Cyclists score two-for-one bikeway thanks to warring politicians

After a protracted stoush that saw the North Brisbane Bikeway stalled, the State Government says it will build its version, while Brisbane City Council constructs its own — resulting in two different routes for the same bikeway.

Cyclists are closer to enjoying a two-for-one bikeway windfall through the inner north of Brisbane.

In the latest round of a convoluted political battle highlighting the tensions between the State Government and Brisbane City Council, the State Government called for tenders this week for the design of Stage Four of the controversial North Brisbane Bikeway.

That leg of the bikeway would connect to the end of Stage Three at Rigby St, Wooloowin, run along Dickson St to end at Price St.

It was originally planned that the bikeway after that point would be connected through side streets to Kedron Brook Bikeway near Kedron State High School, Wooloowin.

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However, Brisbane City Council is finalising the design for the fifth stage, which will begin at the terminus of Stage Three, but turn west at Chalk St, eventually connecting to the Kedron Brook Bikeway via Thistle St, Lutwyche. That’s about a five or six minute ride from the original location, according to Google Map’s cycle trip planner.

Stage Four of the North Brisbane Bikeway is the top section along Dickson St, to Price St. Source: TMR

North Brisbane Bikeway stage plan. Source: TMR

Stage Five of the bikeway was reconfigured by council after community consultation with residents and business operators, who expressed concern about the loss of on-street carparking — among other issues — if the original route was followed.

So when Stages Four and Five are completed, cyclists riding north from the city will face a fork in the road — head west on Chalk St before heading north again via the safety of the Kedron Brook Bikeway — the entire route following a gazetted bikeway; or head north past Chalk St, travel along Dickson St to the bikeway’s abrupt end at Price St, resorting to surface roads once more to navigate further north or west to the Kedron Brook Bikeway.

The revised Brisbane City Council-built Stage Five route of the North Brisbane Bikeway (in red) to Kedron Brook Bikeway (in green) at Lutwyche. The blue line Stage Four to Price St — which will be built by the State Government — and the start of the original Stage Five route which council discarded.

Future stages of the North Brisbane Bikeway would see a continuous route from the city to Chermside.

The outcome was a compromise, of sorts. The two routes were the result of at-times heated negotiation between the two levels of government, which saw the project stalled and the finger of blame pointed in both directions.

The construction tender for Stages 2 and 3, to be built by the State, closed in February and construction is expected to begin within weeks.

The original proposal for the Stage Five route, which was discarded by Brisbane City Council in favour of a deviation at Chalk St. Image: Brisbane City Council.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Bailey said Stage Four would be built as originally planned.

“Riders have told us they want the North Brisbane Bikeway to continue along Dickson Street, and that’s the design we’re sticking with,” he said.

“Once complete, stages one to four of the North Brisbane Bikeway will provide almost 4.5km of safer, separated bicycle lanes that will link with Brisbane’s broader network of bike infrastructure.”

The North Brisbane Bikeway is hoped to take cyclists off the congested Albion-Wooloowin “death corridor”, as it is known. The bridge between Bridge St and Hudson Rd is one of the most dangerous pinch points. PICTURE: AAP/Sarah Marshall

Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the council had revised the route after community consultation.

“Council listened to the local community and proposed an alternative alignment for the fifth stage of the North Brisbane Bikeway which would connect Bridge Street to the Kedron Brook Bikeway, via Chalk Street and the Lutwyche Bus Station,” Cr Schrinner said.

“This new alignment was designed to reduce impacts on surrounding properties while connecting major transport corridors and the Lutwyche Shopping Centre.

“Council is currently finalising the design, which will connect to the State Government’s third stage at the intersection of Bridge Street and Chalk Street.”

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The State Government’s media release about the call for tenders for Stage Four included comment from cycling groups:

Bicycle Queensland CEO, Anne Savage, welcomed the tender offer.

“Cities that invest in healthy travel enjoy the benefits, with five dollars gained for every dollar spent,” Ms Savage said.

“Bikeway growth is essential to our economic prosperity and will position Brisbane to achieve the vision of a healthy, safe, and sustainable travel future, reducing congestion and promoting healthy urban development.

“We commend the State Government and its investment in the North Brisbane Bikeway, which will provide a missing link in the bikeway network to help shorten travel times, improve safety, and get cyclists home sooner to their families.”

Co-Convener of the North Brisbane BUG Andrew Methorst said it was awesome to have a key gap in the Brisbane north cycling infrastructure addressed.

“Can’t wait to see the bikeway go all the way to EJ,” Mr Methorst said.

For more information on the North Brisbane Bikeway project visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au

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