Categories
Advocacy

Can you manage a Week Without Driving? 

How long could you get by without using a car? A day? A week? For many Queenslanders, driving feels like the only option – but what happens when we look beyond the steering wheel?

The Week Without Driving is a global initiative that shines a light on what it’s like to live without access to a private vehicle. It began in the US with disability rights advocates, and has since spread internationally. In 2025, the Week Without Driving runs from September 29 to October 5th. Bicycle Queensland and Queensland Walks are proud to support the campaign here in Queensland along with disability and sustainable transport groups worldwide.

Taking part means choosing to make all your everyday trips by bike, on foot, on public transport, or by sharing rides. It’s not just a personal challenge but an invitation to see our communities through a new lens. What’s easy? What’s difficult? And where could we make changes to ensure everyone, whether they can drive or not, has safe and affordable ways to get around?

The Week Without Driving is a chance to:

  • Experience the barriers faced by people who can’t or don’t drive.
  • Discover the health and wellbeing benefits of walking, cycling, and catching public transport.
  • Share your insights with decision makers, helping create communities that are more connected, inclusive, and sustainable.

“The Week Without Driving campaign reminds us that everyone needs safe and connected streets especially for people who walk, ride, or roll,” said Anna Campbell, Executive Officer at Queensland Walks.

“This initiative is about awareness and action,” said BQ’s CEO Matt Burke. “When more of us experience life without a car, even briefly, we see how vital good walking and cycling infrastructure is for our neighbourhoods. We learn about the paths, the cycling routes and public transport options that already exist, and how to use them in future. We empathise more with those who have no choice but to do all their trips car-free.”

Whether you commit to a single day, or take on the full week, you’ll be helping spark important conversations about transport, access, and equity in Queensland. Of course, it is ok to drive – but use it as a chance to reflect on the difficulties for those who aren’t in a position to opt for private motorised transport.

More details are available on the Week Without Driving website: https://weekwithoutdriving.org/

Categories
Press releases

Bicycle Queensland welcomes $3.5 million boost for regional rail trails

Bicycle Queensland has welcomed the Queensland Government’s commitment of $3.5 million to upgrade four regional rail trails, saying the investment will help grow bike tourism, improve community access, and support regional economies.

“Bicycle Queensland is delighted with the State Government’s announcement of $3.5 million in funding for regional rail trails,” said BQ CEO Professor Matt Burke. “The ‘cycling economy’ is transforming many regions in Australia and it’s great to see Queensland building up and planning more rail trail improvements.”

The new funding will deliver upgrades across four key projects:

  • Pioneer Valley Rail Trail will receive $75,000.
  • Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail will receive $1.6 million.
  • Bundaberg to Gin Gin Rail Trail will receive $147,000.
  • Brisbane Valley Rail Trail will receive $1.6 million.

These investments are designed to improve safety, accessibility, and the rider experience, while also strengthening Queensland’s regional tourism offering as part of the Destination 2045 strategy.

Discover some of Queensland’s great rail trails via our Where to Ride page.

Bicycle Queensland believes the best rail trail is an open rail trail, and recently partnered with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to deliver a Rail Trail Toolkit. The toolkit provides practical guidance for community groups looking to start or expand rail trail projects, helping to move a feasibility project to something that can be planned, built and promoted. BQ believes that the toolkit can assist more parts of Queensland being able to enjoy the social, environmental, and economic benefits that rail trails deliver. The recent announcement of funding for regional rail trails is a great sign that there is state government support for the same goals.

With thousands of people riding Queensland’s rail trails each year, from day trippers to multi-day tourists, the latest funding announcement is an important step in ensuring Queensland has national and even globally significant riding infrastructure that not only drives a tourism economy, but provides social and health benefits for local communities as well.

Categories
Advocacy

BQ’s advocacy tour from Mackay to Gympie 

Bicycle Queensland’s Director of Advocacy, Andrew Demack, has just completed the first week of a regional advocacy tour through central Queensland. Across seven stops – Mackay, Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Gympie – Andrew met with BQ members, community groups, councillors and riders to hear about local opportunities and challenges for cycling. 

The forums highlighted strong grassroots commitment, creative ideas, and a clear need for better coordination and support between councils, state government, and community groups. 

Mackay 

“Mackay was a really positive meeting,” Andrew said. “We had two councillors, Alison Jones and Ash-lee Johnson, plus representatives from the mountain bike club, the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail crew, and long-term advocates like Peter McCallum and Liz Crane. It was a strong cycling group with lots of experience in the room.” 

The standout issue was support for the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail. “There’s so much community energy there, but the hard yards are being done by volunteers. What’s really needed is more tangible support from Mackay Regional Council.” Since the meeting the Queensland Government has announced $75,000 funding for the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail.

Bicycle Queensland often see opportunities to link rail trails with existing mountain bike parks, and that is especially with the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail and Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Park. “There’s great potential where these projects connect,” Andrew said. 

On transport, the councillors present expressed support for a greater focus on walking and cycling, though resources remain tight – as is the case with most councils. “But the active transport strategy they’re developing could help realise some of that potential.” 

School travel was another concern. “There was a lot of discussion about how kids get to school and the importance of keeping them active in their local area.” 

Yeppoon 

The Yeppoon forum was small but enthusiastic. “We only had a few people, but they were passionate about the Pineapple Trail – the proposed rail trail from Yeppoon towards Rockhampton,” Andrew explained. 

At present the trail finishes at the edge of the golf course in Yeppoon, but with relatively little extra work it could reach Mount Chalmers, about a third of the way to Rockhampton. 

“The people there were really supportive. Livingstone Council has done pretty well with their coastal pathway network in recent years, so there’s been progress. But the Pineapple Trail is still unrealised potential.”  

Livingstone Council is smaller than Rockhampton, and the trail sits mostly in Livingstone. BQ believes that significant interest from Rockhampton Council would be needed to see further progress. 

The Queensland Government’s recent announcement for investment in regional rail trails as part of their 2045 tourism strategy is welcome news. While the Pineapple Trail wasn’t one of the four rail trail projects to receive funding, it shows the strategic plan from the government is on the right track.

Rockhampton 

Rockhampton’s mountain bike community continues to impress us here at BQ.  

“The Rocky Mountain Bike Club is putting in 400 hours of volunteer trail care at First Turkey – and that’s per quarter,” Andrew said. “They’ve doubled the hours they recorded last year, partly because they’re tracking it better, but also because they’re doing a huge amount of work.” 

The club is also close to securing funding for a trailhead. “It’s about equitable access,” Andrew explained. “People need a place to change, toilets, basic sporting amenities – not just having to sit in a car park. They’re looking at Sport and Rec funding for the trailhead, and hopefully Rockhampton Council will do the car park alongside it.” 

Council was represented at the forum and expressed support. “Cycle 4 Life has representation on the council’s walking and cycling reference committee, so they’ve got a voice. Rockhampton has the bones of a good shared path network – but it could be better.” 

Gladstone 

In Gladstone, discussion turned to both local riding conditions and the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail. “We had people from council, sport, local riders, and some engaged with the rail trail,” Andrew said. 

One intriguing proposal was to repurpose a disused rail corridor leading from the port through town. “It could be a really good off-road shared path through the heart of Gladstone. The corridor’s owned by the Port Authority, but it’s no longer used. If that could be opened, it would be a game-changer for local riders.” 

The Boyne Burnett Trail itself remains a unique draw – despite the timeline on it being a fully connected route being unknown.  

“It’s a remote and adventurous trail,” said Andrew, talking of the potential of the trail for the future. “You’re not going to get the numbers of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, but it’s special. Riding through the tunnels out there is something you won’t find anywhere else. It could become an iconic stop for grey nomads and adventure riders.” 

The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail is one of the regional rail trails that the Queensland Government has announced further funding for, with $1.6 million for further rail trail development and improvements.

Bundaberg 

Bundaberg produced a strong turnout. “We had about ten people, and as always the need for a safe route between Bundaberg and Bargara came up. It’s the old standby, a missing link that locals really want solved.” 

The group also highlighted opportunities along the Coral Coast. “If you filled in just a couple of missing links, you could ride almost continuously off-road from Elliott Heads to Burnett Heads — about 35 or 40 kilometres. That’s spectacular. It would be brilliant tourism infrastructure as well as great for locals. I think they should market the whole thing as the Turtle Trail, and finish it properly.” 

Concerns about children’s safety came through strongly. “Parents don’t find it safe to let their kids ride to school, and one Christian college in particular is almost impossible to access by bike. That’s disappointing.” 

Andrew noted the wider issue: “New schools are being built without safe walking or riding access. State schools are better than private schools on this, but the environment around schools isn’t given the level of priority we’d like. We have to keep pushing for safe routes to school. And that includes new schools and existing ones.” 

Local mountain bikers also raised the need for closer-to-home trails. “At the moment Bundaberg’s trails are half an hour away. Brad Cook from Mountain Biking Bundaberg  is really pushing council to find land for trails in town, and that would be a great step.”  

Here at BQ, we firmly believe that having local trails for local kids helps normalise bike riding for younger generations. 

Gympie 

The Gympie forum drew a broad mix of people and groups. “We had mountain bikers, road riders, the treasurer of the BMX club, and even a retired councillor who’s a BQ member. It was a really good crew.” 

BMX emerged as a major strength. “The club is massive, they had 842 competitors at their state championships and expect over 1,000 in Mackay. But when kids finish BMX at 16 or 17, they often fall away from bike riding. A pump track could be a great bridge between BMX and mountain biking, helping keep young people on bikes.” 

Rail trails also featured. “There’s the Kilkivan–Kingaroy Rail Trail, but it has challenges with poor design at gully crossings. They just wash out, and it makes sections almost unrideable. Gympie Council really needs to look at redesigning those entry and exits with longer gradients and switchbacks so the trail is sustainable.” 

The Mary Valley Rail Trail is another project with promise. “Stage two could go ahead towards Imbil, with potential funding linked to the pumped hydro project. That would be a great boost.” 

Reflecting on the week, Andrew was heartened.  

There are further regional forums coming up – all the dates and locations are listed on the BQ website.

Categories
Press releases

Bicycle Queensland appoints Professor Matt Burke as new CEO

Bicycle Queensland is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Matt Burke as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Following a rigorous recruitment process in which 140 applications were received, the Board has selected Professor Burke for his passionate commitment to bike riding and active transport and his deep and widely recognised expertise in the field.

Chair Rachel Nolan described Matt as “one of us, someone who has a genuine commitment to riding and to seeing bikes and active transport and bikes as a vehicle for shaping cities and towns across Queensland.”

“At BQ, we believe that people are happier and healthier, transport is cheaper and more sustainable and community amenity is massively improved when bike riding becomes a mainstream form of transport.

“That change is happening in the great cities of the world but we have only glimpses of it here.  With the backing of our 12,000 passionate members, it’s the change we want to see for Queensland.  We believe that Matt, as the leader of a great team, can help make that happen.

Professor Burke is recognised as one of Australia’s leading voices for active transport and city-shaping, and is deeply committed to advancing the benefits of bike and scooter riding to create healthier, more connected communities. A rider himself, he brings both personal and professional insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Queenslanders on two wheels.

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, Bicycle Queensland identified the need for an influential leader to ensure the Games’ investment leaves a lasting legacy in transport, recreation, and sustainability for the state.

Professor Burke has a longstanding connection with Bicycle Queensland, having first engaged with the organisation while completing his PhD in Brisbane.

“Leading Bicycle Queensland is my dream job,” Professor Burke said. “I’ve been a sustainable transport campaigner since I was a teenager. I’ve been a bicycle bureaucrat and then a transport educator and researcher. But by leading BQ I hope we can really generate change across Queensland. We should have a genuine state cycle network by now. We don’t. There are still no firm commitments to improving cycling networks for the 2032 Games. We are behind other states on rail trails and regional cycle tourism. Expect a serious campaign on this front.”

Bicycle Queensland looks forward to Professor Burke leading the organisation to strengthen advocacy for safe, connected, and sustainable transport options for all Queenslanders.

Media contact: media@BQ.org.au

Categories
Bikeway detours and closures

Queen’s Wharf Bikeway changes for Brisbane Festival 2025

During September, The Landing at Queen’s Wharf will be used for select events and event setup as part of the Brisbane Festival. The programme has 9 nights of events using this location, which bisects the Bicentennial Bikeway.

Bicycle Queensland has been informed that barriers will create a separation between walkers and riders, and that crowd control staff will be on hand to help direct pedestrians. As in any shared space, Bicycle Queensland encourages all users to reduce their speed as appropriate for the conditions – the posted limit is 10km/h.

Note that the bikeway will be closed from 4pm on Saturday 6 September for Riverfire. At all other times the bikeway remains open.

Event Dates and Times 

Venue: Queens Wharf Brisbane, The Landing and Queen’s Wharf Plaza 
Installation:
Thursday 4 September from 6.00am – 10.00pm 

Event Dates: Friday 5 September – Saturday 27 September (Brisbane Festival Program) 
Event Times: 6:00pm – 10:00pm – Friday 5 September (Brisbane Festival Opening Night) 
12.00pm – 9:00pm – Saturday 6 September (Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust) 
6.00pm – 8:30pm – Thursday 18 September – Sunday 21 September (Baleen Moondjan) 
5.00pm – 10:00pm – Thursday 25 September – Saturday 27 September (Drone Show) 

Dismantle: Monday 29 September – Friday 3 October 6:00am – 6:00pm 

A full list of road, bridge, bikeway and river closures are listed online. Feedback can be given here.

Categories
Advocacy

BQ Supports Road Vehicle Standards Amendment Bill 2025

Bicycle Queensland has welcomed the introduction of the Road Vehicle Standards Amendment (Safer E-Bikes) Bill 2025 by Dr Sophie Scamps MP in Parliament on Monday September 1. The bill calls for the reinstatement of the EN15194 standard for imported e-bikes in Australia, matching one of the requests Bicycle Queensland has made through our submission to the Queensland Government’s Inquiry into E-mobility.

BQ Interim CEO Liana Heath stated that the bill is an important step towards improving safety for riders and restoring public and user confidence in the rapidly growing e-mobility sector.

“Bicycle Queensland has long advocated for clear, enforceable standards for e-bikes,” she said. “Our members want to know that the bike they purchase is safe, compliant, and fit for use on Australian roads and paths. We support Dr Scamps’ national efforts to address the growing issue of high-powered, unsafe imports that pose a risk to riders and the community.”

BQ’s Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack said the bill reflects the concerns raised by Bicycle Queensland in its letter to Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg earlier this year, as well as its submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility.

“The absence of a clear national standard has left consumers and retailers exposed to dangerous and illegal products,” Andrew Demack said.“Reinstating EN15194 will provide certainty and support legitimate suppliers all via an existing, recognised global standard. EN15194 places limits on continuous power, speed limits and battery safety. It addresses many of the current device concerns around e-mobility.’

Bicycle Queensland’s position paper on high-powered e-bikes highlighted the urgent need for harmonised rules across jurisdictions and for better education around the legal definition of an e-bike.

Although Private Members’ Bills often struggle to receive the backing of the Government of the day, they play an important role in highlighting issues and pressuring all parties to work towards solutions. Bicycle Queensland encourages members and the wider cycling community to stay informed and support efforts to improve e-bike safety nationwide.