BQ Meets: TRACTION for Young People

Bikes are at the heart of what a lot of Bicycle Queensland staff and members do. A bike can represent freedom, escape, sustainability, equity, or opportunity. At TRACTION for Young People, bikes – paired with the power of positive role models – have become a vehicle for something even greater: sparking real momentum in the lives of young people.

Founded a decade ago, TRACTION set out to create opportunities for young people who were experiencing, or at risk of, disengagement from school. What started in a quiet former church hall in Yeerongpilly has grown into an established evidence based program that has supported thousands of young people across South East Queensland.

“I started TRACTION to provide an alternative learning environment for young people experiencing challenges – a place where they can feel safe, connect with others, and are supported to build resilience and self-belief. The hope was that if we can be the catalyst for a young person to realise their potential, we could help them alter the trajectory of their whole life,” (Sandy Murdoch, Founder)

How the program works

TRACTION provides safe and inclusive environments where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. Each nine-week program pairs six participants with two dedicated mentors – known as “real models” – who are chosen not only for their skills but for their ability to connect, listen, and guide.

One day a week, participants learn hands-on skills through building their own BMX bike from scratch: disassembling, repairing, repainting, and reassembling. At the end, they keep the bike – or sometimes gift it to a sibling. The bike is the project, but the real outcome is confidence, resilience, and belief in what’s possible.

The workshops are intentionally designed to feel more like workplaces than classrooms, encouraging respect, autonomy, and collaboration. Whether in Yeerongpilly, Ipswich, Toowoomba, or other regional centres, TRACTION makes use of community spaces to work alongside schools, teachers, and families.

“TRACTION Mentors see potential in, and meet every young person, where they’re at. They’re trained in ‘The TRACTION Way’ of engaging young people – our practice is trauma-informed and strength-based, and has been developed over 10 years through our experience working alongside young people. Perhaps most impactful however, is the ability of TRACTION Mentors to build rapport and trust with our young people, because this leads to conversations about what our young people are challenged by, and what they are hopeful of for their future. Young people at TRACTION feel seen and heard, and our Mentors provide encouragement at crucial stages in their development so they can realise their potential.”

Why bikes?

At TRACTION, young people get the chance to experience success, as they develop skills and complete projects, like building bikes which they get to keep. TRACTION chose bikes as the vehicle to engage young people because they represent freedom, independence, and possibility. They help people go places! A bike is often a child’s first taste of self-reliance – and for some participants, it’s their first bike altogether. For others, it becomes a gift to a sibling or someone else who needs a bike in their community, opening up powerful peer-to-peer conversations about values and priorities.

The simple act of building a bike creates a metaphor for building a future. Each step requires effort, persistence, and problem-solving – and by the end, young people don’t just have a bike, they have proof that they are capable of achieving more than they thought possible.

“TRACTION is so much more than just the bike – it’s the chance for young people, working in peer groups and supported by our mentors, to experience success together. Our young people discover their strengths, develop new skills and set their sights on their hopes and dreams for the future. Getting on the tools, and building bikes together is a perfect environment to have conversations, and build a sense of belonging. For many of our young people, the relationships they build in the workshop are so crucial for their development and confidence,”

Community and impact

At its core, TRACTION is powered by people. Mentors come from diverse walks of life – First Nations artists, athletes, tradespeople, hospitality workers, psychology students, and more – but all share a commitment to being genuine, trusted adults in the lives of young people.

Over 10 years, TRACTION has supported nearly 3,000 participants, with most of its funding coming from corporate partners, private donors, and community supporters. Events such as the CEO Bike Build and the BEYOND for TRACTION Cycling Challenge not only raise essential funds but also build awareness and deepen connections with the wider community.

Independent evaluation has already demonstrated the measurable value of TRACTION’s approach, showing millions of dollars in positive economic and social impact each year. But for the team, the most meaningful outcomes are the stories shared by young people and their families – stories of resilience, confidence, and new pathways forward.

“Our vision is that all young people can imagine and build their own futures. We believe in building human momentum together and are seeking to drive transformational, intergenerational change for vulnerable young people. An independent evaluation of TRACTION’s bike build program in 2025 confirmed it delivered $6.95m of community impact in one year alone across education, health and economic metrics. Every $1 invested in TRACTION delivers a $3.39 return. Investing in early intervention is a smart choice and we want to help more young people to thrive – because when our young people thrive, we all do.”

Looking ahead

TRACTION’s vision is bold yet simple: that all young people can imagine and build their own futures. With youth disengagement rising – currently 71,000 young people aged 10–14 are disengaged across Queensland, and this is projected to grow to 283,000 by 2030 – the need has never been greater. By creating safe spaces, fostering connection, and empowering young people through real models and hands-on learning, TRACTION is determined to meet this challenge head-on.

Because when young people gain confidence, skills, and hope for their future, it doesn’t just change their lives – it ripples outward, strengthening families, schools, and communities.