This presentation will provide an update on the Department of Transport and Main Road’s review of technical publications on physically separated cycling infrastructure. Currently under the technical requirements for the TMR Active Transport Investment Program (ATIP) funded grant and works, funding is prioritised towards projects that incorporate physical separation from motorised traffic. In addition, the Queensland Road Safety Action Plan (QRSAP) states: “To support our vulnerable road users, TMR provides physically separated infrastructure between bicycle riders and motor vehicles where possible. Where pedestrian demand is also high, we separate bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Where it is not possible to separate these user groups, we focus on reforming speed limits.”
As an action in the Queensland Cycling Strategy Action Plan (QCAP), action 1.10 is: Review and publish updated guidance on physically separated cycling infrastructure to support wider implementation including identifying opportunities to retrofit into existing infrastructure.
Historically, the implementation of separation devices in new ‘Major Projects’ (for example North Brisbane Bikeway) or Greenfield Developments (such as Hamilton Northshore, Aura, and Carseldine GOP) have been successful (but expensive). However, retrofitting separation to existing on-road bicycle lanes and during road upgrades (intersections in particular), while significantly cheaper, have resulted in significant issues that have hindered implementation.
We know that physically separated cycle tracks make riding safer and provide a higher level of service. They can also be used by e-scooter riders. The technical publications review included comprehensive review of existing technical publications and incorporated stakeholder feedback on issues, gaps, deficiencies, emerging practice, including more examples of where physically separate cycling infrastructure has been incorporated into greenfield and more challenging brownfield (retrofit) projects. The project has also identified opportunities to retrofit into existing infrastructure.
