CityCycle kicks off with mass ride through the CBD
(30/09/2010)
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman will today officially launch Brisbane’s newest mode of public transport – CityCycle – with a mass ride through the CBD.
Councillor Newman said CityCycle was now part of Brisbane’s overall public transport infrastructure and offered residents an alternative, sustainable mode of travel in the inner-city.
“Today is a great step forward to a cleaner, greener, healthier and less congested Brisbane,” Cr Newman said.
“For the budget conscious and those interested in fitness or the environment, CityCycle is a great commuter transport option for those living in or near the inner-city,” Cr Newman said.
“CityCycle is the first new mode of public transport offered to our residents and visitors since the CityCat ferries were launched in 1996.
“Its all part of my commitment to deliver $100 million in new bikeway infrastructure over four years and part of the plan to move Brisbane forward and reduce congestion.”
To celebrate the launch, Cr Newman will lead a mass ride of about 100 CityCyclists through the Brisbane CBD. He will be joined by high profile sporting identities Olympic gold medal cyclist Sara Carrigan, Paralympic champion Christopher Scott, triathlete Emma Jackson and Olympic gold medal swimmer and keen rider Duncan Armstrong.
Cr Newman said CityCycle would be the cheapest public transport option available in Brisbane.
“Once they’ve subscribed, users can hire bikes for up to 30 minutes at a time at no additional cost. For annual subscribers this could mean users would pay as little as 17 cents a day to make short trips around the city.”
“In Brisbane more than 30 per cent of all trips currently taken by private vehicle are less than 3km and 50 per cent are less than 5km, which could be easily cycled in under half an hour.”
Cr Newman said safety considerations had been paramount in delivering the CityCycle scheme.
“We reduced the speed limit on CBD streets to 40 kph in readiness for this scheme, but we have also installed new Bicycle Awareness Zones and “share the road” signage, as well as road markings to make cycling in the CBD as safe as possible,” Cr Newman said.
Cr Newman said those wanting to use CityCycle need to subscribe online and make sure they’ve got a helmet, either purchased at the time of subscription or from the many bike, sporting or department stores that sell them. Users can purchase an annual ($60.50) quarterly ($27.50) or casual ($11) subscription.
Subscribers should plan their journey by checking the up-to-date map on the CityCycle website for those stations that will be open from Friday 1 October. Alternatively, subscribers can call CityCycle on 1300 229 253. Bike buddies will be on hand at stations to assist with station operation and to answer questions.
