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Hi all ...<br><br>
Received the following (see below) which no doubt will be of interest ...
<br><br>
I am especially looking forward to enjoying "a vast system of linked
bikeways stretching from Noosa down the Sunshine Coast through Brisbane
and Ipswich to the Gold Coast." ... but am left wondering when it
might become useful / usable.<br><br>
However it is also interesting how impressive (but confusing if the terms
are used correctly) it all is with bikeways, bikepaths, cycle networks,
cycle routes, (mainly it seems off-road and including for jogging and
walking) ... see the bit now in red below and as for any IPA involvement
in end-of-trip or other facilities, the bit now in green says it all
...!<br><br>
As we (?) certainly do NOT want cyclists on Queensland's roads, I
especially like the bit where Mr Lucas says "wherever possible,
bikeways were provided separately from the existing roadway, to cater for
all road users" ...! <br><br>
Surely he means to cater for motorists ?? <br><br>
And what exactly IS a "cycle priority lane" ...? <br><br>
It sounds ominously like the "bike lane" you have when you do
NOT have a complying "bike lane". Surely not ...!<br><br>
When you see the RTA rolling out signed shoulders on motorways (but QT-MR
ban them in Qld) and on local rural roads and/or find extensive paths
between townships, and lots of 40km/h streets in shopping areas and town
centres so there is really no need for bike lanes or paths, its easy to
see why there is plenty to do here in Qld.<br><br>
It all seems to be "special" projects rather than integrated or
simply "normal"... and most of it is still way in the future
... despite the billions being spent on roads.<br><br>
Maybe someone can find the list and the plans of the projects? Have they
been fully designed and costed? With any consultation?<br><br>
MY............<br><br>
From the <i>PS News</i> <br><br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""><b>Approval has been given</b>
for 88 new projects that would expand the South East Queensland cycle
network by an extra 90km.<br>
According to Acting Premier Paul Lucas, the new projects were an
investment in the health and liveability of South East Queensland.<br>
“The projects are part of the State Government’s commitment of $556
million over 20 years for the development of cycle routes,” Mr Lucas
said.<br>
“Today’s $18 million State Government commitment will be matched by
funding from Local Governments so all up, this will deliver $36 million
worth of new and upgraded bikeways.”<br><br>
<div align="center"><i> </i><br>
He said the projects were an important part of
the Government’s long-term strategy to reduce reliance on private
vehicles, cut traffic congestion and carbon emissions, and improve the
health of Queenslanders.<br>
“Most bikeways can be used for cycling, jogging or walking –
all healthy alternatives to get people around the South East without the
need for cars.”<br>
He said the South East Queensland Cycle Network would
provide a vast system of linked bikeways stretching from Noosa down the
Sunshine Coast through Brisbane and Ipswich to the Gold Coast.<br>
“This is a massive boost to our bikeway program,” Mr Lucas
said.<br>
“The State Government funded 32 cycling projects with Local
Governments in 2006/2007, 61 projects in 2007/2008 and work is now
beginning on these 88 projects, due for completion in 2008/2009.”<br>
Mr Lucas said <font color="#FF0000"><b>wherever possible,
bikeways were provided separately from the existing roadway, to cater for
all road users, including school children. Where appropriate, cycle
priority lanes would be clearly marked on traffic lanes on existing wide
roads.<br>
“The funding also provides for route signage to help bikeway
users find their way around the system to activity centres, employment
areas, shops, schools, public transport and other
destinations.”</b></font><br>
The Acting Premer also <font color="#008000"><b>encouraged
employers to provide end-of-trip facilities that included secure bicycle
racks, showers and change areas so staff and visitors could ride or walk
to work.</b></font><br>
Details of the projects and more information about the South
East Queensland Cycle Network Program was available at:
<a href="http://www.transport.qld.gov.au"><font color="#0000FF"><u>
www.transport.qld.gov.au</a></font></u></div>
</blockquote></body>
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