THE president of a Redlands cycling club has said a dedicated off-road cycling track is needed for inexperienced riders in the wake of council's latest cycling survey.
The council-commissioned survey was carried out during April and May as part of an Australia-wide local government study.
It collected information about when and why residents cycled, their comfort levels while riding in the area and suggested council priorities for improving conditions for cyclists.
A council spokesperson said the survey data could be used to better plan, deliver and manage cycling in the city.
The spokesperson said while data from the current survey had yet to be analysed, reports from previous years had shown a gradual decline in cycling participation across the community.
The 2017 survey found 23 per cent of Queensland cyclists felt uncomfortable riding in their local area.
Redlands Cycling and Multisports Club president Darren Donaldson said the Redlands had good infrastructure for experienced cyclists but improved facilities were needed for new riders.
"Overall cycling infrastructure in the Redlands is very good...as new roads are built or widened, cycling lanes have been included or there is a reasonable road side edge to safely ride on," Mr Donaldson said.
"The key issue the Redlands needs to address is the safety perceptions and confidence for new riders especially women and young children.
"A lot of new riders are just not confident to ride on roads and riding on footpaths is not the solution.
"The Redlands need a purpose-built safe cycling precinct...an off road cycling track...that can be used safely without traffic or pedestrian movements. These facilities are found in almost all areas in south-east Queensland except the Redlands."
Mr Donaldson said Redlands Cycling and Multisports Club would provide safe riding education programs to address problems, resulting in a more active and safe community.
The 2019 cycling participation survey came after data was released earlier this year that showed about 1000 cyclists ended up in Australian hospitals each month in 2016, up 60 per cent from 2000.
People over the age of 45 were increasingly among those injured.
