Bridging the gaps in cycle networks

Overview

Action 1.9: Analyse the principal cycle network to identify the need for new bridges to support connected and continuous cycle networks and to inform future investment.

Lead agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads

Status: Complete

Achievements

We analysed the principal cycle network and identified the highest priority severances being:

• waterway crossings (needing a bridge)
• railway or major road crossings (needing an underpass or overpass)
• existing bridges that have minimal facilities that might discourage bike riding. 

Following this, we created a method to show how bridges and underpasses/overpasses could increase active transport on priority routes. 

We ran a pilot in Townsville to test the method. The results determined a prioritised list of possible infrastructure in that location based on:

• indicative costs of the highest ranked proposed infrastructure (based on typical square metre rates for bridges) 
• benefits resulting from improved active transport access and connectivity, such as travel time savings between 2 destinations.

Next steps

We will coordinate an independent evaluation of the method we used, looking at its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. The evaluation will also include additional test locations such as Redlands in South East Queensland and a regional area.

Results of the evaluation will help demonstrate how we could then apply the method to other Principal Cycle Network Plans.