On the Bicycles

[ozbob]

Media release 21 April 2012

SEQ: Call for maximum safe speed limit for cyclists on footpaths

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 urgent action by authorities to implement a 5 km/h speed limit for cyclists on footpaths when approaching and passing a bus stop shelter (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"There have been a number of recent reports of speeding cyclists putting at risk bus passengers preparing to board buses.  The design of the bus stop shelters with advertising boards also blocks the view of both cyclists and bus passengers in some circumstances."

"We believe it is only a matter of time before serious injury results unless urgent action is taken to force cyclists to slow down when on footpaths generally, but particularly when passing bus stop shelters."

Reference:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=851.msg95566#msg95566

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Rider says professional cyclists should use the road not paths

[justanotheruser]

what is needed rather than just having a go at cyclists to ride in a safe manner for all is for both cyclists and pedestrians to both be educated about behaving in a safe manner. i consider myself an excellent cyclist. if there is not enough room to go around pedestrians I wait and go slow untill there is a suitable opportunity to pass. i always sound my bell as required by law when approaching pedestrians. If I use a crossing (traffic lights or pedestrian) i will get off my bike and walk. however i have had pedestrians spread across the entire shared path which they are not allowed to do. i have had pedestrians move out or change direction without even looking. That happens also when I'm a pedestrian and people suddenly change direction without warning or looking then get upset when they collide with you because you were walking around them.

So I fully understand the concerns and agree many riders need to be more sensible. however pedestrians need to be just as sensible and considerate. They are sadly a long way from that as well generally speaking.

[ozbob]

Queensland is the only state AFAIA that allows bicycles on footpaths.  Not sure how long this will last.  The fact remains footpaths are really for pedestrians not speeding cyclists.  I have nothing against cyclists but if they are to continue on footpaths there does need to be some enforcement of speed restrictions, particularly around bus stops.

[#Metro]

I think enforcement would be a bit hard. You could just have a bike hump? Would that even be possible?

[#Metro]

I hate to say this, but bicycle rego might not be such a bad idea at all. Logged in at point of sale....

[ozbob]

Enforcement means signage, education and actually booking the odd offender.  That would help to bring under control.  It is clearly an issue and time something was done.

Riding on the footpath (s288)

In Queensland, cyclists of any age are allowed to ride on a footpath unless prohibited by a 'NO BICYCLES' sign — you must give way to pedestrians and ride in a manner that does not inconvenience or endanger other footpath users.

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Queensland-Road-Rules/Bicycle-rules.aspx

Common-sense dictates pedestrians need to be accommodating as well.  Section 288 makes it clear where the law stands however ...

[#Metro]

Well I think signs that say slow down or give way to bus pax or pedestrians would also be good. I'm sure that they have these.

[ozbob]

Well I think signs that say slow down or give way to bus pax or pedestrians would also be good. I'm sure that they have these.

Bicycle speed restriction signs each side of shelter bus stops, particularly where this is an issue. The fine can be up to 20 penalty units.  A penalty unit is currently $100.

[HappyTrainGuy]

How about providing proper roads and lanes for cyclists in the first place. There are some massive dips from wear and tear/potholes and just no room for cyclists out there. If you can feel the vibration/tracking in a car just image how great it would be for the cyclist with tiny thin bicycle tires let alone them riding the same patch of road at night.

[ozbob]

How about providing proper roads and lanes for cyclists in the first place. There are some massive dips from wear and tear/potholes and just no room for cyclists out there. If you can feel the vibration/tacking in a car just image how great it would be for the cyclist with tiny thin bicycle tires let alone them riding the same patch of road at night.

Yes it is real tough.  Rode a bicycle for years and had to put up with tram tracks as well.  Poor dears ...

Bicycle paths are the only way forward from here.  Footpaths and most roads are not appropriate anymore.  To many issues these days, including a lack of consideration and courtesy in society generally.  More concrete!!   

[Otto]

The river side footpath on Wynnum Rd at Norman Park is popular with bicycle riding commuters. It is a shared pathway and also has give way signs painted on the path at each driveway crossover, yet many just speed down the hill towards East Brisbane.. The elderly who use the bus stops just don't remember about the cyclists though the younger bus commuters are more cycle aware if they are regular bus users.

[justanotheruser]

I hate to say this, but bicycle rego might not be such a bad idea at all. Logged in at point of sale....

As long as they change the road rules to go with it. For instance bikes can take up the whole lane on a single lane road etc. if one has to pay then they should get the same courtesy other road users get. of course just like mopeds they wouldn't be allowed on freeways.

realistically accomodations should be made. there is no way in the world I am going to ride my bike on milton road or bowen bridge road. So either bike lanes should be put in or using the footpath should be allowed.  Having said that I do have a go at other cyclists who are inconsiderate to pedestrians and are a danger to other users (both pedestrians and cyclists).

Existing laws allow action to be taken so if that is not enforced then making new laws is pointless.

[#Metro]

Well I can't say I agree. Registration would be for ID purposes and paid at point of sale, and again when ownership changed. You could also have a universal cyclist insurance scheme this way as well.

Identification encourages responsibility.
If people can trace you, doing dumb things and getting away with it will be less likely.

I understand this is a radical idea, but It is worth considering IMHO. Seat belts were pretty radical when first introduced. Now they are standard. Even the mobility scooters popularly used by the elderly need to be registered.

Key thing is to make rego quick and cheap and simple.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Personally I think bike rego would be just impossible to enforce. Redirect the funds for setting up and maintaining the rego into actually providing bike paths/lanes.

[Jonno]

How about providing proper roads and lanes for cyclists in the first place. There are some massive dips from wear and tear/potholes and just no room for cyclists out there. If you can feel the vibration/tacking in a car just image how great it would be for the cyclist with tiny thin bicycle tires let alone them riding the same patch of road at night.

+1

[brismike]

Queensland is the only state AFAIA that allows bicycles on footpaths.  Not sure how long this will last.  The fact remains footpaths are really for pedestrians not speeding cyclists.  I have nothing against cyclists but if they are to continue on footpaths there does need to be some enforcement of speed restrictions, particularly around bus stops.

The rules regarding bikes riding on footpaths state that "Cyclists must give way to pedestrians at all times". So we already have a law. Blame the Police that it is not enforced. We do not need bike rego which will cost more to implement and administer than it would raise in funds. We do need more separated bike lanes. We don't need other members on here who want people to be nice to them because they drive a bus, calling people who ride bikes idiots either.

I ride a bike to 17k's to and from work every day. I take care when I do and always give way to Pedestrians. If I see other Cyclists doing the wrong thing I let them know too. No-one is perfect and we all make mistakes.

Mike

[justanotheruser]

The rules regarding bikes riding on footpaths state that "Cyclists must give way to pedestrians at all times". So we already have a law. Blame the Police that it is not enforced.

i called the police to check a few things regarding bike laws when I first moved here. The police officer hesitantly said "yes those things are legally required but we have bigger fish to fry". It would be nice if we had enough police to stop every single crime and bit of illegal activity including all those pedestrians who jaywalk but the fact is that is just not practical. they do occasionly do crackdowns.

We do not need bike rego which will cost more to implement and administer than it would raise in funds. We do need more separated bike lanes. We don't need other members on here who want people to be nice to them because they drive a bus, calling people who ride bikes idiots either.

I ride a bike to 17k's to and from work every day. I take care when I do and always give way to Pedestrians. If I see other Cyclists doing the wrong thing I let them know too. No-one is perfect and we all make mistakes.

Wonderfully said
i also have done this and told cyclists they should not be riding a bike in public without a bell even.  A bit of respect and common sense from all would solve the problem. 

[techblitz]

seems BCC took my complaint seriously and they will be putting a warning sign of some sort around the gap village bus stop where i had my incident. While this is great it really is a needle in a haystack to what needs to be done with so many bus stops with the same hazard.

[Golliwog]

seems BCC took my complaint seriously and they will be putting a warning sign of some sort around the gap village bus stop where i had my incident. While this is great it really is a needle in a haystack to what needs to be done with so many bus stops with the same hazard.

Hmmm, the cynic in me thinks this may have something to do with tomorrow's election rather than any major safety concern.

[ozbob]

Bristish Cycling --> London Cycling Survey: Prioritise Cycle Lanes

[ozbob]

The bicycle locker at Darra railway station.  This is located on the UP (shop) side and is where the temporary station office once was.

Had bicycles in it even on a Sunday. 









Photographs R Dow 13th May 2012

[Fares_Fair]

I had another unusual situation occur this morning.

I was waiting at a Tee junction to turn right and head off down to the railway station when a 'P' plater pulled up right alongside me about 30 seconds later.
As I turned out to turn right, the jolly P plater also turned out to turn right, I was astonished by the dangerous maneuver as I didn't know or couldn't see if or when he may hit me.
It's a fairly busy main road.

Fortunately for me, he allowed me to get to the (far) left side of the road before he roared off past me.
I did take down his number plate.

Talk about stupid.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Increase in cyclist, motorcyclist injuries

[johnnigh]

http://theconversation.edu.au/cutting-cycling-funding-is-economic-non-sense-7547?

A nice article in The Conversation pointing out the obvious, but won't be read by politicians, unfortunately.

Her noting that benefit-cost ratios for cycle infrastructure projects, have a median of 5:1, implying that the best are far higher, while for road projects it is rare for the ratio to be above unity (ie, most are a net cost over their lifetime), is particularly depressing.

Rail projects might similarly have higher ratios than road ones, simply because all the worthwhile road projects have already been done.

It simply illustrates further that infrastructure investment is largely political, not economically or socially responsible.

[ozbob]

The Hovenring: A new level of bike infrastructure

--> http://pricetags.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/the-hovenring-a-new-level-of-bike-infrastructure/

[ozbob]

From the South West News 17th October 2012 page 3

Anger at backflip over new bike link



Main discussion thread on Richlands to Springfield --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3940.msg110809#msg110809

[ozbob]

The Globe and Mail --> Car-mad Italians trading four wheels for two

... Bicycle sales in Italy have outpaced car sales for the first time since the early post-war era ...

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Body aching, chin numb and bandaged: CityKat is 'incredibly lucky' after a run-in with a bus

[#Metro]

Having buses in the bike lanes is silly as having people pushing prams in a crocodile enclosure at the zoo.
On road bike lanes are a joke. Often the bike lane has cars parked in it and consists of a line spray painted.

[Golliwog]

Having buses in the bike lanes is silly as having people pushing prams in a crocodile enclosure at the zoo.
On road bike lanes are a joke. Often the bike lane has cars parked in it and consists of a line spray painted.

If they're done properly they don't. There is a guide somewhere on the TMR website for to do them properly. If it's a parking lane as well, I'm pretty sure it's meant to be wider so you have the kerb, the parked car, then space for the cycle lane before the general traffic lane.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Having buses in the bike lanes is silly as having people pushing prams in a crocodile enclosure at the zoo.
On road bike lanes are a joke. Often the bike lane has cars parked in it and consists of a line spray painted.

I'm not having a go at her but there are always 2 sides to the story.

TT, she was actually riding in the bus lane and not a bike lane. Outside of Roma Street and the Victoria Bridge there are very little dedicated bike lanes but shared bike lanes which cars, buses, trucks, bikes, tanks, trikes, those aerodynamic dome laying down bikes etc can use. Shared bike lanes are different to dedicated bike lanes. On a 4 lane road such as George Street in the CBD bikes are allowed to use the first 2 left hand lanes. Since there is a shared bike logo on the right bikes can occupy the 2 right hand lanes aswell. Effectivley 4 shared bike lanes. IIRC there are no bike or shared bike lanes along Ann Street. Its Adelaide Street that has the shared bike lanes. Map of the CBD bike lanes http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/bccwr/facilities/documents/bike_map_5.pdf Its legal to ride in bus lanes however bus only lanes is a different story. Dedicated bike lanes also tend to stay away from parking on the side or if there is parking on the side there are large gaps (Sandgate Road). Shared lanes is what usually goes past parked cars. Just because its a bike lane doesn't mean its a bike lane all day (the bike lane along Bridgman Road you can park in from 9-3 and on weekends or something) Just take a trip through West End/South Bank to see an example of the mix of shared and dedicate bike lanes.

@Golliwog, the size of the lane and the width of the side parking also changes depending on the posted speed signs IIRC.

Happy to be correct if I'm incorrect about anything.

[ozbob]

Crikey --> Does cycling infrastructure reduce serious accidents?

[ozbob]

Looking down George St ..



Photograph R Dow 3rd December 2012

[HappyTrainGuy]

And not a single bike in sight 

[Cam]

And not a single bike in sight 

It's effectively a 200m "white elephant". Heading north, you have 2 road crossings & then either navigate the congested footpath around the pubs or risk your life on Roma Street where there is no cycle lane. Heading south, the cycle lane ends at Turbot St and because George St is a one way street heading north, you either use the congested footpath or travel a block east or west & then head south.

If there was a bi-directional cycle lane along the full length of George St, you would see more users. Hopefully, one day we will see such lanes the full length of just about every street in the CBD & riding around the CBD will be a pleasant experience. In the meantime, if you want to ride a bicycle in the CBD, there is the choice of risking your life on the road or navigating congested footpaths.

[HappyTrainGuy]

But aren't there two of those yellow share cycle symbols on the far left and right lanes all along George Street when heading north? Also isn't that Riverside bikeway linked to it about half way along? I've driven past and got a glympse of more of those double painted bike lanes so you would think that there would be a few people using it.

[Golliwog]

But aren't there two of those yellow share cycle symbols on the far left and right lanes all along George Street when heading north? Also isn't that Riverside bikeway linked to it about half way along? I've driven past and got a glympse of more of those double painted bike lanes so you would think that there would be a few people using it.

Pretty sure it's the Kurilpa Bridge, not the Riverside bikeway that comes into it halfway along.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Ah right.

[Golliwog]

Courier Mail/mX --> Investigation uncovers unfinished, unused bikeway in Brisbane's southern suburbs

Pictures --> HERE!