Wickham Street Archives - Fortitude Valley News

A woman in her 40s sustained serious injuries after a collision involving her e-scooter and a cement truck at the intersection of Wickham St and Brunswick St in Fortitude Valley. From 38 cases in 2018 to over a thousand cases in 2022 and even more this year based on partial figures for 2023, the rising number of injuries related to e-scooter use have made public safety a critical discussion point.

Emergency services responded to the Fortitude Valley incident swiftly, offering immediate medical attention before transferring the injured woman to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Thankfully, while serious, her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

This November 22 incident is part of a troubling rise in e-scooter accidents, sparking a deeper examination of their usage and the pressing need for improved safety measures.

Statistics from the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit paint a concerning picture of the increasing trend in e-scooter-related injuries across Queensland in recent years:

2018 (November to December): 38 cases
2019: 288 cases
2020: 386 cases
2021: 706 cases
2022: 1033 cases
2023 (January to July): 716 cases

**E-scooter injury types in a study conducted by Dr Cassandra Peace, Dr Dexter Rubio, and Dr Gary Mitchell**
Photo Credit: Herston Health Precinct Symposium 2021 / CLIN-0039

This steady surge has alarmed safety experts and organisations, triggering discussions on crucial measures to enhance e-scooter safety across the region.

One major discussion point concerns the necessity for distinct operating environments that offer separation from faster motor vehicles while ensuring safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Achieving this hinges on determining permissible e-scooter speeds and regulating the speed of motorised vehicles and bicycles in these areas.

In response to mounting concerns, recent discussions on e-scooter scheme regulations consider implementing electronic speed control mechanisms. These mechanisms could enforce lower speeds or lockouts in high-risk zones, especially those with heavy pedestrian activity.

However, challenges persist concerning privately owned e-scooters, potentially limiting the influence on their usage.

Proposals in the ongoing review by the National Transport Commission advocate for mandatory comprehensive insurance for e-scooters. Additionally, there are calls for installing speedometers on e-scooters, enabling users to adhere to designated speed restrictions.

Efforts are also underway to tackle e-scooter parking issues. Suggestions include technological constraints on parking locations as part of e-scooter scheme permits.

Furthermore, discussions involve penalties, such as confiscating privately owned e-mobility devices, to regulate proper parking practices and reduce obstructions in public spaces.

The focus remains on developing a comprehensive approach encompassing regulatory measures, infrastructure enhancements, and increased user awareness. This incident emphasises the urgent need to address these concerns and implement effective strategies to enhance e-scooter safety across Brisbane and beyond.

Residents of Fortitude Valley are urged to stay informed and engaged in these crucial discussions for a safer environment for all road users.

Published 4-December-2023

Tucked away in Fortitude Valley’s urban jungle is a tropical-inspired haven that’s perfect for enjoying a quiet and pleasurable mealtime. Hideout, a cafe, bar, and private function space on Wickham Street, may just be your new secret hideaway.

Serving Bear Bones Coffee Roasters throughout the week, Hideout entices patrons with its generous breakfast choices, including a flavourful avocado on Turkish toast sprinkled with dukkah or a satisfying Breaky Burger with bacon and eggs.

Lunch fares include pecking duck spring rolls with sweet chilli sauce, pulled pork bao with carrots, mint, hoisin, cucumber and crushed peanuts, charred chorizo with lime and aioli, and choices of homemade pizza and the absolute must-try — The Hideout Burger with its special sauce!

Photo Credit: HideoutFortitudeValley/Facebook

On Fridays, Hideout extends its trading hours until the early evening for dinner and booze, when the owners turn on the fairy lights to create a relaxing vibe meant for chilling out. The cafe turns into a bar with a carefully curated wine list, cocktails, and craft beer.

During the weekends, Hideout caters to private functions like birthdays, engagement parties, weddings and other events. Owners Victoria and Tim have built this space with private gatherings in mind, especially with the changing pandemic restrictions.

Situated inside A. E. Griffiths’ former battery and service station in the 1940s, Hideout’s location also used to be a brothel and a function space over the years. Victoria and Tim were eyeing this post-war era site for its unique architecture for years.

“We took this enormous leap when this property became available,” the owners said, adding that they also incorporated their love for greenery in the cafe’s design when they opened shop in late 2020. They were specific about the kinds of plants that are around Hideout’s tropical hideaway.

Browse the menu and book for a table via the official site or contact the staff on their Facebook page. You may also phone the team at (07) 3180 3825 for reservations.

“An awesome bar and cafe hidden in the middle of the Valley in what used to be an old mechanic years ago… not that you would know it. The new owners have done an insane renovation and it now has the best laidback jungle vibe. I had beers and a burger the first night and liked it so much I went back for coffee and breakfast the next day while I was still in Brisbane. Burger was on point, beers icy cold and coffee excellent. There is a beautiful tropical garden courtyard hidden out the back – it’s like an oasis full of lush plants. Didn’t want to leave.”
Kaity Michael

“A fresh new go-to in the Valley. If you love good beer, great service and an Instagram worthy backdrop, this place is a must!”
Tess Malcombe

“Honestly, the best muffins in the game right now. This place is terrific and the Baristas are very friendly. Highly recommend.”
Thomas Bowen

Tag: Wickham Street

E-Scooter Safety Heightens Concerns Following Fortitude Valley Collision

Fortitude Valley’s New Tropical Hideout is Perfect for Hiding Away