With the installation of the Redcliffe Peninsula line to the SEQ rail network, many connecting stations had a makeover, some much more significant than others. Lawnton was one station to get a makeover. The old bike rack, which could hold a modest 8 bicycles (if you really packed it in), was straightup replaced with a new sign that says "Lawnton station" despite the relatively obvious presence of Lawnton's train station.

Now, as a result, the folks who ride their bikes to the station are forced to fumble around with a bike locker or tie their bike up to whatever else they can find. The white fences surrounding the station are quite flimsy and would be very easy to steal a bike from, considering they can be disassembled with common household tools. Already, bikes are strewn all over the place, which is not a desirable aesthetic for the station either.

We need a new bike rack! Even better would be two, one bike rack on each side of the rail line. It is ridiculously convenient to be able to park your bike at the bottom of the stairs and get straight onto a platform, and seeing bike racks at a public place is a symbol of welcoming bike riders. Bikes take up far less parking space than cars, and it's a shame to discourage the faithful few who free up a couple spots for everyone else.

If we win, TransLink and Queensland Rail will fix their mistake. We'll see the return of at least one bike rack, and at least one smiling cyclist. I know I'll be smiling parking my little BMX back in its rightful spot.