Protesters May Shut Down Busy Brisbane Bridge During Morning Rush to Demand Bike Lane
A major Brisbane bridge could be closed during peak traffic hours on Friday morning as activists push for a dedicated lane for cyclists.
Members of the group Space for Cycling Brisbane plan to walk across all six lanes of the Story Bridge between 8am and 9am, calling for one of the lanes to be repurposed for cyclists, scooter users, and pedestrians.
The demonstration follows the March closure of the bridge’s footpaths due to safety concerns stemming from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Subsequent inspections found water leakage through the concrete, prompting continued footpath closures.
According to protest organizers, the council has failed to provide a timeline for reopening the walkways or a suitable alternative route for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Thousands rely on the Story Bridge each day, and their travel has been disrupted for over two months,” said a statement from the group.
“While it’s understandable the footpaths are currently unsafe, the greater issue is the council’s poor communication and the lack of a viable detour. Suggested routes have proven impractical.”
Currently, an alternative route via the newly opened Kangaroo Point Bridge is available, and ferry services like CityCat and KittyKat link Kangaroo Point to other parts of the city.
The protest has drawn criticism from Brisbane City councillor Andrew Wines and Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who likened the group to “Extinction Rebellion on wheels.”
“This dangerous and disruptive protest will bring Friday morning traffic to a standstill,” Mr Wines said.
“The activists are mimicking Extinction Rebellion’s tactics, intending to shut down the bridge to pressure the council into giving up a traffic lane for temporary use by cyclists and pedestrians.”
He argued the disruption would show that removing traffic lanes from the bridge is not feasible, especially since engineers say at least two lanes would need to be closed to safely accommodate non-vehicular traffic—leading to widespread congestion.
Wines added that the council is working toward reopening the footpaths in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Queensland Police have applied to Brisbane Magistrates Court in a bid to stop the protest, following failed mediation efforts with the organizers.
“Police and council attempted to negotiate with protest leaders, but those talks were unsuccessful,” a police spokesperson told ABC News.
Under the Peaceful Assembly Act, police have filed documentation with the court, which will now decide whether the protest can go ahead.
Organizer Kathryn Good said the demonstration would be canceled if deemed illegal by the court.
“The council’s claim that we’re planning an illegal protest is not only inaccurate but completely inappropriate,” she told supporters.
Good stated that a formal Notice of Intention had been submitted in advance to both Queensland Police and Brisbane City Council.
“Our group has acted in good faith throughout this process,” she said.
She emphasized that the demonstration is unaffiliated with Extinction Rebellion or any political organizations.
More than 100 participants are expected to take part in the march.
