Article: Cash rolled out with $277m pledge on Brisbane's bike network

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Cash rolled out with $277m pledge on Brisbane's bike network

Cash rolled out with $277m pledge on Brisbane's bike network
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Ursula Heger

June 18, 2009 12:00am

BRISBANE'S missing cycle path links will be fixed this financial year, part of a $277 million boost to public and active transport.

Cyclists will benefit from more than $14.5 million in funding to connect and expand the city's bikeway network this year, including $2.5 million to fill in the "vital" missing link in the city's riverwalk at Cutters Landing.

Once the 300m of missing section is competed at Cutters Landing, Brisbane will have an almost-complete, continuous riverwalk between the Story Bridge and Teneriffe.

A further $40.4 million will be spent upgrading the city's cycle paths, and implementing the CityCycle bike hire scheme.

The scheme will see more than $1.6 million spent providing 2000 rental bicycles and 150 bike stations between Newstead and the University of Queensland.

Cr Newman said the council would also spend $5 million to improve cyclist safety around the city, including implementing cyclist priority "jumps" at traffic signals and bicycle awareness zones.

Residents in Brisbane's inner city will also have access to a new rapid transit system linking Newstead and South Brisbane by early next year, at a cost of $4.5 million.

The super-buses will run every ten minutes through the city heart in a bid to reduce the notorious, crippling congestion.

The route will be initially serviced by the city's articulated bus fleet, while tram-like superbuses are built.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said the new transport system would provide commuters will an efficient service, at a cheaper cost than light rail.

"This exciting initiative will herald a new era of service for Brisbane's public transport users.

"It is a direct result of our commitment to plan for the future and get on with the job," he said.

Council will also sink $59 million into 125 new buses for the city, and spend a further $50 million on land for new bus depots on the north and south sides of the river.

The Lord Mayor's announcement included the allocation of another $6 million to purchase two more CityCats, bringing to 16 the city's fleet.