Media 18 June 2007

Hazardous cycle lane blockage on Victoria Bridge

A frustrated cycling commuter contacted CAST this morning to report that the inbound cycle lane on Victoria Bridge (Brisbane City) was blocked when she rode across the bridge at 8:30am (Monday 18 June).

After further investigation it was confirmed that the lane was blocked by a long, metal temporary fence which still remained after 9am despite being reported to the Brisbane City Council call centre.

Cyclists were forced to suddenly merge with heavy vehicle traffic because there was no prior warning signage and no opportunity for cyclists to turn around and get off the bridge onto the footpath.

“This dangerous and unnecessary hazard shows the kind of contempt the Government has for cyclists,” said CAST spokesperson Tristan Peach.

“Government would never allow an important car route to be blocked unnecessarily without warning,” said Mr Peach.

“Cyclists are treated like second class citizens in Brisbane, and we demand an apology for this mistake and and assurance that it will not happen again,” said Mr Peach.

This bike lane is popular with the many cyclists coming from West End, South Brisbane, Highgate Hill and Dutton Park.

The barrier may have been left on the road after an event or road closure on the weekend.

CAST believe Brisbane needs a full network of cycle paths and lanes to encourage more people to use their bike as a mode of transport for accessing work, shops and other services.

“Brisbane’s current cycle network is a hotch potch of fragmented paths along creeks and occasional bike lanes on roads that randomly disappear,” said Mr Peach.

CAST also want to see more bicycle lockers at railway stations to encourage people to cycle for shorter trips.

“Some well used railway stations have only four bike lockers, which are all in use, while people who lock their bikes to fences or poles risk having them stolen,” said Mr Peach.