One of the most exciting pieces of new infrastructure in Ipswich officially opens on Sunday.
The $3.3 million Ipswich Cycle Park at Raceview is available for anyone to use and is free of charge.
Council believes it will attract thousands of cyclists from Ipswich, South East Queensland and beyond to a world-class facility.
The criterium circuit consists of three track configurations: 1.31km, 1.08km and a 400m internal oval.
The smooth asphalt surface will ensure some fast cycling.
Everyone will want a ticket to ride this circuit – even the politicians attending Sunday’s launch, including cycling fans Mayor Andrew Antoniolli and Queensland Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni, who will both ride their bikes on the new track.
“This is an exciting addition to Ipswich. We encourage everyone to get on your bike and get riding – and what’s best: it’s all free,” Cr Antoniolli said.
Troy Dobinson, founder of the 24/7 Cycling Safety Fund, and Ian Snodgrass, President of the Ipswich Cycling Club, will be keen participants on Sunday as they have been instrumental in getting support from both levels of government.
Queensland Cycling Board President Russell Hinwood will also be on hand, as will numerous local Federal, State and Ipswich City Council representatives.
The Queensland Government provided $1.5 million to council for the construction of the Ipswich Cycle Park to increase Queenslanders’ participation in sport and recreation activities. The grant was secured as part of a partnership between council, 24/7 Cycling Safety Fund and Ipswich Cycling Club.
Ipswich Triathlon Club is hosting a club duathlon (ride and run) event at the track from 7.30am-9.30am on Sunday, followed by the official proceedings at 10am.
The community will be able to ride the track between 10am and 1pm, with Mr Dobinson leading the way.
Ipswich Cycling Club will then host a series of criterium races for experienced cyclists between 1pm-3pm.
There will be sausage sizzles, coffee vans and entertainment for children.
Mr Snodgrass said riders had been eagerly awaiting the launch of the track.
“It has been quite a few years of hard work and planning between our club and council,” he said.
Mr Snodgrass said the track would benefit experienced racing riders, social riders, community people and his 100 or so club members.
“Everyone is looking forward to having such an excellent and safe facility on our doorstep. It really is a godsend. We have not had anywhere convenient to race for some time.”
Mr Snodgrass said elite cyclists had to travel far and pay significant costs to race previously.
“We expect the club will grow significantly as a result of this facility. People will want to ride on a top quality track like this.”
Division 8 Councillor Charlie Pisasale was extremely proud of the new infrastructure addition.
“Positive outcomes can be achieved when partnerships are formed. The Ipswich Cycle Park project is a wonderful collaboration between Ipswich City Council, State Government, 24//7 Cycling Safety Fund and Ipswich Cycling Club,” he said.
“This project will certainly be appreciated by the ever growing Ipswich cycling community, especially since the Limestone Park velodrome was removed after several safety concerns were identified.
“The construction of the Ipswich Cycle Park in Briggs Road will add another dimension to the existing sports precinct which already includes football, soccer, hockey and tennis.”
10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE IPSWICH CYCLE PARK
- The $3.3 million stage one development includes a 1.7km asphalt circuit that can be configured to three different lengths (1.31km loop; 1.08km loop, 400m oval).
- The park is free to use for cyclists, with a 7m inner cycling lane and a 2m outer lane for running, separated by a 1m safety lane.
- The park is open and accessible from 6am to 10pm. Lighting for the track will be ready in the near future. Cyclists using the track before sunrise and after sunset are strongly advised to have lights on their bikes.
- Cycling or triathlon clubs wishing to hold an event can book the entire facility, or one of the tracks, in advance. They will need to apply to council for a permit, either online or by form. The public will be excluded from the park during the approved times of an event.
- Riders on electric bikes are permitted to use the tracks. Trail bikes, scooters or any other form of motorcycles are not permitted.
- Security cameras will be in operation.
- The park includes a main race staging area which will double as a “learn to ride” facility for families when the park is not being used for events; a small staging area for the 400m track; minor pathway connections; and an officials shelter for use during events.
- Future development will include a formalised learn to ride area, a clubhouse and additional car parking.
- The park, located at the rear of the Briggs Road Sports Complex playing fields (home to the Western Pride Football Club) and the Ipswich Hockey fields, is accessible from Huxham Street, off Briggs Road, Raceview and from Briggs Road, to the south of the sports complex. There are car parking spaces and off street parking available.
- In the event of wet weather, council can close the park, as it does with all outdoor sporting facilities, and will advise the public via signs, council’s website and social media channels.
Land before the criterium circuit was built.
The criterium track under construction.
