Public transport bosses make peace on North Brisbane Bikeway

A DEADLOCK between Brisbane and Queensland’s respective public transport bosses over a controversial bikeway has been broken and construction on its next stages will start soon.

Progress on the North Brisbane Bikeway will be welcome news for families.

A DEADLOCK between Brisbane and Queensland’s respective public transport bosses over a controversial bikeway has been broken and construction on its next stages will start soon.

The North Brisbane Bikeway has stopped spinning its wheels after LNP Brisbane Public and Active Transport chairman Adrian Schrinner put the brakes on the project back in May.

At the time Cr Schrinner put Stage 5 of the North Brisbane Bikeway, Price St to Kedron Brook, on hold until the state consulted with the public on the project.

Labor Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey shot back that City Hall needed to “stop the excuses” and get on with it, which included endorsing the state’s design for stages two and three.

But the pair, who are no strangers to the odd spat, particularly on Twitter, have made peace over the North Brisbane Bikeway, for now.

Brisbane’s Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

Cr Schrinner said the council had endorsed stages two and three after the Queensland Government promised to give the community a final say on the plans before construction.

“They gave the commitment that if the community had any significant concerns with the plans when they were released that they would consider making changes,” he said.

He said that the council would work on Stage 4 with the State Government before going back to the drawing board for the council’s section, Stage 5.

The council copped a backlash from Wooloowin businesses and residents over the council’s plan for Stage 5, from Price St to Kedron Brook.

“Some of questions that came up when we did the initial consultation on Stage 5 is whether the route we had selected was the best route and whether alternative routes should be considered,” Cr Schrinner said.

“So, once we lock in what’s happening with Stage 4 then we can progress Stage 5. But at this point of time Stage 5 is still on hold until we get some more certainty on Stage 4.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey. Picture: Adam Head

Mr Bailey tenders for construction for stages two and three would be released later this year with community consultation to take place “in coming months”.

He said stages two and three would connect Somerset St in Windsor to Rigby St in Wooloowin and feature priority pedestrian and bike rider crossings.

Bicycle Queensland chief executive officer Anne Savage said the joint investment in the North Brisbane Bikeway would encourage more people to ride instead of driving.

She said it would deliver major long-term benefits, like increased land value and business activity.

“The new section of path will provide a fast, safe, and seamless healthy travel option for riders of all ages and abilities, enabling thousands of locals and visitors to enjoy all that North Brisbane has to offer — on bikes,” she said.

Labor Councillor Jared Cassidy (Deagon), the opposition public and active spokesman, said the council had been “playing politics” with the bikeway.

“This will be a great incentive for those people who were uncomfortable riding on the roads to get on their bikes,” Cr Cassidy said.

Bicycle Queensland chief executive officer Anne Savage. Picture: AAP/Steve Pohlner