Bicentennial Bikeway - Milton - Dangerous drop

On this heavily trafficked section of shared path, the side adjacent to the Brisbane River is mostly unfenced. In most places the river bank is a series of local bluestone rocks sloping down at about 45 degrees from the very edge of the bitumen pathway. In many places there is less than half a metre of grassed area between the edge of the path and the riverbank, however in particular places there is no space between the path and the riverbank and the riverbank drops vertically due to a storm water outfall. This presents a risk of serious injury to a pedestrian or cyclist who may inadvertently ride or step over this drop of approximately 1m to the rocks below. The chances of this happening are multiplying with the increased in traffic on this shared path and the lack of effective path lighting.

The problem has existed for many years since the bikeway was opened in 1988. Since then the only thing that has changed has been the placement of the bluestone to stabilize the riverbank. Arguably this stone presents a less desirable landing zone (and higher likelihood of serious injury) when compared to the original mud.

The Brisbane City Council are no doubt aware of its existence with their storm water and sewerage works there over the years but seem to be waiting until they widen the bikeway to address the problem. Technically it is in breach of the Queensland Building Code which would require a barrier to be installed for drops up to 1m in height in such a location. The Austroads Part 14 guide also requires a barrier to be fitted but notes that in some instances the chance of striking that barrier may be greater than the chance of riding over the unprotected ledge.

There are similarly dangerous and unprotected drops on the section of the Gardens Point Bikeway