CAIRNS BIKEWAY STRATEGY 1996 - 1997

26th December 1997

The fourth meeting of the Cairns Bikeway Strategy Working Group was held on Wednesday 26th November 1997, at the Cairns City Council, chaired by Mr Ian Lindsay, Manager Culture and Lifestyle Services.

Strategy Review;

There will be at least two review meetings prior to the next meeting, 29th January 1998. The budget is $92,000 and $8,000 have been spent. The Manager of Infrastructure and Strategic Planning controls the Council's "five year plan".

Strategy Progress;

1. Link between Springfield Crescent and Brinsmead Shopping Plaza.

The bridges are in store (Since July 1997). The project stands at $95,000. Clarification of costs expended and remaining funds available will be corresponded to the committee before the next meeting, 29th January 1998.

2. Mill Road, Hambledon State School. (COMPLETED)

The path from Hambledon State School to Wiseman Road was completed in October in conjunction with the Schoolsafe Program.

3. Skeleton Creek Underpass.

The plans are with the Drawing Office for redesign. Main Roads has committed an amount of money.

4. Maintenance, Section 5.8.

(a)Most of the linemarking is complete. An audit is needed to confirm this.

(b)Parks and Leisure Services will send a request to Technical Services for a routine maintenance program on paths (and road shoulders please), subject to a high amount of fallen leaves, branches etc.

5. Education Program.

Sample brochure was tabled for feedback. A map of the CBD and other languages such as Japanese and German may be included.

6. James St Crossing. (Median - CBUG Report No 55)

This project will be jointly funded by Main Roads and the Cairns City Council. It is anticipated to have works completed by Christmas.

7. CBUG Cyclists' Road Path Reports. CBUG Update

(a)Cairns City Council spreadsheet of reports was tabled.

(b)A number of reports relate to road shoulders. The strategy review will look at prioritising shoulder works for future capital fund allocation.

(c)CBUG thanked Main Roads for removing reflectors on Capt Cook Hwy at the Caravonica exit.

(d)The McCoombe St bicycle detector loop is not functioning successfully. (17th December 1997, Bicycle detector loop is now functioning successfully. THANKYOU Main Roads)

8. Ragnar St/Talisman Close link.

Cr Fran Lindsay requested an update of the costing for bridge and path.

9. Cheviot Street, Smithfield, crossing. CBUG queried progress of this Cyclists' Report No 71.

10. Future planning - On Road Facilities.

Council awaits reply from Main Roads about CBUG request that future planning will ensure on-road facilities (e.g. Brinsmead, Redlynch Bypass).

11. Bike racks on buses.

Brian Law (CBUG), gave an overview of bicycle facilities in Holland and the United States, in particular Bike Racks on buses. Committee was asked to approach SUNBUS.

12. Road Reflector Cateyes.

A letter which was received by Cr Down, was tabled, expressing the dangers of reflector cateyes. (Please note; Main Roads is now making it a practice to place reflectors in the traffic lane and NOT in the bicycle lane or on the road shoulder.) THANKYOU

Next meeting:- 29th January 1998 at 9 am.

27th October 1997

Since the first meeting in May, two more meetings have been held, with the last one being the most productive to date. Technical representation from Main Roads, Queensland Transport and Cairns City Council reported progress of the Strategy.

Works being planned are:-

  • Richardson St, bike lanes
  • Brinsmead Shopping Plaza, bike path and 2 foot bridges
  • McCoombe St/Givens St, bicycle detection, traffic signals
  • Skeleton Creek, underpass and bike path
  • Hambledon School, dual use path
  • Council's lane marking program, 23 documented items
  • Sheridan St, Cairns North, shoulder sealing Sheridan St, south of Saltwater Creek bridge. FEDERAL BLACKSPOT FUNDING - 1998

    Works that are completed are:-

  • Sheridan St, Cairns North, reposition guard rail south of Saltwater Creek bridge
  • Reservoir Rd, road shoulders, Pease St to Griffiths St; dual use foot path, Pease St to bus stop
  • Florence St, Mulgrave Rd to McLeod St, bike lanes and approach bike lanes at intersections
  • Mulgrave Rd/Martyn St, bike lanes and approach bike lanes at intersections
  • Bunda St, bike lanes
  • Bruce Hwy/Portsmith Rd, intersection, pedestrian crossings and signals
  • CBUG Cyclists' Road/Path Reports

    Works that need to get done:-

  • James St, median crossing
  • Strategy shoulder sealing program
  • CBUG Cyclists' Road/Path Reports

    Projects:-

  • Bike Map, Cairns City Council
  • Bike Education, foreign students, Road Safety and Police
  • Bike pamphlet for bike shops and hire bikes, Cairns City Council

    CBUG requests:-

  • That all future road upgrading and construction include, shoulders, bike lanes and approach bike lanes at intersections, where appropriate
  • That all future traffic signals include bicycle detection at intersections where roads do not have a permanent demand
  • Our submission to Main Roads, "AUSTROADS REVIEW", requests that Australian Standards be set for a basic bicycle operating space to determine the provision of bicycle facilities.

    28th May 1997

    "CAIRNS BIKEWAY STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION WORKING GROUP":

    The first meeting of the Cairns Bikeway Strategy Implementation Working Group was held on Wednesday 28th May 1997 at the Cairns City Council Board Room. The following business was discussed:-

  • Name: This committee will be called the Cairns Bikeway Working Group.

  • Terms of Reference: CBUG has requested that the terms of reference includes the actioning of cyclists' road/path reports and their formal acceptance into the strategy. Resolutions passed by this committee will be administered by Culture and Lifestyle and forwarded to the meeting of the Cairns City Council. Copies will be distributed to all members of the working group.

  • Representation: CBUG will be allowed two representatives on this committee.

  • Strategy Progress to Date: The Cairns City Council has commenced plans for the Brinsmead Shopping Plaza to Springfield Cres paths and foot bridges. Works are expected to commence June 1997. The cost of these works are more than is quoted in the Strategy therefore the rest of the 1996/97 capital works will not be actioned this financial year. No other works contained in the strategy were reported as having been actioned nor any information about works intening to be actioned.

  • Travelsafe Forum: Cr Fran Lindsay and Verda Clayton, our "bike officer", attended the Queensalnd Parliament, Travelsafe public meeting, Shared Bikeways - Cyclists and Pedestrians, in Brisbane, 26th May 1997. CBUG sent a written submission. Our request included greater funding and a higher priority for bicycle transport by all levels of government. The Queensland Department of Transport will be establishing a bikeway department similar to "BIKEWEST" in Western Australia.

  • CBUG Road/Path Reports: CBUG presented a list of nineteen reports received from cyclists since July 1996. They were listed in subjects for easy identification. They were also listed into what is in the Strategy, what has been done and what needs to be inserted into the Strategy. Reports received prior to July 1996 were submitted to the consultants who incorporated these reports into the Strategy which was passed by Council August 1996.

    20th March 1997

    "BIKE OFFICER":

    The cyclists of Cairns would like to welcome Verda Clayton, our newly appointed "bike officer" within the position of Recreation Development Officer, Culture and Lifestyle Services, Cairns City Council. Verda is responsible for organising the establishment of the Cairns Bikeway Strategy Implementation Working Group.

    Sue Sander, Acting Manager, Culture and Lifestyle Services, has overall responsibility for the implementation of the Cairns Bikeway Strategy.

    FUNDING:

    Cr Fran Lindsay reported to our Annual General Meeting on the 15th March 1997, that funding for the strategy has been approved by the Cairns City Council in the 1996/97 six monthly budget review.

    7th March 1997

    BIKE RALLY:

    A "bike rally" will be held on Saturday 5th April, assembling 9am at the Brinsmead Shopping Centre, Pease St. An 8 km ride will take us to The Esplanade and will finish about 10.30 am.

    Dignitaries expected will be:- Cr Fran Lindsay (CCC), Natarsha Williams (BMX World Champion), Glen Prior (President Croc's Triathlon Club), Bob Dugdell (President BMX Club), Ritchie Bates (Cycling Club). The ride will be led by tricycle rider Jeffrey Kennedy (CBUG member).

    Clubs that are expected to participate will be:-

  • Cairns Cycling Club
  • Cairns Croc's Triathlon Club
  • Cairns Mountain Bike Club
  • Cairns BMX Club
  • Sporting Wheelies
  • Cairns Bicycle User Group
  • Recycle the Roads
  • Cyclists of the community

    The aim of the rally is to bring public notice of the presence and the needs of cyclists who ride for bicycle transport to work, school, shopping etc, sport, recreation, touring and the wheeled handicapped, (TRICYCLES AND WHEEL CHAIRS).

    STRATEGY UPDATE:

    There is no definite confirmation that there is any funding for the strategy from the Cairns City Council six monthly review l996/97.

    A "bike officer" will be appointed within the Cairns City Council. This will be a part time responsibility within the position of the Recreation Development Officer, Culture and Lifestyle.

    The first job of the "bike officer" will be to establish the Cairns Bikeway Strategy Implementation Working Group".

    31st December 1996

    Happy New Year: Happy New Year: Happy New Year: Happy New Year: Happy New Year:

    LOOKING TO THE FUTURE:

    The future is what we do today not something we're gunna do tomorrow. Here is a report of the strategy as it is today.

  • Funding to the consultants to research the Cairns Bikeway Strategy July 1996, cost the ratepayers $40,000.

  • Funding as promised in the media, to launch, promote, implement aand drive the strategy was not approved by the 1996/97 budget committee.

  • On the 26 August 1996, the Council adopted the Cairns Bikeway Strategy - POLICY. The launch, promotoion and annual capital works program will be actioned when funds become available. The amount required is less than 1% of the transport budget. Bicycle transport is a cost saving program for the community but is a low priority budget decision.

  • Cr Fran Lindsay and Council Officer Ian Lindsay who is responsible for the strategy, were the Cairns delegates to VELO AUSTRALIS, the international bicycle conference held in Freemantle, WA, 27 October - 1 November 1996.

  • A letter from the Chief Executive Officer dated 19 November 1996 to Cairns Bicycle User Group states:- "As you are no doubt aware Council had to make a number of financial cuts within the current Capital Works Program 1996/97 financial year. Unfortunately this prevented the immediate implementation of those works contained within the Bicycle Strategy."

  • A letter from the Chief Executive Officer dated 21 November 1996 to Recycle the Roads states:- "The priorities adopted by Council for 1996/97 were considered by Council to be most relevant to the needs of the community for 1996/97. Council cannot look at one area of its responsibility in isolation as to do so would be errant."

  • IT IS ERRANT OF COUNCIL TO ISOLATE BIKEWAYS:

  • The Cairns Bikeway Strategy POLICYstates:- "The bicycle will be recognised as a significant travel mode in all road planning and traffic engineering, and bicycle travel will be encouraged."

  • The Cairns Bikeway Strategy KEY RECOMMENDATIONS state:- "The management and co-ordination of the bikeway strategy must be integrated with the Council's Transport Strategy."

  • The Cairns Bikeway Strategy Implementation Working Group has not been established and the "bike officer" has not been appointed. The Council Officer responsible for the Strategy will be absent from February 1997 to July 1997.

  • In December 1996 the Cairns Bicycle Safety Advisory Committee was disbanded without establishing the Cairns Bikeway Strategy Implementation Working Group.

  • The Council and Main Roads may without special funding provide:- shoulder and path cleaning, repairs to pot holes, linemarking in conjunction with other road works, shoulder sealing in conjunction with other road works, paths in other programs.

  • Improvements on roads for cyclists is becoming evident. The marking of an approach bicycle lane before the intersection of Capt Cook Hwy and Aeroglen Dr, Cairns North and a few other locations is the start of recognising bicycle safety at intersections. The resealing of roads over the full width of the shoulder is much more functional and safe for cyclists. The Capt Cook Hwy, travelling north, prior to the Machans Bch turnoff is an example.

    BICYCLE FRIENDLY ROADS ARE THE BEST AND SAFEST FOR MOTOR TRAFFIC

    19th November 1996

    RE-CYCLE THE ROADS:

    A well has sprung and the cycling community is gushing forth with renewed energy. Thanks to the efforts of our members, Margaret Pestorius and Bryan Law, a new awareness of bicycle issues is underway.

    On the 18th November, Councillors Fran Lindsay and Jan Mc Lucas, were presented with the loan of expensive mountain bikes (courtesy of PUMP and PEDALS) for an excorted bike tour of proposed bikeway works as documented in the Cairns Bikeway Strategy. All Cairns City Councillors will be given the opportunity to participate at their convenience.

    A group of cyclists congregated at the Council Chambers to support this action. Media from local news papers and TV stations were invited with "Re-cycle the Roads" giving a press release. A banner exclaimed:-

    "BICYCLES ARE A SOLUTION".

    Councillors embark on a bike inspection

    Cyclists are disappointed that funding to launch, promote and get going the works that are documented in the strategy has not been forthcoming. Hopefully the half yearly review will see the bridges across the channels and bike paths adjacent to the Brinsmead shopping centre, constructed. Follow the progress of these works, Click here:- Brinsmead bridges and paths

    8th October l996

    CBUG General Meeting 2 pm Saturday 19th October 1996:

    Come along and hear the latest about the Cairns Bikeway Strategy. We are very hopeful that the strategy will progress as documented in the Final Report July 1996.

    3rd September 1996

    From the Agenda, Cairns City Council Meeting; Monday 26th August 1996:

    CAIRNS BIKEWAY STRATEGY FINAL REPORT JULY l996:

    Council to adopt policy:

    The Cairns Bikeway Strategy will form a component of Council's overall transport strategy which will be undertaken as funds become available.

    "NO FUNDS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY".

    It is important that the public are informed of the existence of the Bikeway Strategy. There have already been some discussion between the sub-consultant, Taylor Environmental Services and Council Public Relations Department on this matter.

    RECOMMENDATION

    15th May 1996

    CAIRNS BIKEWAY STRATEGIC PLAN
    The draft plan is completed. The maps of the proposed bikeway network are available for viewing at CBUG. The draft plan proposes that CBUG is included in the Cairns Bikeway Strategy Implementation Working Group.

  • BICYCLE FRIENDLY ROADS ARE BEST AND SAFER FOR MOTOR TRAFFIC.

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