Bike riders and pedestrians to have their own paths in safety upgrade at Broadwater Parklands

Council have addressed the conflict between scooters and pedestrians which they say is one of their “most consistent complaints”. See what will change

Bike riders and pedestrians will be separated and given their own pathways, under a new plan to be trialled at one of the Gold Coast’s most popular tourism parks.

The City will go to community consultation and ask residents to back the safety measures which will see an upgrade of the Broadwater Parklands.

Southport-based councillor Brooke Patterson is behind the move, releasing graphics and maps showing pathways sectioned off for either riders or pedestrians.

“One of the most consistent complaints to my office this term, is the conflict between pedestrians and mobility devices – e-scooters, skateboards and bikes,” Cr Patterson said.

“Our data indicates few accidents actually occur. However, people’s experience of safety is just as important as the safety itself. If people feel stressed and unsafe just trying to take a walk in City parks, that is not okay.

Plans for a cyclist only pathway at the Broadwater Parklands on the Gold Coast.

“I have listened and taken residents’ feedback on board and that is why we are proposing separated pathways through our most congested areas of Broadwater Parklands.”

Plans between Southern Lawn and the Little Lawn, north of Washington Waters, show:

* The proposed separate bike path utilises the existing pathway on the western side of the Broadwater Parklands.

* New signage and line marking identifies this portion of the path for bikes and e-device use only.

* Officers in an update noted the benefits of the separated pathway included increased pedestrian safety along the more popular eastern pathway.

* The speed limit would be posted at 25km/h for this section of separated bikeway, and remain at 12km/h on the eastern pathway, as required under state laws.

Map of what pathways could be like in the Broadwater Parklands on the Gold Coast, where cyclists have their own laneways.

“This will reduce the conflict between pedestrians and other devices,” officers wrote.

The signage and line marking upgrades would be completed with the broader park upgrade occurring around the Washington Waters playground

Cr Patterson said: “We looking forward to hearing what people think of the proposal during our public consultation.”

Councillors in May demanded urgent action after fearing supercharged electric scooters would cause accidents.

Aerial view of what a bike only path would be like under plans for the Broadwater Parklands on the Gold Coast.

The State Government was asked to intervene to introduce licences after complaints about speeding electric bikes on the new Oceanway and beachfront pathways in tourism hubs.

Mayor Tom Tate wrote to Transport Minister Mark Bailey pleading for state intervention to control youth riders, saying police are powerless to stop two-wheeled hoons.

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