[bikeqld] Re: Armco barriers and OH&S

[Matt]

If MR and QT gave a rat's arse about road users other than those in cars -
they wouldn't be using Armco and that steel cable stuff on the highways.

 

The simple fact is that if you're on two wheels - you don't rate.

 

 

 

From: bikeqld-bounces at bikeqld.org.au [mailto:bikeqld-bounces at bikeqld.org.au]
On Behalf Of kim
Sent: Wednesday, 4 February 2009 11:14 AM
To: BikeQld
Subject: [bikeqld] Re: Armco barriers and OH&S

 

Pete,

Agree with you wholeheartedly on the the barrier issue. The problem is a lot
greater on the pointy side which often faces the shared paths. I have
mentioned it directly to the Active Transport folk in BCC and even took in
some photos to show them. I used the Fig Tree Road overpass as an example as
this is part of the bikeway network joining the Cubberla Ck bikeway to the
Western Freeway and it is a narrow shared path. I got no interest or
response from ATU. In fact they have specifically said that they do not have
the resources to get involved in the "minutiae" of the cycleway designs.
The Fig Tree Pocket Rd one was a bit interesting as there is a section where
some effort has been made to protect the back of the rail from a glancing
strike and I note that the new style of support posts have C sections with
rounded corners rather than the older 'U' sections with sharp corners, but
are still not capped. I am presuming this protection was retrofitted after
some complaint. I am not even sure if that is MR or BCC jurisdiction on that
particular section. I think MR are more aware of the high speed barrier risk
issues re motorcylists and bus overturns etc.

I stuck some pictures up on the Wiki here:

http://www.bikeqld.org.au/wiki/Kenmore_-_Fig_Tree_Pocket_Rd_-_Armco_rail_str
ike_risk

Kim



Peter Whittle wrote: 

Gents

 

Please tell me your thoughts on this: One of the windmills I tilt against is
Armco barriers at the side of cycle paths. Two examples are on Brisbane Road
at Toowong on the UQ route, and at the top of Fairfield Road (actually
Cornwall St) by the Dutton Park Cemetery. The barriers have sharp, hard
edges on their poles, that would be very dangerous in the event of a fall.
They would be easily capped, but no. By way of analogy, reinforcing rod on
building sites and star posts must now be capped.

 

I have twice asked BCC, through councillors Abrahams and Johnston, what is
their policy on use of these barriers, and the question has twice been
ignored. Admittedly the question has been mixed with others. One response
said the Armco had to be there to protect cyclists from errant cars, which
is sensible but missing the point.

 

I am wondering about my next approach, whether to specifically ask the Lord
Mayor to comment on the safety of these barriers to cyclists and pedestrians
and hence on their appropriate use. Alternatively, I can approach the body
responsible for OH&S and say these are hazards for people on their way to
work and ask them to investigate and inform me.

 

I would be grateful for comments from sensible and knowledgeable people as
yourselves, else please give me your agreement to do this under the banner
of SWBrisBUG.

 

Cheers.

 

Pete

0434 729 855

 

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