Some cyclists have described riding through Brisbane CBD as “scary” and “terrifying” as they listed 2850 cycling safety black spots in Brisbane.
Others say they have ridden through the city for 15 years and it is relatively calm and safe.
Brisbane City Council has completed its "Move Safe" survey of safety hot spots, where cyclists made comments about 2850 problem locations throughout the city.
Brisbane’s inner-city has generated most safety complaints from cyclists in a 2018 survey.
As the Move Safe map is explored it brings up cyclists’ comments on individual roads and streets.
Brisbane’s inner city receives most criticism and the bikeways leading into the city are widely praised.
Of Brisbane’s 2850 problem locations, almost 1600 problems and suggested improvements are found in a three-kilometre ring around the Brisbane CBD.
Bicycle Queensland on Wednesday called for planning to be bought forward for a grid of separated bike lanes around the CBD to make cycling safer.
A small sample of comments from cyclists regarding Brisbane’s CBD includes:
Ann Street, opposite Brisbane City Hall
- “Ann Street is scary at the moment. Construction works have narrowed already crowded footpaths, and riding on street can be more than a little harrowing.”
- “A two-way protected bikeway along Ann Street to Fortitude Valley would be absolute bonza.”
Ann Street near North Quay
- “So much potential for the CBD… Bicentennial bikeway is SO GOOD but then access from there to the actual buildings and workplaces is terrifying! Better in-CBD access would unlock so much potential.”
Albert Street near Turbot Street
- “There is a dedicated bike lane along Roma St that disappears on the approach to Turbot St heading east. The road here is wide enough for a bike lane, however, the current lack of one makes riding along here very dangerous due to having to ride across lanes if continuing up Turbot St towards the Valley or turning right into Edward St."
- “A dedicated bike lane that flows from Roma Street through Turbot St would be useful.”
Paul Harvey rides his bike into the city every day for work and said he did not consider it to be dangerous.
"There is traffic but it's not too bad. It is relatively safe. I've been riding in town for 15 years and I haven't had a problem," he said.
"Most people are pretty courteous."
Brisbane cyclist Paul Harvey says potholes and old tram tracks are the biggest problem in a “relatively safe” CBD .Credit:Tony Moore
Mr Harvey said he liked Bicycle Queensland's idea of a grid of separated bike lanes around the CBD.
"I know they have trialled that in Sydney," he said.
"I think a lot of pedestrians are oblivious to it. They see there is no one there (on the cycleway) and just think they will walk right up the path."
Mr Harvey said potholes and the city's old tram tracks in Adelaide Street, which occasionally re-emerge as bitumen breaks up under the traffic load, were the main problems for cyclists.
Cycling safety hotspots identified by cyclists to Brisbane City Council in 2018.
Colombian-born cyclist Joanna Marcella has lived in Brisbane for eight months and rode her bike to deliver food through the inner city.
Ms Marcella said Brisbane's traffic was safe compared with Colombian streets.
"I am used to working in traffic, so for me it is not too bad. In Colombia cycling is bad. Here they have more respect for the person, for the cyclist."
Joanna Marcella.Credit:Tony Moore
The council and the state government departments of Transport and Main Roads were now investigating new bikeways through the Brisbane CBD.
Brisbane City Council said it planned a new L-shaped cycleway connecting the riverwalk bikeway at the City’s Botanic Gardens to the City Reach Boardwalk.
It planned to evaluate and compile the cycling data by the end of November.
The Queensland government was investigating new cycleways along George Street linked to the new Queens Wharf casino and resort development.
Comment was sought from the state government but no response was received.
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