CityCycle scrapped in favour of e-bikes: RACQ approves

Brisbane Times reported Council would replace its bicycle scheme next year, with 2000 e-bikes distributed across the inner-city suburbs and the CBD.

RACQ Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said the Club supported the take-up of e-bikes and e-scooters, as a way of reducing congestion by encouraging people out of their cars and optimising use of existing and proposed green bridges in and surrounding the CBD.

“E-bikes give residents and tourists a real alternative to cars and are a sustainable option for local journeys,” Dr Michael said.

“For many people getting to and from public transport can be a real barrier and e-bikes are one of the solutions to this problem.

“We’ve already seen the popularity of e-scooters, which fill a need in Brisbane’s hot, humid and sometimes very wet climate where walking or riding a conventional bike isn’t always practical for longer journeys or connecting with public transport.

“E-bikes can also be more useful and accessible to a wider audience than walking or a conventional bike because they offer electric assistance and mean those who wouldn’t normally jump on a bike are able to give it a go and travel further.”

Dr Michael said the Club was pleased to see Council considering safety and infrastructure to encourage proper use of the e-bikes.

“We look forward to hearing more about how the helmet- lock systems and dockless parking arrangements will work,” she said.

“We also call on Council to implement improved infrastructure and treatments on our most dangerous roads for cyclists. Cyclists are some of our most vulnerable road users and having safe infrastructure is vital.”