Massive Boost to Bikeways and Active Travel
05 July, 2008
Sign Up for free e-mail updates!
Cyclists will soon see the benefits of Lord Mayor Campbell Newman’s massive $100 million investment in bikeways, with the roll out of his bold vision imminent.
Over $25 million will be spent on the Brisbane’s bikeway network this coming financial year alone, which will see new infrastructure created and existing bikeways upgraded.
“To put this in context, Council spent $25.9 million on bikeways over the past four years, so we’re effectively spending in one year what we just did in four,” Cr Newman said.
“This is a significant commitment that will reduce traffic congestion, decrease carbon emissions, promote fitness and increase safety around schools.
“We have quadrupled funding so cyclists commuting from the suburbs have the opportunity to get right across the city without needing to weave through traffic.”
The Lord Mayor’s visionary bike hire scheme, which has captured the public’s imagination both here and interstate, receives $600,000 in the upcoming financial year.
“In the future, I see bikes playing a much greater role in shorter distance travel – and what we are doing is helping to encourage and speed that culture change by providing the infrastructure,” he said.
“Grabbing a hire bike is not only a hassle-free way to get around, but it’s also a healthy alternative and helps the environment.
“What I expect is that people will see how easy it is to get around the city by bike and will naturally use the car less for quick trips down to the shops and other short journeys.”
Also included in the funding is $200,000 in 2008/09 (rising to $300,000 in upcoming Budgets) for bikeway safety signage, so users will know exactly where they are at all times.
“People will be seeing bikeways and footpaths across the city upgraded to ensure they are safe and serviceable,” Cr Newman said.
In line with that massive investment, the Lord Mayor has doubled funding to $750,000 for the highly successful Active School Travel program.
Participating schools have seen an 11.3 per cent decrease in sole passenger car travel to and from school.
They also experienced a 7 per cent increase in walking and a 4 per cent increase in car-pooling.
“Last year, we worked with 13 schools to develop Active School Travel programs, so we would hope to see that number double in the coming year,” Cr Newman said.
“It’s all about encouraging healthy behaviours at a young age and I am delighted to see how successful the program has been so far.”
The Lord Mayor’s commitment to cycling infrastructure was demonstrated just last week, with the official opening of the Council-funded King George Square Cycle Centre.