The Moreton Bay region is to get a new 12.6 kilometre cycle-way.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the ambitious plan today at the start of the Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress.

Gemma Boase reports.

TRANSCRIPT

A keen cyclist herself, Ms Palaszczuk, announced a $12-million committment to improve the state’s cycling infrastructure over the next 10 years.

The new cycleway, from Petrie to Kippa-Ring, is being built in conjunction with the Moreton Bay Rail Link project and will open in 2016.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Qld Transport Minister: “And it’s wonderful to see that not only will the people in that northern region benefit from having a brand new train line but they’ll also have a dedicated cycleway as well.”

The three-day event is focusing on the themes of innovation, infrastructure and promotion of cycling.

In 2010, Australians bought more than 1.3-million bikes, outselling car sales for the 11th year in a row.

Each week, around 814,000 Queenslanders will ride a bike.

With the increasing popularity of cycling, olympic gold medallist Sara Carrigan says education is the key.

Sara Carrigan, Former Olympic cyclist: “Well it’s really important to educate cyclists and motorists about cycling, so that both can harmoniously co-exist on the road at the one time.”

Famous BMX rider Tim Wood will be speaking at the congress on Wednesday along with Phil Anderson, the first Australian to ever win a prestigious yellow jersey in the Tour de France.

Gemma Boase, QUT News.