On the Bicycles

[ozbob]

Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
08/05/2008

First Look At New Cycle Centre

Queenslanders were invited to take their first look inside Brisbane's new King George Square cycle centre today.

The $7 million centre is the first of its kind in Australia and will provide parking for 420 bicycles, as well as showers, lockers and changing rooms for busy commuters.

Premier Anna Bligh joined Brisbane's Lord Mayor Campbell Newman for a guided tour of the facilities which open to the public on June 2.

"About 12% of workers in the CBD, cycle, walk or jog to work everyday," said the Premier.

"Those people are doing themselves a favour by improving their health and they are also doing the city a favour by taking more cars off the roads and reducing congestion.

"We want to encourage more people to cycle to work and this is a fantastic facility for those to park their bikes in a secure place and get changed for work."

The Queensland Government committed $4 million to the project while Brisbane City Council contributed $ 3 million towards the fit-out of the centre.

The centre is part of the Queensland Government's $235 million commitment under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan to implement cycle networks in south-east Queensland over the 20 years.

"The cycle centre is an important part of Queensland's growing cycling facilities and part of the Government's vision to make it easier and safer for people to get out and be active.

"In 2007-08, Queensland Transport committed more than $13.1 million in capital grants for 61 cycle infrastructure projects across south east Queensland to be delivered in partnership with local governments.

"The completion of the cycle centre reinforces our commitment to sustainable travel and ultimately providing better transport infrastructure for Queensland."

The project was jointly announced by the State Government and Brisbane City Council at the Obesity Summit in 2006.

It is estimated if an extra 10 per cent of the population exercised regularly, more than $600 million could be saved in health care costs annually in Australia.

"This well-planned facility is designed to encourage more people to get active and healthy and if successful, I'd like to see more around the city in the future," said the Premier.

"This project reaffirms the State Government's vision to promote health and well-being, manage congestion and contribute positively to climate change."

The CBD centre connects to the $17.1 million Normanby Pedestrian and Cycle Link in Roma Street Parklands, which was opened in September 2007.

The King George Square facility will be run by a commercial operator in agreement with Brisbane City Council.

==============================================================

[ozbob]

From Courier Mail click here!

Bicycle riders to pay $5 a day for changing facilities

Bicycle riders to pay $5 a day for changing facilities
Article from: The Courier-Mail

John McCarthy

May 26, 2008 12:00am

CYCLISTS will have to pay $5 a day plus a joining fee to use a $6 million bike shower and change centre in Brisbane.
The Cycle2Work facility in the King George Square bus station in Brisbane's CBD will also only be open from 6am to 8pm on weekdays.

Taxpayers handed over $6.4 million for the facility, a joint Brisbane City Council and State Government venture, which is due to open on June 2.

Premier Anna Bligh staged a walk-through at the centre with media in tow last week but failed to mention the daily charges, equivalent to a two-zone bus fare.

Keen cyclists Andrew Onley and John Hack, who  run the operation, said they were unfazed by the cost which they said diverted 420 people from either driving or overcrowded public transport.

There were also health benefits for users which would offset the price taxpayers shelled out for its construction.

"That's $6 million well spent," Mr Onley said.

He said the construction costs were also a component of the Inner Northern Busway and, compared with driving and parking in the city, were significantly cheaper.

Initially the centre will not open weekends or public holidays but there was already strong demand from the public and council staff.

The facility can cater for 420 cyclists who can shower, change and park their bikes securely.

Mr Onley said between 3000 and 5000 people rode to work each day in the city.

He said it could be assumed those people already had change facilities at  work, so the business would be luring people who had always wanted to ride but could not do so because of a lack of public showers.

Premier Anna Bligh last week announced a similar $2 million project for state public servants. The government would also try to attract private sector partners to own and operate a public facility, possibly in the Creek St precinct.

Brisbane City Council has thrown its weight behind the scheme and has boosted cycling even more with an increase to bike path funding and plans for a CBD bike rental scheme.

Mr Onley said about 2500 cyclists crossed the Goodwill Bridge into the city each morning and his business would be catering to a fraction of the commuting public.

Even so, he and Mr Hack were confident of even more growth and did not think the King George Square facility or "Bligh's bike shed" for public servants would be the last of their kind.

[ozbob]

Public servants get their own facilities, the masses pay.

More smart state spin ...

I would suggest a nominal charge as the savings in emissions is a bonus to the community.
$1 a day!

[Huggies]

Good timing especially when Brisbane Transport and the Council decide that the bus bike racks are a failure.

[Derwan]

Public servants get their own facilities, the masses pay.

It's an employer's prerogative to provide these facilities for their employees.  In this respect, the QLD Government is setting an example.  Why don't some of the big companies also provide these facilities for their employees?

[ozbob]

Probably attract fringe benefits tax or something?  Maybe they might make initiatives such as this free of FBT as a further encouragement.

If free car parking attracts FBT, guess free showers will too?

$5 a day is a bit rich though, particularly in the wet season!   

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Owners defend cycle centre costs

Owners defend cycle centre costs
Georgina Robinson | May 26, 2008 - 12:41PM

The owners of a $7 million Australian-first commuter cycle centre in Brisbane's CBD are confident cyclists will embrace the venture - even though it could prove more expensive than public transport for some users.

Next week, the King George Square Cycle2City centre will open to cyclists willing to pay between $5 and $7 per day - plus a $20 key and swipe card deposit - to use the facility.

That makes it more expensive than a pre-purcahsed six-month Queensland Rail Citytrain ticket (over one, two or three zones), or a daily one-zone train, bus or CityCat ticket. However, it is still cheaper than a daily two- or three-zone train, bus or CityCat ticket.

The cycle centre offers 420 state of the art secure bike parking spaces, lockers, separate air-conditioned male and female changerooms, fresh towels and spare bike parts.

But the joint Queensland Government-Brisbane City Council funded centre will only be open on weekdays from 6am until 8pm and will not be available to casual cyclists.

And just a fraction of the 5000 people who, according to Bicycle Queensland figures, cycle into the inner city each day for work or study will be able to use the facility.

Directors Andrew Onley and John Hack, who campaigned for seven years to have their dream centre built, said the centre was good value for long term commuter cyclists.

"Because this was a commercial operation and Brisbane City Council was our landlord, our intention was to make it a viable alternative to other public transport means, especially to using your car," Mr Onley said.

"A six-month membership is cheaper than a two-zone bus fare."

Mr Only said about 150 people had expressed genuine interest in membership, although there had been a lot of inquiries from potential casual users.

"A lot of people expect it will be casual so you can come and go for a day," he says.

"But because it's only 420 spots and our research over the years has said there's a lot of demand ... we want to look after long-term commuter cyclists."

Bicycle Queensland manager Ben Wilson says cyclists will determine the centre's success.

"We'd like it to be as cheap as possible but market forces will work it out," Mr Wilson says.

"Let's suck it and see for a year and see where we're at in a year's time."

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

COST COMPARISON

Cycle Centre cost comparison
Georgina Robinson | May 26, 2008 - 1:41PM

COST COMPARISON

King George Square bicycle centre
Membership Prices (excluding $20 refundable key and card deposit):
- joining fee $50
- six months $5 per day (equivalent)
- one month $6 per day
- one week trial $7 per day

Daily ticket on bus, train or City Cat:
- one zone $4.60
- two zone $5.40
- three zone $6.40

Six month QR train ticket:
- one zone $3.20 per day (equivalent)
- two zone $3.80 per day
- three zone $4.50 per day

[ozbob]

From The Sunday Mail click here!

Councils asked to boost safety for riders

Councils asked to boost safety for riders
Article from: The Sunday Mail (Qld)

Kay Dibben

June 15, 2008 12:00am

THE push for more commuters to cycle to work could be a ride into a mass of lawsuits unless councils provide safer cycling conditions, warns a legal expert.

Brisbane-based British solicitor Sue Bence, of Slater and Gordon, has represented hundreds of UK cyclists and triathletes injured on roads, and said more lawsuits from injured cyclists were certain here unless infrastructure and conditions were made safer statewide.

Ms Bence, a commuter cyclist, said she had sometimes felt safer in central London than inner Brisbane. "It's vital that the promotion of cycling is matched with the right level of government-funded bicycling-friendly infrastructure," she said.

Four cyclists have been killed in Queensland this year and there were 60 cycling fatalities between 2001 and 2007, including 10 last year. Queensland Transport figures show 4700 cyclists were injured between 2001 and June 30, 2006.

In a bid to ease traffic congestion and encourage more workers to commute on bicycles, Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman allocated $25 million towards cycle path improvements and city bike facilities in last week's budget.

But cycling commuters and weekend riders say plenty of work still needs to be done.

Karl Manning is an experienced cyclist still recovering after a collision with a taxi a year ago.

Mr Manning, who is seeking compensation for his injuries,

says the city's bike paths are not well enough linked and can be narrow, with dangerous twists and turns, and some parts of the roads were unsafe for cyclists.

He thinks bike riders also need to slow down on busy shared paths to prevent accidents with pedestrians.

Mr Manning, 37, a lawyer, and Gary Land, 43, who owns a bike shop, were both injured in a collision with a taxi while on a morning training ride on Brisbane's Airport Drive last year.

Ben Wilson of Bicycle Queensland said the key to safer cycling was more cyclists on the roads, so drivers became more aware of them and drove accordingly.

"Planners need to work out how best to move people, rather than how best to move cars," he said.

[dwb]

I've ridden in london, and yes its SO much better!!

[ozbob]

Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
23/06/2008

Feedback encouraged on draft Gateway Bikeway plan

A draft plan for a new 4.5km bicycle route that will connect local cycle networks in Nudgee, Nundah and Eagle Farm across the new Gateway Bridge to Brisbane's southern suburbs will be released by the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council today.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt and Lord Mayor Campbell Newman jointly encouraged the community to give feedback on the draft Gateway Bikeway plan now on display.

Mr Pitt said the bikeway would provide one of the missing links in the 150km Moreton Bay Cycleway that will eventually stretch from Bribie Island in the north to Redland Bay in the south.

"Under the draft plan, the bikeway will run from the new Gateway Bridge through Eagle Farm to connect with existing cycle facilities along Kedron Brook, where Nudgee Road crosses Schulz Canal," Mr Pitt said.

"When the new cycle link is eventually open, people will be able to cycle from the second Gateway Bridge's pedestrian and cycle path to the Kedr on Brook Wetlands Bikeway on a continuous cycle route consisting of a mix of on-road and off-road facilities.

"This is an example of Main Roads and Brisbane City Council working together to provide facilities for cyclists, and to support increased cycling and cycling safety in Queensland."

Cr Newman said safe access for cyclists through well-planned facilities would encourage more people to get active and healthy through cycling.

"Brisbane City Council's vision is to create an active and healthy city by 2026," Cr Newman said.

"This missing link will add to the accessibility and connectivity of our city, making it easier for people to leave their cars at home and cycle or walk to work."

Access is also provided to the boundary of the airport precinct, which provides an opportunity for Brisbane Airport Corporation to develop further cycle links that connect to the broader cycle network in Brisbane.

Main Roads has been working with the Brisbane City Council, Queensland Transport, Queensland Motorways Limited, Australia Trade Coast, the Brisbane Airport Corporation and key stakeholders in the airport precinct to ensure a co-ordinated and consistent approach to cycleway planning in the area.

"The Gateway Bikeway will provide access to the boundary of the airport precinct, and we look forward to working further with Brisbane Airport Corporation to develop airport cycle links that connect to the broader cycle network in Brisbane," Mr Pitt said.

Once community feedback on the plan has been collated, a business case for construction will be completed, and funding contributions sought from stakeholders.

The community can view the draft plan for the Gateway Bikeway from Monday 23 June to Saturday 26 July 2008 at information displays in the area:

? Toombul Shopping Centre
   1015 Sandgate Road, Toombul

? Nundah Library (starting Tuesday 24 June)
   1 Bage Street, Nundah

The draft plan and more details about displays are also available on the Main Roads website at www.mainroads.qld.gov.au.

The feedback period is open until Monday 28 July 2008.

For more information or to provide feedback about the Gateway Bikeway Project, community members can call the freecall project information line on 1800 268 257 or email gatewaybikewayproject@mainroads.qld.gov.au

==============================================================

[johnnigh]

The Brisbane Airport Corp is remarkably arrogant to all its tenants, let alone those workers who want to cycle to work, rather than driving their cars. The Airtrain isn't an option for most workers, due to cost and timetable, as long discussed on this discussion list. All the Brisbane Airport Corp sees in cyclists is lost parking revenue. Same applies to better timetable for Airtrains...

The Airport Bicycle User Group has a list of suggestions in response to Main Roads Gateway Bikeway plan: http://airportbug.googlepages.com/airportbuggatewaybikewayprojectfeedback

If you want to support their suggested improvements, take a look and then email gatewaybikewayproject@mainroads.qld.gov.au

[ozbob]

From Courier Mail click here!

Brisbane CBD centre attracts only 52 cyclists

Brisbane CBD centre attracts only 52 cyclists
Article from: MX

Julia Phipps

August 08, 2008 12:00am

ONLY 52 riders have signed up to use the flash facilities at a $6.4 million cycle centre that opened in the Brisbane CBD two months ago.

Australia's first cycle hub could cater for 420 riders and has offered lockers, showers, clean towels, secure bike storage and even dry-cleaning.

But the centre, which is managed by cycle2city, has struggled to attract members and has been struggling with building problems.

Manager Andrew Onley had been focusing on getting the facilities up and running and dealing with building issues.

"The first month there's been a few things that needed fixing and finishing off, just the usual things associated with new buildings," he said.

He said cyclists hadn't signed up because they didn't like riding in the dark of winter.

Taxpayers funded the facility, a joint Brisbane City Council and State Government venture.

It costs $5 or $6 a day to use the facilities, plus a $50 joining fee  and a $20 refundable key deposit.

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

More bikeways for pedal-powered SEQ

More bikeways for pedal-powered SEQ
September 22, 2008 - 2:48PM

South-East Queensland's network of bikeways will be extended by 90 kilometres after Acting Premier Paul Lucas today announced a $18 million funding boost.

The money was approved in the June state budget but the government was waiting for expressions of interest from local councils, who will match the funding for a total of 88 projects.

Mr Lucas said the new and upgraded cycleways were part of the government's strategy to reduce reliance on cars, cut traffic congestion and carbon emissions and improve health.

"With these bikeways, more and more people are riding on them and we don't want them loved to death - we want them to have the capacity," he told reporters in Brisbane today.

Major projects include widening the Bicentennial Bikeway along the northern bank of the Brisbane River, the Eprapah Creek cycle and pedestrian bridge between Thornlands and Victoria Point on Brisbane's bayside and the Riverway Cycleway connecting Noosaville and Tewantin on the Sunshine Coast.

There will also be a 900 metre bikeway and a shared path and cycleway in Kingston, on Brisbane's southern outskirts, and a three kilometre cycleway on the ocean front from Coolangatta to Kirra and Bilinga on the Gold Coast.

AAP

[ozbob]

Noted some people counting presumably the number of bicycles and pedestrians coming across the Jack Pesch Bridge at Indooroopilly the last couple of days.

[ozbob]

Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
24/10/2008

Bligh Government shows support for cycling with funding boost

The Bligh Government will provide $30,000 to cycling groups throughout the state as part of its commitment to support the provision of safe cycling facilities in Queensland.

Main Roads Minister and Member for Mulgrave Warren Pitt and Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall today presented the first instalment of funding - $2500 - to the Cairns Bicycle User Group as part of the statewide initiative to support Bicycle Queensland.

Mr Pitt said each of the 12 Main Roads regions throughout Queensland would make the same amount of funding available to bicycle user groups to help promote Bike Week, Ride to Work Day and other cycling events.

Mr Pitt and Mr Wettenhall met with Cairns Bicycle User Group officials today in the lead-up to the regional sitting of Parliament in Cairns next week.

"Main Roads has a critical role to play in providing cycle facilities and works collaboratively with cycling groups to ensure bicycle facilities are considered when road projects are being planned," Mr Pitt said.

"Main Roads in Cairns has an ongoing partnership with the Cairns Bicycle User Group and regularly consults with its representatives when planning these bicycle facilities.

"This funding contribution demonstrates our support for the valuable role that cycling groups play in contributing to the development of the cycling network," he said.

Cairns Bicycle User Group Manager Lenore Evans said the funding would help the organisation to continue promoting the need for safe bicycle facilities in far north Queensland.

"The provision of these bicycle facilities is essential to keep up with the continued growth of cycling for both transport and recreation," Ms Evans said.

"This funding will enable us to update our administrative systems so we can communicate with our members and with key organisations like Main Roads," she said.

Mr Wettenhall said the increased use of bicycles for transpor t and recreation contributed directly to the Bligh Government's Toward Q2 vision of reducing obesity, traffic congestion and vehicle emissions.

"In today's society we are constantly being made aware of the need to find a healthy balance to our hectic lives," he said.

"By continuing to work with organisations such as Bicycle Queensland and the Cairns Bicycle User Group, we can provide safe alternative transport options that will benefit the entire community."

The Bligh Government has recently implemented several initiatives to improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the far north including:

    * completion of two projects on the Captain Cook Highway to improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities at the Machans Beach and Caravonica roundabouts
    * installation of green pavement markings for bicycles at various intersections and roundabouts in Cairns
    * installation of bicycle hook-turn storage boxes at various intersections in Carins, initially implemented during the upgrade of the Mulgrave Road and Severin Street intersection in 2007. The hook turn storage boxes are providing a safer option for cyclists when wanting to make a right-turn at multi-laned intersections and are being installed at identified intersections currently being upgraded across the region.

==============================================================

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Bikeway may bend for Northern Link tunnel

Bikeway may bend for Northern Link tunnel
Tony Moore | October 30, 2008 - 3:25PM

A new $4 million bikeway bridge being built in Toowong may have to be modified to suit the final design of the multi-billion dollar Northern Link tunnel project, city planners have conceded.

The bikeway is a State Government project in Treasurer Andrew Fraser's electorate of Mt Coot-tha and, once complete, will straddle the Centenary Motorway near the Toowong Roundabout and council botanic gardens.

Northern Link is a Brisbane City Council TransApex project funded by the federal and state governments and propses to link Toowong and Kelvin Grove via a tunnel by 2014.

The outcome of any changes to the $4 million, partly-constructed bikeway hinge on the final design for Northern Link, which is unlikely to be known until the second half of next year.

A Main Roads spokesman said the bikeway had been specially designed to accomodate possible changes, vowing it would not need to be demolished to make way for the tunnel.

"If they (tunnel designers) come back and say they want eight lanes going down through the section, we might have to add a section to the bikeway, but we just don't know," the spokesman said.

"Apparently it is not too hard a process. But it is not going to be pulled down or anything."

The bikeway project should be complete by Christmas 2008.

Brisbane City Council launched its Northen Link tunnel project earlier this year, with one inbound tunnel entrance earmarked for a spot close to the bikeway.

The council's public transport chair Cr Jane Prentice put the question back in the State Government's hands when quizzed about a possible clash with the bikeway yesterday.

"That's an issue we did feed in to the State Government at the time that they indicated they were going ahead with it," Cr Prentice said.

"I understand our officers are liaising with the State Government.

"It is important to have cycling safety at that location and I am sure we can continue to provide that."

Cr Prentice said the council provided the information about the Northern Link project to the State Government before work was started on the bikeway bridge.

"We fed all the information to the State Government so they have obviously gone ahead knowing our project and I am sure that that will be a facility that will remain," she said.

The Northern Link tunnel project is still in its early planning stages.

Work is not expected to start until 2010 ahead of a planned 2014 opening, should the project win approval.

Main Roads confirmed its planners were working with Brisbane City Counccil staff about combining the two projects.

"It will be entwined into their project," a Main Roads spokesman said.

"It can be modified a little so it can be entwined into the final design of Northern Link, because the project is being built in stages."

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
15/11/2008

UP, UP AND AWAY ON NEW BIKEWAY

Cycling is about to reach new heights with a $12.4 million cycleway now being constructed set to fly over Ipswich Road once complete.

Transport Minister John Mickel said the cycleway will fly over Ipswich Rd at a height of eight metres - taking cyclists safely out of traffic.

The Minister said the new cycleway will be almost a kilometre long, with a 570 metre section elevated to span across Ipswich Rd and 350 metres of pathway along Kent Street.

"The east-west cycleway will form a critical connection from the South East Freeway cycleway and southern suburbs, to the hospital, and further on to the University of Queensland," Mr Mickel said.

The cycleway will be integrated with the under-construction Boggo Road Busway to further enhance travel options for commuters, students and visitors.

"The concrete cycleway will run alongside the busway but will be separated from it to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists," Mr Mickel said.

"Once complete the cycleway will also provide more cyclists and pedestrians with access to the South East Cycleway and V1, a major route into the city from the south."

The new cycleway is being built at the same time as the $226 million Boggo Road Busway.

Together, the busway and cycleway will help to tackle traffic congestion by offering more travel options.

"These projects offer the option of taking a fast bus, cycling or walking between major destinations such as the Princess Alexandra Hospital, the new Boggo Road Precinct and the University of Queensland via the Eleanor Schonell Bridge," Mr Mickel said.

"Construction of the busway is 75 per cent complete and due for completion in mid 2009, while work on the cycleway, which began in October, is also scheduled to finish mid-next year.

"The Queensland Government is committed to promoting alternatives to the use of private vehicles for transport. Cycling, jogging or walking instead of driving a car reduces harmful exhaust emissions while providing exercise for a healthier lifestyle. It also provides alternatives for people to avoid congestions and rising fuel process."

When opened, the Boggo Road Busway will daily to transport up to 13,000 passengers from the eastern and southern suburbs directly to the University of Queensland, reducing travel times by up to 10 minutes.

The new cycleway will become a vital link in the Queensland Government's $556 million South East Queensland Cycle Network Program which identifies cycling infrastructure as a key priority for the region and is part of the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program.

-Ends-

15th November 2008

FAST FACTS

?The cycleway costs $12.4 million

?It will be 920 metres long - 570 metres elevated and 350 metres along Kent St

?It will pass eight metres above Ipswich Road

?Construction started in October and is expected to be complete in mid-2009

?It will be four metres wide, two-way and a shared pedestrian and cycle pathway

==============================================================

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
26/11/2008

New Cycle Centre for RBWH

Minister for Transport John Mickel has today announced plans to build a new $8 million, 750-bike cycle centre at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital as part of the Queensland Government's Toward Q2 plan.

It's no secret that Queensland's rapid population growth is putting our roads and public transport under stress.

That's why the Queensland Government is working in many ways to tackle traffic congestion and improve our road network.

"Our Toward Q2 goal is to preserve what we love about Queensland, and then make it even better, even greener, and even smarter," Mr Mickel said.

The new cycle centre will be constructed with the Northern Busway section from Herston to Windsor.

Located next to the hospital, the cycle centre will be accessible to the thousands of people that pass in and out each day; it will be close to the Bowen Hills Urban Development Area; and close to Airport Link connections and the North South Bypass Tunnel.

"We recently announced an $18 million boost for 89 new cycle projects across South East Queensland, which will make it easier and quicker to commute for work and leisure," Mr Mickel said.

"Cycleways can make a significant contribution to reducing traffic congestion and cutting exhaust gas emissions.

"Cycling is smart and it's green."

To make cycling and walking a more attractive choice, the Queensland Government is delivering end-of-trip facilities with secure bike storage, showers and ironing areas.

The Government has already provided these facilities in some of its own buildings, and has established the popular King George Square Cycle Centre in cooperation with Brisbane City Council.

Mr Mickel said that when facilities such as these are built, results are seen.

"We make a real difference by putting our plans into action," Mr Mickel said.

"The cycle centres and bikeways we have built have resulted in a seven-fold increase in bicycle mode share in the past 20 years.

"The wheels are in motion on the new cycle centre at Herston, and I'm advised construction will start early next year."

-ends-

26 November 2008

==============================================================

[ozbob]

"Penny Farthings Pushbike Parking market innovative bicycle ?end of trip? facilities.  Our novel product range represents a paradigm shift in the quality and the cost of establishing these facilities.

Our modular cycle centers 'Green Pod' economically deliver everything a cyclist needs in an end of trip facility. Our range of bicycle racks deliver aesthetically pleasing high density bike parking for numerous applications in a cost effective fashion."

-->  http://www.pushbikeparking.com/

[johnnigh]

Now that the RBWH Cycle Centre is well and truly up and running alongside the bus station, members might be interested to know of how popular it has quickly become. Over 200 long term members are subscribed, many of them workers at the hospital. The hospital also has a Bicycle User Group (BUG) that lobbies for improved conditions for cyclists commuting to and from the hospital.

What is remarkable about both the membership of the BUG (80 at the meeting that set it up) and of the Cycle Centre is that access from most directions is inherently hostile to cyclists (the same for pedestrians). The ICB/Clem7/Airport Link works, Bowen Bridge Rd/Lutwyche Rd have to be negotiated if you live north and east of the hospital. Few concessions have been made by the planners or builders.
My friends in the CBDBUG (www.cbdbug.org.au) who live on that side of the city have had a dreadful time trying to get any of the authorities: Council, contractors, Main Roads, even the Bowen Hills Urban Renewal people, let alone the Ekka trustees, to take notice of the barriers to active transport that exist in this precinct.

[ozbob]

Interesting article --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4442.msg34292#msg34292

[ozbob]

Bicycle storage facility at Bowen Hills railway station



Photograph R Dow 15th October 2010

[ozbob]

Bicycle storage facility at Buranda bus station



Photograph R Dow 15th October 2010

[colinw]

Looks like the next section of the bikeway along the M3, south from Miles Platting Road, is finally open.  Today I noticed that the temporary fences barring access to the new section had come down.  They were still up at the end of last week.

[ozbob]

theoverheadwire The Overhead Wire
Gridlock during my trip to Stockholm: http://t.co/Z8Q6dU3
32 minutes ago

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Tour de France champion Cadel Evans slams Brisbane drivers

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Suncorp survey finds drivers think roads are too dangerous for cyclists

[ozbob]

Couriermail via mX --> Brisbane drivers face bicycle-awareness lessons to curb road rage, encourage cycling

[ozbob]

GIZMODO --> Bike Takes Its Design Stylings From IKEA


http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/4/2012/01/xlarge_38c04f8c2834f422503d341c427cc22f.jpg

[HappyTrainGuy]

Well, I'm sitting on my oil heater and so far it hasn't transformed into a bike.... 

Doesn't look like the most sturdiest of things at 60kph...

[ozbob]

Atlantic Cities --> Do Bike Paths Promote Bike Riding?

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Cyclists need own paths, research shows

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Parents put the brakes on children riding their bikes to school

[ozbob]

Helmet freedom --> http://helmetfreedom.org/

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Cyclists riding without helmets prove to be slow learners

[ozbob]

Viator Travel Blog --> 10 of the Best Cities to Explore by Bike

[techblitz]

made a complaint to BCC today (im always compaining because its free)
First thing they checked is if it's thier problem or translinks. BCC ended up taking the complaint.

It was regarding cyclists screaming down footpaths and past bus shelters at 30+km/h ,totally oblivious to people who may duck out of the bus shelter to wave down a bus or to check the timetables etc. Ive had a couple of close calls myself and im sure others have as well.

The shelters with the advertising posters are the most risky as they create a blind spot.
The pedestrian doesnt see the cyclist coming & they wont hear them either because the sound is drowned out by passing vehicles)
And of course the cyclist cant see the bus pedestrian because of the poster blind spot



= an accident waiting to happen and it will no doubt involve a neck fracture of some sort if a pedestrian gets collected.

[Otto]

I'm sick of idiots on bikes riding along footpaths at speed ( Wynnum rd is particularly bad ) who observe a bus stopping at a stop in front of them and ignore that passengers are about to disembark from the bus into their path.. So many close calls.. I can see that one day an elderly lady or gent is going to step off the bus and be knocked down by one of these idiots. Very likely end in death..

[techblitz]

My two close calls were corner of klumpp & logan roads (125,175 bus stop) and just 2 days ago, & the gap village stop which made me furious, hence the complaint. As the cyclist was going downhill,this makes it extra dangerous. the BCC lady who took the complaint was genuinely concerned and helpful. I will enquire on this in a week with my reference number to see what outcome they have suggested.