On the Footpaths

[ozbob]

Couriermail -->Streets of shame as lazy Queensland dump unwanted items on footpaths

[SurfRail]

GC Bulletin - Beachfront residents halt Oceanway work

[ozbob]

abc News --> Texting While Walking Banned in New Jersey Town

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail Quest click here!

App map for disabled wins prize

App map for disabled wins prize

    by: Peta Fuller, City News
    From: Quest Newspapers
    June 18, 2012 10:54AM

FROM footpath gradients to available seating, knowing the finer details in advance can make all the difference for disabled people and now there's a locally made app to help.

Clayfield's Kelwyn Graham created the Brisbane Access Map application for mobile devices as part of Brisbane City Council's hack::Brisbane competition.

Mr Graham's entry won the Access and Inclusion category last week and covers facilities including public toilets and accessible transport around the CBD.

"It's especially good for visitors to Brisbane that don't know how steep a road is," he said.

"It has already been downloaded by hundreds of people in 45 countries."

He said he put in 40 to 50 hours worth of work for his two entries and won $10,000 for his access map.

The app has further accessibility functions including larger maps and additional buttons for the program, replacing the swipe and slide motion used on iPhones and iPads.

His app, and the open category winner's Bike Brisbane app, are available for download via iTunes.

Write off: See all 54 entries at data.brisbane.qld.gov.au

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Brisbane City Council sets aside money up work on Oxley footpaths

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Michelton resident denied compensation from fall because of legal loophole

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Vision for a pedestrian oasis in Brisbane's CBD

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Crossing countdowns for city centre

[WTN]

Brisbanetimes --> Crossing countdowns for city centre

Adelaide St crossing next to King George Square has this working today. The counter only works during the flashing red phase, which lasts for 20s (from memory).

[ButFli]

Also spotted the counters at the intersection of Adelaide and Edward Streets this afternoon. It's the free-for-all intersection outside Anzac Square Arcade and Queens Plaza.

Can't say I agree with these counters. Clearly, they are going to increase the number of people making a run for it at the last minute. There is no point to them unless it is made legal to cross even when the red man is flashing. If it is illegal to cross while the red man is flashing (and therefore the counter is counting), why do you need the counter? No one should be crossing at that time no matter how long is left.

[longboi]

Also spotted the counters at the intersection of Adelaide and Edward Streets this afternoon. It's the free-for-all intersection outside Anzac Square Arcade and Queens Plaza.

Can't say I agree with these counters. Clearly, they are going to increase the number of people making a run for it at the last minute. There is no point to them unless it is made legal to cross even when the red man is flashing. If it is illegal to cross while the red man is flashing (and therefore the counter is counting), why do you need the counter? No one should be crossing at that time no matter how long is left.

I've found them a bit odd as well. Usually countdown timers show you how long the signal will remain green.

[O_128]

I thought they were going to count down how long until it  goes green.

[Jonno]

Also spotted the counters at the intersection of Adelaide and Edward Streets this afternoon. It's the free-for-all intersection outside Anzac Square Arcade and Queens Plaza.

Can't say I agree with these counters. Clearly, they are going to increase the number of people making a run for it at the last minute. There is no point to them unless it is made legal to cross even when the red man is flashing. If it is illegal to cross while the red man is flashing (and therefore the counter is counting), why do you need the counter? No one should be crossing at that time no matter how long is left.

I've found them a bit odd as well. Usually countdown timers show you how long the signal will remain green.

Can't do that as it will count down from 2 on some lights!!!! 

These are all directed at getting pedestrians off the roads for cars to flow around free as birds....until the next lights or congested traffic.   What next Cattle Prods to punish anyone who slows down a car!!!!

Pedestrian friendly cities allow the green walk to say as long as the lights are green.  In Brisbane they are set up to allow those standing at the lights to walk and then stopping anyone else so the cars can flow!!!!

[WTN]

I found it a bit odd the counters didn't work for any other phase, instead of the "you missed the green, it's now illegal to cross" phase. Some crossings do stay green for much longer, where the countdown will be useful. But those crossings are pretty much only found on one way city streets (eg Elizabeth and Albert Sts, outside Myer Centre).

Next up, pedestrians and cyclists will be completely illegal on all streets (footpaths and bitumen included). The kerb will be moved to the edge of the buildings and the road will be widened exclusively for cars. And cars will be legally allowed to mow down anyone who tries to walk or cycle in their way. Speed limits will increase to 60-70km/h. Oh and did I forget Queen St Mall will no longer be a mall, and King George Square will cease to be a square?

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

School safety roll out begins

Thursday, October 04, 2012

Walking to and from school will soon be safer across several Queensland regions as the Newman Government released the first 15 schools to benefit from flashing traffic lights.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson announced the first round of the safer school program which will deliver a $10 million election commitment to benefit 300 schools across Queensland.

"I want Queensland parents and students to feel safer when going to and from school especially within the school zone," Mr Emerson said.

"These lights will be yet another reminder to drivers to take care around schools, particularly where there is a busy road nearby.

"This program recognises that we need to take these steps to tackle the increasing number of motorists fined for speeding through school zones.

"The first 15 schools will be funded from the recent budget with the full roll out to cost $10 million over four years."

There were 17,254 fines handed out in school zones in 2011 – an increase of 40 per cent in just two years. Of the 8131 fines handed out between January and May 2012, a concerning 114 were motorists travelling at more than 30kph above the speed limit.

"Labor chose to ignore the alarming increase in the number of people speeding through school zones, but the Newman Government is taking proactive steps to tackle the problem," Mr Emerson said.

"The first round of lights will be delivered over the next nine months with work underway to identify further schools.

"We will give priority to schools that have a significant crash history, a high level of car and pedestrian traffic, higher speed limits or visibility problems."

The first 15 schools are Albany Creek State High School, Bardon State School, Bucasia State School, Cavendish Road State High School, Mansfield State School, Milton State School, Newtown State School, Payne Road State School, Sarina State School, Stafford Heights State School, Toowong State School, Toowoomba Christian College, Toowoomba East State School, Wilsonton State School, Windsor State School.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Fortitude Valley needs more pedestrian access to link growing regions says research expert

[Jonno]

It is time to get cars out of the city from South Brisbane to the Valley. 

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2012/12/30/make-pedestrian-safety-a-priority?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Media Statements
Minister for Police and Community Safety
The Honourable Jack Dempsey
Sunday, December 30, 2012

Make pedestrian safety a priority

For broadcast quality sound bites visit http://goo.gl/g9BiK (external site)

Minister for Police and Community Safety Jack Dempsey is asking motorists to be aware of intoxicated pedestrians this festive season.

Mr Dempsey said intoxicated revellers could be unpredictable around roads.

"At this time of year people will be celebrating the season with friends and work colleagues. Occasionally, those who have had a few drinks walk too closely to, or cross streets, without notice and all too often can be struck by a vehicle," Mr Dempsey said.

Mr Dempsey said while drivers should never exceed the speed limit, now was the time to drive a little slower around crowds.

"When you see a group of people or someone walking near the roadway, slow down to give yourself time to stop should they step in front of your vehicle," he said.

"Last year the Queensland Ambulance Service treated 226 people who had been struck by vehicles of which 44 happened over the Christmas period.

"Christmas is a supposed to be a fun time of year so stay safe and ensure the only one who visits your house this festive season is Santa and not a paramedic."

[ENDS] 31 December 2012

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Safety barriers for Story Bridge

[ozbob]

Walk Score --> Top 10 Health Benefits of Walking

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Moreton Bay Regional Council will install a temporary boardwalk at Margate after wild weather

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Traffic may return to Brunswick Street Mall

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Tick tock means safer intersection stop

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has rolled out more pedestrian timers in the western suburbs

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Brisbane City Council will not reopen the city's Botanic Garden mangrove boardwalk after it was damaged in January

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has rolled out more pedestrian timers in the western suburbs

Timer on pedestrian crossing outside Roma St station  - showing 1 second left





Photographs R Dow 10th May 2013

[ozbob]

Slate --> The Pedestrian–Cyclist Armistice

[Jonno]

Couriermail Quest --> Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has rolled out more pedestrian timers in the western suburbs

Timer on pedestrian crossing outside Roma St station  - showing 1 second left





Photographs R Dow 10th May 2013

My observation is these just make people run to and across intersections.  They are dangerous!!

[HappyTrainGuy]

I like them. Especially the ones outside Queens Plaza, King George Square and the casino where you can see the countdown from the traffic. Pull the clutch in at 4 secs. Put it in gear at 3 secs. Bring up the revs and start blimping the throttle quickly at 2-1 sec. Change your stance to a more forward position at 1 sec. When the numbers go out and look directly at the traffic lights for the green and GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!*

*Only if at the front otherwise you'll launch into the car/bus infront of you

Funny thing is you see Bus drivers, couriers and even cyclists doing the exact same thing haha.

[ozbob]

Crikey The Urbanist --> How walkable are Australia's largest cities?

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane mangrove boardwalk demolished

[ozbob]

Pedestrian count down timer on crossing Coronation Drive Regatta Hotel Toowong



Photograph R Dow 15th October 2013

[ozbob]

Ipswich City Council is changing pedestrian crossings to a red and white colour scheme.

This is the crossing in Queen St Goodna.  One of the first to be done



Photograph R Dow 5th December 2013

[ozbob]

The Guardian --> Texting while walking poses safety risk and makes you 'like a robot', study finds

[ozbob]

The Gobe and Mail --> Urban walking is a legal high, so why are cities cruel to pedestrians?

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Touch card for pedestrian crossings would make it safer for elderly, disabled

[ozbob]

Walk Safely to School Day

--> http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/farnorth/2014/05/22/walk-safely-school-day/

Friday 23 May 2014

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane's audible street crossings quietly returned but residents complain of nosie

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> CARRS-Q survey warns of text-walking dangers

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> How treating pedestrians better will boost the economy