$1.24M North Street Bicycle Lanes project completed
Published on 10 March 2017
Cyclists across the Rockhampton Region can now put their wheels in motion, with the North Street Bicycle lanes officially opened today by Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne, and Councillors Tony Williams and Drew Wickerson.
Mr Byrne said the upgrades were a win for the local community who have campaigned for improved cycling infrastructure.
“The community had pushed for improved cycling access and today the state government and Council have delivered a significant missing piece of the network,” Mr Byrne said.
“The North Street Bicycle Lanes project has redefined cycling on North Street from Canning to West Streets, with designated on-road bicycle lanes, parking, retaining walls and a resurfaced road with new line marking.
“The new bicycle lanes link up with the existing lanes that extend from West Street to Bolsover Street, meaning that a cyclist now have their own travel lane from Wandal and The Range to get safely to the heart of Rockhampton City.”
“The Queensland Government is committed to getting more people cycling more often because we know that, on average, every dollar we invest in cycling infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and lower transport costs.”
Council’s Infrastructure Committee Chair Councillor Tony Williams, who is a passionate promoter of pedal power, said the section of North Street was one of the priority routes of the Central Queensland Principal Cycle Network Plan and formed part of a north-south corridor.
“The Central Queensland Principal Cycle Network Plan was developed in partnership with local governments, cycling groups and Transport and Main Roads to guide the development of principal cycle routes and recreation routes across the region,” Cr Williams said.
“This project shows that the cycling network is extending and it won’t stop there!
“Council is also partnering with State Government on the Moores Creek Road and Norman Road Cycling projects, which have recently commenced and the Kerrigan Street Underpass project due to commence in June.
“As well as delivering on-road cycling facilities, Council with State Government assistance will deliver numerous mountain bike trails at the First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve.
“Council has a good track record of delivering cycle way projects and I look forward to working with the state government and cycling groups on new cycling infrastructure projects in the future.”
The $1.24 million North Street Bicycle Lanes project is jointly funded by Rockhampton Regional Council and the state government under the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program, with the Queensland Government providing 50 percent of the funding