The first-ever trial of the Bicycle Awareness Monitors has launched in Brisbane to improve safety and accessibility for cyclists, e-scooters, and e-skateboards using the Kangaroo Point Bikeway.
Two new signs were installed along the Kangaroo Point Cliff stairs and the Riverlife Adventure Centre. The signs work just like the smiling Speed Awareness Monitors, alerting riders if they have exceeded the speed limit of 15km/h.
With more than 3,000 people using this pathway daily, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that the BAMs will allow shared paths for pedestrians, cyclists, or scooter and skateboard riders to remain safe for traveling.
“It’s important everyone uses our shared paths considerately and safely,” he said. “Travelling at the correct speed is an important part of this.”
“If you trigger a slowdown message, please do so as it’s important for your own safety and those travelling around you.”
The Bicycle Awareness Monitors are solar-powered so it’s cost-effective and better for the environment.
“If these signs prove to deliver a positive change in behaviour during this trial, we will explore options to install them on other pathways across Brisbane,” Mr Schinner added.
Whilst Brisbane West Bicycle User Group welcomes the trial, an issue along the Kangaroo Point Bikeway remains unaddressed, where some of the paths are often blocked by cars going to the businesses in the area. The group’s co-convenor, Chris Cox, however, acknowledges the challenges of the said bikeway thus it is ideal for the trial. Mr Cox hopes that BAMs will not prevent better solutions to improve shared paths across Brisbane.
Anna Campbell of Queensland Walks also agrees that BAMs are not enough but it’s also an indicator of a “pinch point” in the shared paths. Ms Campbell wishes Council to be open about sharing data from the BAMs with the transport community to find other solutions.