Rescue Bike Hire Scheme

News that Adshel are withdrawing from a planned Brisbane bike hire scheme is bad news for Brisbane commuters according to the Queensland Greens.

The company has said it cannot proceed with the scheme in the current economic climate but is urging Brisbane City Council to investigate its long-term viability.

The Greens want government to go further to support the scheme.

'We want to see co-operation between state and local government to rescue Brisbane's bike hire scheme.

'It would be better to withdraw funding from doubtful and expensive traffic projects such as the Hale Street Bridge and put the funds towards sustainable infrastructure such as this for the inner city,.' Dr Connors said.

'They should look, for example, at giving the project to a community based group, with a substantial subsidy, to ensure the scheme goes ahead.

'Governments in Queensland should do all they can to encourage a non-car transport culture.

'The bike hire scheme would be a great way to introduce current non-cyclists to the easy use of modern bikes and their usefulness for short trips in the inner city.'

Contact: Libby Connors 0429 487 110