Cyclist Safety at Risk on Sylvan Road in Toowong, Awaiting Promised Upgrades

Sylvan Road in Toowong continues to present significant safety challenges for cyclists, ranked as one of the most dangerous locations in Brisbane according to recent BikeSpot findings.



Sylvan Road in Toowong remains a focal point of safety concerns for the local cycling community, featuring prominently in the BikeSpot 2023 rankings as a hazardous area. The road is notorious for its high traffic speeds and dangerous intersections, which have been identified as major risks for cyclists. 

RankLocationFeatures Noted as Dangerous
1Hopkins St, Footscray (VIC)No bike lane, high traffic speeds
2Victoria Rd, Rozelle (NSW)Dangerous intersections, no bike lane
3Sylvan Rd, Toowong (QLD)High traffic speeds, dangerous intersections
4Franklin St, Adelaide (SA)Lack of dedicated bike lanes
5Tydeman Rd & Pearse St Intersection (WA)Complex traffic patterns, high vehicle speeds
6Northbourne Ave, Lyneham (ACT)High traffic speeds, no bike lane
7Tasman Bridge (TAS)Narrow paths, high vehicle speeds
8Epping Rd Shared Path, Lane Cove (NSW)Dangerous intersections
9St Georges Rd Trail (VIC)Intersecting roads causing safety concerns
10Bourke Rd, Alexandria (NSW)Poor surface, dangerous intersections

Despite proposals for upgrades, the road’s current conditions continue to pose a serious threat to cyclist safety.

As part of a broader traffic management strategy announced by LM Adrian Schrinner in March 2024, Sylvan Road is slated for major upgrades designed to alleviate congestion and improve safety. The plan includes redesigning key intersections and enhancing the overall road layout to better accommodate both vehicular and bicycle traffic. However, these changes are still in the planning stages and have yet to move forward, leaving cyclists to navigate the existing hazardous conditions.

The local community and cycling advocates continue to urge immediate action to make Sylvan Road safer. The area’s traffic issues and the absence of dedicated bicycle lanes have contributed to several accidents, highlighting the urgent need for improvements. 

With Toowong’s population growth and the upcoming Brisbane Olympics, the pressure is increasing on local authorities to expedite these critical upgrades to ensure the safety of all road users. 



Whilst funding and political discussions about road improvements are ongoing, the primary concern for residents and local officials remains squarely focused on enhancing safety measures.

Published 17-Sept-2024