Categories
Advocacy

BQ asks Deputy Prime Minister to improve heavy vehicle safety

In light of Carolyn Lister’s tragedy last month, BQ’s CEO Rebecca Randazzo is asking for a national change to cyclist and heavy vehicle safety.

Rebecca expresses her concern for cyclists interacting with heavy vehicles stating that “while road design and upgrades responsibilities fall to State Governments, more can be done at the federal level to facilitate safer interactions between heavy vehicles and cyclists.”

In this letter, Rebecca has asked for the mandating of sensors and cameras on heavy vehicles to be added to the Transport Infrastructure Council Meeting agenda.

Read the full letter to the Deputy Prime Minister here.

Categories
Bikeway detours and closures

Victoria Park temporary shared path changes

If you are a commuter through Victoria Park, please note the temporary shared path changes below.

UNITY Alliance will need to extend the off-peak closures of the Victoria Park shared user path behind Brisbane Girls Grammar School intermittently until Friday 31 July 2020.

The extension is due to a number of factors. This includes the recent wet weather, impacting the production of the shotcrete retaining wall and affecting site ground conditions.

These intermittent closures will be implemented outside morning and afternoon peak periods. This will be between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm between Monday and Saturday.

Traffic management will be in place and pedestrians and cyclists will be detoured via Gregory Terrace and College Road during the temporary intermittent closures.

Signage will be in place to direct pedestrians and cyclists around works areas. Please observe the directions of traffic control while passing through the area.

View the PDF document on these temporary shared path changes here.

Categories
Education

Learning the Bike Basics

The impact of COVID-19 has seen more people cycling to improve mental and physical health. As we transition to a new normal, we encourage everyone incorporate cycling into your daily routine in order to promote a healthy lifestyle. This means

We are passionate about people cycling, however we want to make sure your ride is fun, easy and above all, safe. That’s why we’ve created a quick video series that covers the bike basics on safety, etiquette as well as what bike gear to wear and more. Watch all 5 in order below:

Bike Basics Part 1: Helmet Fitting
Bike Basics Part 2: ABC Bike Check
Bike Basics Part 3: What to Wear & How to Prepare
Bike Basics Part 4: Planning Your Ride
Bike Basics Part 5: Etiquette and Safety

For more educational resources like road rules and bike security, head to our education page here. Additionally, if you have any suggestions or want specific resources for your workplace or school, get in touch!

Categories
Advocacy

Cycling is the road to recovery

Before COVID-19, 800,000 people across Queensland cycled every week, with higher than average participation rates occurring in Mackay, Gladstone and Cairns. 

Cycling has increased 300% in popularity during COVID-19 as it provides a way for people of all ages to remain connected to their community whilst maintaining physical and mental health. It is important we sustain this momentum around cycling in a post-COVID19 world.

BQ’s CEO, Rebecca Randazzo, wrote to the Premier about the impact that $22 million in funding will have on cycling across the state.

View the one pager here, and read the letter to the Premier here.

Categories
Advocacy

Quarter Two Advocacy Update

Mockup of George Street pop-up bike lane

It has been an eventful three months navigating through COVID-19 at BQ. Despite a brief transition to a work from home structure, we have continued to advocate for safer cycling across QLD.

Read about the projects we have advocated for to improve cycling safety and accessibility in the link below.

Not included in this list are regular communications with BQ members and other bike riders on safety and infrastructure issues across the state.

View Quarter Two’s Advocacy Update here.

Categories
Advocacy

More people cycling to work raises concern over end of trip facility standards

Queenslanders return to work frustrated that their end of trip facilities (EoT) are still closed and share concerns over COVID-19 hygiene and cleaning protocols. 

COVID-19 has seen an increase in cycling for health and the daily commute, as people avoid public transport.

Bicycle Queensland (BQ) commissioned an EoT survey and found that people are not happy with the hygiene standards or communication over cleaning routines.

To help cyclists and businesses develop solutions to current problems in their end of trip facilities, BQ has created a best practice guide for EoT users and managers.

“We want to make the most of the bike boom and help promote alternative modes of transport,” BQ’s Director of Education, Patrick Trowse said. 

“EoT fit outs should accommodate the needs of their users and this is not always the case,” Mr Trowse said.

Mr Trowse said user numbers increase when hygiene standards are adequate, and businesses should strive to maintain this so people feel confident and comfortable when arriving to after active travel.

We have a range of expert EoT facility partners who are ready to help with fit outs and other EoT services,” Mr Trowse said.

Recently, BQ called for State Government funding to support increased cycling in workplaces and Queensland is now well-positioned to support workplaces with bike parking, electric bike charging points, active transport salary packaging and essential education and training.

“Cities need to accommodate different transportation methods while maintaining appropriate safety norms,” BQ’s Chief Executive, Rebecca Randazzo said. 

Now is a great time for Queensland to expand the horizons for health and lifestyle. 

To achieve our goal of being Australia’s healthiest state, action must be taken to support education on safe bike riding in all its forms, particularly to and from work. 

For more information on how to promote safety in your EoT facility contact bqinfo@bq.org.au.

View the PDF document here.
Categories
Events

BQ x Cuore Limited Edition Jersey

We are proud to announce our newest partnership with CUORE of Switzerland!

Cuore is Italian for Heart, and our heart is on the roads, trails and race tracks that our two wheels take us. Founded in 1989, CUORE has forged its place as the leading company for custom cycling apparel.

We are excited to reveal our first BQ x CUORE Jersey design ever – just in time for next month’s event, Pedal QLD! If you pre-order between the 29th June – 7th July, you’ll get your jersey just in time to wear during the Pedal QLD challenge.

Head to the link HERE and enter BQ-2020 to get early access! While you’re there you can check out the matching socks, bibs and arm sleeves as well 🙌