000 vehicles/day). Even the relatively new Go Between Bridge carries more traffic (14,000 vehicles/day).
"West End and South Brisbane have Brisbane's highest cycling mode share at 10%. They also have Queensland's best public transport - there is no pressing need to have a car in these suburbs. Conversion has broad political support from both The Greens and the LNP. It has our support also. Drivers have plenty of other options - the Go Between Bridge, the Captain Cook Bridge, and the toll-free William Jolly Bridge.
"We support Brisbane City Council's request to convert the Victoria Bridge to a green bridge, and call on Deputy Premier Jackie Trad to approve this unique trial as a matter of urgency."
References:
Cycling in Queensland today - Department of Transport
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/-/media/Travelandtransport/Cycling/Strategy/QCS-2011-to-2021/07Pagesfrom01440MIPparta4.pdf?la=enA tale of three toll roads: road network impact varies
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/a-tale-of-three-tolls-road-network-impact-varies-20120813-244ov.htmlConvert Victoria Bridge into a ' green ' bridge
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12370.msg179320#msg179320Ban cars from Victoria Bridge: experts
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/ban-cars-from-victoria-bridge-experts-20111121-1nrl5.htmlVictoria Bridge our 'weakest link', say transport experts
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/victoria-bridge-our-weakest-link-say-transport-experts-20111127-1o1up.htmlContact:
Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org