Sylvan Road Bikeway Archives

Toowong Bikeway Link Moves Ahead After Strong Community Support

More than 1,100 people on bikes and e-scooters travel the Sylvan Road Bikeway corridor each weekday in Brisbane’s inner west, despite the route running directly alongside traffic with no physical separation. Plans are now advancing for a protected bikeway through Toowong.

Early works are expected to start from mid-2026, with a target completion in 2028, after community consultation held in June 2025. The project is backed by a Queensland cycling grant supporting the design phase and a $5 million federal contribution announced on 27 February 2025, towards an estimated $12 million total cost.

A Key Link Between Two Major Bikeways

Sylvan Road is a key connection between two major off-road routes: the Bicentennial Bikeway near the river and the Western Freeway Bikeway. Council describes the project as part of local network improvements around Sylvan Road and nearby intersections, aimed at making trips smoother and safer for more people moving through Toowong.

The route has also been highlighted in cycling safety reporting, including BikeSpot material that collects and maps locations riders consider unsafe.

Strong Community Support

Council’s community engagement update reports strong support for protected infrastructure on Sylvan Road. It says 93 per cent of respondents believed a separated bikeway would have a positive or very positive effect on their travel, while 94 per cent said they would feel very safe or somewhat safe using Sylvan Road if a separated bikeway was installed.

The consultation summary also reports concerns about avoiding crashes, unsafe turning movements and limited crossing options. It notes people asked for safer crossings, slower traffic speeds, wider footpaths, better lighting and more greenery to improve comfort for everyone using the street.

Alongside separated bike lanes, Council’s update also points to work around major junctions connected to Sylvan Road, including Croydon Street, Jephson Street and Milton Road. Council says it is working toward concept designs in early 2026, with detailed design expected later in the year, and construction timing dependent on how the design develops.

Council’s “Your Say” page for the project describes Sylvan Road as a popular cycling route linking the two bikeways and says there is an opportunity to improve safety for walking, riding and scooting, including at key intersections.

Published 23-Jan-2026

Community Consultation Opens for Sylvan Road Bikeway & Local Network Upgrades

Toowong residents and commuters are being encouraged to have their say as Brisbane prepares to upgrade the Sylvan Road bikeway and surrounding local road network.

Read: Sylvan Road Site Targeted for Medium-Density Development

Sylvan Road is one of Brisbane’s most popular cycling corridors, linking the Bicentennial Bikeway to the Western Bikeway.

It also forms part of Queensland’s Principal Cycle Network. With more than 1,130 bike and e-mobility trips on an average weekday, the route presents a strong opportunity to enhance safety for everyone using the road.

However, it’s also known as one of the city’s more difficult routes, with fast-moving traffic, complex intersections, and minimal separation between cyclists and vehicles.

Brisbane is now looking to address these issues through a new round of community consultation, opening next week and running until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, 6 July.

Key intersections under review include:

Sylvan Road & Milton Road
Sylvan Road, Jephson Street & Croyden Street
Milton Road, Croyden Street & Morley Street

These locations are seen as crucial pinch points for safety and connectivity, with potential improvements set to benefit not only cyclists but also pedestrians and drivers.

“These intersections are key for traffic flow and safety in the precinct. We’re investigating how to make them work better for all road users by reviewing turning arrangements and overall layout,” Council stated.

To support the consultation, a Pop-up Office will be held on:

Tuesday, 17 June, 7:00am–8:30am
Corner of Land Street and Sylvan Road, Toowong (near Duxbrew Café)

Locals can drop by to learn more about the proposed changes, share their travel experiences, and find out how to make a submission.

Read: Community Sessions Announced for Toowong Central Redevelopment

Council encourages all users of the area to take part in the consultation, highlighting that “your voice matters” in building a safer and more connected Brisbane.

For full consultation details and to make a submission, residents should keep an eye on Council’s website or local community updates.

Published 10-June-2025

Toowong Active Transport Projects Secure New Funding Injection

Photo Credit: BCC/Flickr

The Toowong area is set to benefit from significant active transport improvements. The long-planned Sylvan Road Bikeway and the Toowong-West End Bridge secured new funding. The projects, which have also received state and local government support, aim to enhance cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in Brisbane’s western suburbs.

Toowong project funding — *Photo Credit: BCC/Flickr*

Long-Standing Plans Now Advancing

The planned upgrades for Toowong’s transport infrastructure have been discussed for several years. The State and BCC previously set aside funds for these projects. The recent commitment from the federal government has now ensured all three levels of government are financially contributing, allowing the long-awaited developments to proceed.

Under the $100 million Active Transport Fund, the Federal Government has allocated $5 million to the Sylvan Road Bikeway, a key cycling corridor connecting the Western Freeway Bikeway and the Bicentennial Bikeway. Additionally, $1 million has been earmarked for an updated business case for the Toowong-West End Bridge, a new active travel connection over the Brisbane River.

Sylvan Road Bikeway: Addressing Safety Concerns

Sylvan Road in Toowong has long been identified as a high-risk cyclist area. According to BikeSpot 2023 rankings, it is one of Brisbane’s most hazardous cycling routes, due to high traffic speeds, dangerous intersections, and a lack of separation from vehicles.

Currently, cyclists outnumber cars at peak times at intersections such as Jephson and Croydon Street, yet sporadically enforced parking restrictions continue to pose risks. The new funding will help BCC implement a safe, separated bikeway, eliminating a critical gap in Brisbane’s active transport network.

Toowong Active Transport Projects — *Photo Credit: Space4cyclingbne/Facebook*

Toowong-West End Bridge: Scaling Back But Moving Forward

Initially part of a broader “Bridges for Brisbane” strategy proposing five new river crossings, the Toowong-West End Bridge remains one of the last projects to proceed. Rising construction costs and budget pressures led to the cancellation of the West End-St Lucia Bridge. Still, efforts to deliver the Toowong connection remain on track, with a focus on securing funding ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

While the project is still in the business case phase, the Federal Government’s funding injection signals strong support for the bridge, which will provide a vital active transport link between Brisbane’s western suburbs and the inner city.

Community Support for Active Transport Investment

Local cycling advocacy groups, including Brisbane West BUG and Space4CyclingBNE, have long pushed for these projects. These groups are engaging with representatives across political lines to prioritise investment in active transport.

With Brisbane’s population continuing to grow and the 2032 Olympics approaching, community advocates hope this funding marks a broader commitment to safer and more sustainable transport solutions.

Next Steps for Toowong’s Infrastructure

With funding now secured, BCC will proceed with detailed planning and implementation of the Sylvan Road Bikeway. Feasibility studies for the Toowong-West End Bridge continue.

Timelines for construction are yet to be confirmed. Stakeholders remain optimistic that these upgrades will enhance safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists in Toowong.

Published 14-Mar-2025