CityLink Cycleway trial – connecting Brisbane's last mile
Luke Robertson
Brisbane City Council, Queensland
This presentation was delivered at the 2021 Online Conference Series and until October 2022 is only available to registered delegates and Content Access Pass holders via Interchange. For information on accessing this and other presentations please review the Content Access Pass options.
ABSTRACT
The last mile into the CBD has always been a challenge for Brisbane cyclists. Council and the QLD Government have invested heavily in active transport infrastructure connecting to the CBD however the last mile has always been a missing link.
A number of factors helped develop momentum to build these important connections:
- The Transport Plan for Brisbane prioritised high-quality CBD public and active transport networks.
- COVID-19 pandemic saw increases in active transport of up to 90%.
- Increased cooperation between state and local government with creation of the bipartisan Active Transport Advisory Committee (ATAC).
- Major infrastructure and construction projects allowed for network changes to free up capacity for active transport.
In August 2020 the CityLink Cycleway trial was announced, co-funded by Council and the QLD Government. The 12 month trial sees bi-directional separated cycleways along Elizabeth, Edward and William Streets and the Victoria Bridge, providing a safe connection into and through the CBD.
A challenging design process ensued with Council converting the Victoria Bridge to a green bridge, repurposing existing kerbside lanes throughout the City and installing separators to protect users from traffic. Council also negotiated with the QLD government to allow e-mobility devices to use the infrastructure.
The biggest challenge is how the trial becomes a success and the start of a CBD active transport network. This is crucial to Council’s future plan for the city, connecting directly to the new Victoria and Kangaroo Point green bridges. Council’s 12 month monitoring and evaluation program will see continued evaluation and changes in response to feedback, behaviour change initiatives and qualitative and quantitative data collection to demonstrate improvements to perceived safety and mode change.
The presentation also offers the opportunity for a guided site visit led by designers/planners as part of the conference.
Author
Luke Robertson | Brisbane City Council
Luke is the Public and Active Transport Manager at Brisbane City Council. An avid cyclist and public transport buff, periods working in New Zealand and the UK and travelling extensively peaked his interest developing and delivering active transport outcomes. Luke has been intimately involved in the CityLink Cycleway trial, from network planning to concept development and detailed design and implementation. He is leading the monitoring and evaluation process to ensure the project is a success.
