Councillor: Qld bike crash 'preventable'

A Brisbane councillor says a crash between five cyclists and a car was "preventable", and cyclists' safety is not being taken "seriously".

A bike lane in Brisbane

Five Brisbane cyclists have been injured after being struck by a car doing a U-turn. (AAP)

An accident involving five cyclists and a car in Brisbane's inner-city was "predictable and preventable" says Brisbane Greens councillor Jonathan Sri.

Five cyclists were taken to hospital with one woman, 54, in a critical condition after Friday morning's crash.

The injured cyclists, who were out with a regular riding group, are all in a stable condition with the woman's condition improving.

Cyclist Julian Drake wrote on Facebook that the riders were "wedged" against the car and thrown from their bikes.

The injuries were so severe they were given morphine whistles on the scene, he said.

"Having ridden with the five injured on many rides over several years I can attest all are highly experienced, mature, fit, level headed regular group riders," said Mr Drake, who was not hurt in the crash.

Cr Sri said Brisbane City Council was not taking cyclists' safety "seriously" and it wasn't a "high priority".

He has previously raised Dornoch Terrace as a dangerous road for cyclists to council, with thousands travelling along the popular route each week.

"The council has let Brisbane cyclists down," Cr Sri said.

"More and more people are taking up cycling. It's gotten to the point where we need to re-think the balance of road space allocated."

He said Dornoch Terrace is steep and a lack of bike lanes forces cyclists to duck in and out of cars.

He suggested a reduction in speed limits and parking spaces to be removed to make way for a separate barrier and cycle way.

Cr Sri said he will be writing to the Lord Mayor and Deputy Mayor about the accident.

He said council "talk the talk" on cyclist safety but do not follow through with suitable funding and road safety changes.

"It's like banging my head against a brick wall," he said.

Brisbane City Council has been contacted for comment.

Police investigations continue.


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Source: AAP



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