Every so often we get this ‘Living in Brisbane - Message from the Lord Major’ type thingy in our mailbox. The latest issue sat on my desk all week, with the headline on the front page staring at me. ‘Easing Brisbane’s traffic congestion’ it says. A big article explains all the wonderful things they do to achieve the above, like building new roads, building new four lane toll bridges, building new tunnels, building new bus ways …

Damn! It bugged me all week. Being a HR Manager, I conducted a little research in the office for a “Bike to Work Wednesday” project. I asked random colleagues, in the tea room, or by the water filter, what it would take to get them out of the car and onto a bike. I expected to hear “Better shower and bike storage facilities” or things like that … things that I would want, but to my surprise, the single most pressing reason why people don’t ride, is fear of riding on Brisbane roads in peak hour traffic.

Now, traffic has to move in order to hit you … and peak hour traffic hardly ever travels, at least not at great speed …

… and then yesterday morning I rode into the city to meet with Scott, Shane and Aaron for a Riverloop and it was an hour later than my usual riding time. It was five past six, just before the real rush hour, but already noticeably busier than 5 AM. I rode on a four lane road inbound when I felt the pick up truck touching my arm and the rush of air of a car going pass with 60 km/h, possibly faster, with no room between the curb, me and the car. Scary stuff! I stayed upright - god knows how. I spotted the blue logo on the passenger’s door: Brisbane City Council.

My lights had brand new batteries and the sun was up already so I doubt he didn’t see me. The lane next to him was empty. Three more times did I get cut off or pushed into the curb or passed way too closely before I reached the city and our training quartet had another couple of close calls during our ride, involving another Brisbane City Council vehicle.

Maybe Lord Major should invest his money into enducating his staff to respect other road users - ALL other road users. And maybe then people wouldn’t be scared to commute to work by bike. And that, maybe, would ease Brisbane’s traffic congestion. Maybe.

Oh well, I still had an awesome morning on the bike … and coffee afterwards with great people.

Shane and Scott right on my wheel - liked them better there than setting the pace

Scott sharing his raisin toast with me - I like him!

Aaron of ‘The jaman files” fame with a less healthy breakfast alternative. He didn’t share either. LOL

… and moi, looking like I’m enjoying a pre-8 AM beer. It’s a double-shot skinny Late - honestly!