The Government of Queensland, Australia, has opened stage one of the North Brisbane Bikeway to the public.

The new bikeway is expected to be used by nearly 5,000 cyclists.

Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey and Brisbane Central member  Grace Grace opened the stage one of the North Brisbane Bikeway with local cyclists from Bicycle Queensland, Brisbane North BUG and space4cycling participating in the event.

"When fully constructed, we are expecting up to 5000 cyclists to use the North Brisbane Bikeway daily."

Bailey said: “The Palaszczuk Government is committed to expanding cycling infrastructure, and this section through inner-city Brisbane is an important link in South East Queensland’s cycle network.

“Stage 1B of the North Brisbane Bikeway extends, upgrades and widens the existing bikeway along Breakfast Creek, and establishes a new separated cyclist and pedestrian path.

"When fully constructed, we are expecting up to 5000 cyclists to use the North Brisbane Bikeway daily.”

The AUD3.3m ($2.4m) section of stage is considered to be a key link in South East Queensland’s cycling infrastructure.

Grace said: “Stage 1B links through to Stage 1A at Bowen Park, and will eventually connect to stage two in Windsor.

"Now that this section of the North Brisbane Bikeway is complete, cyclists and pedestrians will be much safer and better connected.

“When completed, the entire North Brisbane Bikeway will stretch over 4.3km, providing safer riding for cyclists and reducing cars and congestion on the road network.

“It will be the icing on the cake for local cyclists and residents who want to live in a cleaner, greener Brisbane.

"760,000 Queensland cyclists ride each week, and we’ll continue to invest in the infrastructure they need.”

Stage two and three of the North Brisbane Bikeway is presently in the design phase and is slated for completion in late 2018.

The government has invested nearly AUD37m ($27.6) into the cycling infrastructure in 2015-16.