Anna Bligh | Posted Saturday, 10 March 2012

 

There is no government in Australia more committed to cycling than the Queensland Government.

Investing in cycling is a smart investment in both healthier Queenslanders and a more efficient use of existing road space. Every new cyclist means a healthier Queenslander and less congestion on our roads.

Cyclists currently save the economy $63.9 million per year in reduced congestion costs and $9.3 million in greenhouse gas emissions.

Since 2006 we have established a Cycling Network Program driven by collaborative planning with local government and bicycle users, and between 2010 and 2031 we will invest $600 million to fully develop the cycling network in South East Queensland.

In the last three years alone, we have invested more than $190 million as cycling infrastructure has been integrated into new major transport infrastructure projects such as the Gateway Duplication, the Ted Smout Bridge and the Kurilpa Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge between the CBD and GOMA.

This practical approach extends to new cycleways along the two new rail lines we are building – the Moreton Bay Rail Link and the Darra to Springfield line.

We’ve also jointly funded the Cairns to Aeroglen Cycleway, upgraded end-of-trip cycle facility requirements in commercial buildings for commuter cycling, incorporated bike lockers at new and upgraded Translink stations and invested $14 million to upgrade safety and capacity along the popular Bicentennial Bikeway from Toowong to the Brisbane CBD.

This is a great start but there is still more to do. Better access for northside cyclists to the Brisbane CBD, developing regional rail trails along disused rail corridors and ensuring cyclists are safe from dangerous drivers are all priorities for my next term of government.

More cycling, more often benefits all Queenslanders. Only a Bligh Labor Government will continue to deliver on our record of making cycling an integral part of Queensland’s current and future transport network.

 

 

Read the Media Release here: On your bike: new laws to protect cyclists and over $28 million for more cycling infrastructure

Read the Policy Document here: On your bike: getting more Queenslanders cycling

Source: queenslandlabor.org