Speed limits will be lowered at three new locations across Brisbane in the first quarter of 2019, with six other precincts identified for future reductions in speed.
Council’s Infrastructure Committee has approved new 40 km/hour speed zones at Old Cleveland Road Stones Corner, Oxley Road Corinda, and Mains Road and McCullough Street Sunnybank. Sections of Vulture Street West End, Station Road Indooroopilly, Riding Road Hawthorne, Flinders Parade Sandgate, and Lutwyche Road have also been earmarked, among others, for future reductions.
Bicycle Queensland CEO, Anne Savage, welcomed Council’s action to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. “Lower speed limits save lives – we applaud this commitment to protecting community safety,” she said. “This move will make busy community precincts much safer for people who walk and ride, in areas where Queensland seniors and young children are very active. According to United Nations data, even just a five per cent cut in the average speed reduces the number of fatal crashes by 30 per cent, and 47 countries have already implemented lower urban speed limits and laws that allow local authorities to further reduce speed limits to protect people on foot and riding bikes.
“Setting slower speed limits in designated precincts across Brisbane city will save lives, significantly reduce the likelihood of serious injuries, and create a nicer world in which to live and ride. Lower speed limits also help to stop vehicles rushing through traffic lights to try and beat gridlock. Slowing down speed limits will accelerate our work to achieve the goal of zero deaths on our roads and across Brisbane city. I commend Council’s Infrastructure Committee and Chairperson Amanda Cooper,” Anne said.
Bicycle Queensland analysis of road crash data found that a 10 km/hr reduction in the speed limit in Brisbane CBD in 2009 reduced the average crash cost in car crashes involving a cyclist by $30,000 per crash, from about $250k to $220k – lowering the number of fatalities and serious injuries over a five-year period.
Readers also enjoyed this story about the Queensland Maritime Museum’s new project.
