Cycling danger zones booked by the Greens

The Greens have ramped up their Safer Bikeways campaign (launched Sunday 10 Feb) today by booking five of Brisbane 's worst danger zones with huge red tickets.

Led by Greens Lord Mayoral Candidate, Ms Jo Bragg, Greens candidates stood at Toowong Cemetery Roundabout at 10am in early morning traffic holding a large red danger ticket. This was the worst of the  five danger zones. The worst zones are:

1.      TOOWONG ROUND ABOUT: End Western Freeway Opposite Toowong Cemetery.

        No safe way for cyclists to travel North or  South.
        Toowong Ward. UBD 158 N15.
        Contact Greens Candidate Stuart Skabo.

 

2.      GREENSLOPES: Bikeway Cornwall Street to Lewisham Street.

        Poor track and poor lighting makes this unsafe.
        Moorooka Ward UBD 180 DE 6-10
        Contact Greens Lord Mayoral Candidate Jo Bragg

3.      VICTORIA BRIDGE:

        Narrow bike lane amidst traffic is unsafe.
        Central/Gabba ward.
        Contact Drew Hutton Greens Candidate for the Gabba.

4.      VULTURE STREET: Brisbane State High to Stanley Street.

        Lack of  safe cycleways or crossing      points for cyclists going     North or South.
        Gabba ward. UBD 22 FH 13-14.
        Contact Drew Hutton Greens Candidate for the Gabba.

5.      WINDSOR Kedron Brook Road and Newmarket Road.

        This intersection is dangerous for Southbound commuters and families with children trying to access Downey Park.
        Central Ward UBD N 16.
        Contact Anne Boccabella Greens candidate for Central.

Ms Bragg, a regular commuter cyclist, called on parents, cyclists, citizens and community groups to submit complaints about dangerous cycling zones in their local neighbourhoods.

People can submit their ideas by adding a comment on www.greenupbrisbane.net or by phoning or emailing their local Greens candidate

"We have had enough of poor transport planning and poorly maintained infrastructure," she said.

""Under Campbell Newman cycling has received only a dribble of funding. Brisbane 's bikeways have been destroyed by the debt heavy transport projects approved by the current council."

The Greens Safer Bikeways campaign announced on Sunday 10 February 2008 includes a $40 million election funding promise to triple the length of Brisbane 's bicycle network by 2015, effectively doubling Council's current annual funding commitment. This far outstripped the additional funding for 4 years promised by the Lord Mayor on Sunday 17 February 2008.

"Our children deserve safe bikeways so they can ride to school and play in their local communities without having to worry about being hurt in an accident," Ms Bragg said.

"The poor state of Brisbane bikeways puts our children and adults commuters alike in danger and places an unfair burden of responsibility on drivers to be watching out for accidents with on-road cyclists."

Ms Bragg said accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists were unacceptable.

"The Greens will turn this around and make Brisbane Australia 's safest and most bikeable city for all the family."

The current Council spent less than three per cent of its mammoth $650 million transport budget on bikeways, even though bike sales have beaten car sales for the past three years.

"The Greens are the only party committed to providing healthy alternatives to vehicle transport," Ms Bragg said.

"Cycling is one of the fastest growing and most popular recreational activities in Brisbane, and needs to be supported by responsible leadership in local council.

"Campbell Newman and Labor have ignored public preferences in favour of developing big road projects that generate profits for big companies and pollution for local people."

Ms Bragg said the Greens' bikeway policy would include on-road bicycle zones and off-road bike paths, with cyclists and pedestrians separated where possible.

"Our infrastructure is in unhealthy shape and needs urgent attention.

"The Greens are the only party that can deliver local bikeways for a healthy future," Ms Bragg said.

NOTE TO EDITORS:
The Greens will issue Brisbane 's transport danger zones with red tickets each week in the lead up to the local elections. Media will receive 12 hours notice unless otherwise agreed.

Contact

Ms Jo Bragg, Greens Lord Mayoral Candidate for Brisbane
0406 916 657

Stuart Skabo, Greens Candidate for Toowong
0411 821 248

Drew Hutton Greens candidate for the Gabba
0428 487 110

Anne Boccabella Greens candidate for Central
0421 195 234