Month: November 2025

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Advocacy

Bicycle Queensland calls for active transport corridor to be fully reinstated in Logan – Gold Coast Faster Rail Project

Bicycle Queensland and the Logan Bicycle Users Group are calling for an urgent reinstatement of the important active transport corridor promised as part of the Logan – Gold Coast Faster Rail Project. The project team, involving the Qld Dept of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and the ActivUs Consortium, have removed the promised continuous active transport corridor. It is now a series of disjointed cycle links with key missing gaps. This is despite the necessary land already being purchased for the active transport corridor.

Removing two modest sections is a significant change to the mission of the overall project. The promises made by TMR and included in the reference design were abundantly clear, as previously stated on the project website:

“Key Features: Active transport improvements that will be delivered through the project will include: [a] continuous active transport corridor from Kuraby to Beenleigh train stations. …”

The corridor was going to create a low-risk cycle route all the way from Kuraby to Beenleigh. Logan City Council and the bike community are relying on the new active transport corridor to form a key plank of the much-needed Logan bikeway network. Scenic Rim Regional Council are relying on it to connect to the proposed Beenleigh to Beaudesert Rail Trail. TMR themselves were relying on this corridor as part of their proposed Brisbane to Gold Coast cycle tourism route. Future rail passengers are relying on it to get to the stations. Children are relying on it to get to schools along the corridor, especially the large Loganlea State High School, which services suburbs like Kingston and sits right on corridor.

We are thankful that the proposed green bridge over the Logan River was retained. But two sections have been cut out entirely.

The most egregious section removed is south of Woodridge Station. Here riders will be expected to leave the rail corridor and ride along the high-speed and high-risk Jacaranda Avenue, and then via a rough road and path around Gould Adams Park. Good luck getting to school safely kids!

The other section removed is south of Kuraby Station to Compton Road. It doesn’t seem the Department has any idea how cyclists would now get through this section.

Bicycle Queensland CEO Prof Matthew Burke said: “We know that the removal of these sections in not due to land resumption requirements. The Department has already purchased the land necessary for the active transport corridor. That’s not the problem.”

Prof Burke also said: “Bicycle Queensland’s decades-long history of engaging with the Queensland and Commonwealth Government’s on big urban transport projects shows that if we don’t build it now, it basically won’t happen.”

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a great asset for the Logan community that will deliver on so many fronts: congestion reduction, health and wellbeing, community connectedness, the environment, the visitor economy, and more.

Bicycle Queensland will be engaging with the Minister, with relevant councillors, and with state and federal members in the coming days. We thank the project team members that briefed us for their professionalism. We especially thank the Logan Bicycle User Group, and especially Rob van Manen, who have been working hard to try and see this critical active transport corridor realised.

Categories
Advocacy

Queensland takes action on illegal e-motorbikes  

Bicycle Queensland is delighted that the Queensland Government has taken action on multiple fronts to clamp down on the illegal e-motorbikes that have proliferated on our streets, parks and footpaths. 

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has formally notified retailers that it will begin proactive compliance checks across the state. This is a significant development that aligns with Bicycle Queensland’s calls over the past 12 months for tougher oversight on the sale of non-compliant devices. This will hopefully reduce the number of throttle-driven e-motorbikes and conversion kits that do not meet Queensland’s e-bike regulations. This action will be of great relief to the many bike shops only selling legal e-bikes, which were not the problem.  

The QPS have also launched Operation X-ray Surety to enforce e-mobility compliance, targeting the use of non-compliant devices around Brisbane. This has included additional patrols but also safety education sessions run in schools. Earlier this week over 150 e-mobility infringement notices had been issued. The police have been visiting schools in the Logan area, to promote safety messaging around what constitutes a legal e-bike, and the types of e-motorbikes that are not legal to be used on public streets, parks or paths in Queensland. 

Further, state Transport Ministers are set to meet with the Commonwealth Government this month and changes to Australia’s import laws on e-motorbikes are firmly on the agenda. It is understood that Queensland’s Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, has been helping lead the call for change. The Commonwealth has been slow in responding to what has been happening in our state, where three young people have lost their lives in October and November thus far. Bicycle Queensland continues to call on the Commonwealth Government to move swiftly.  

Bicycle Queensland CEO Professor Matt Burke referred specifically to the announcement from the Office of Fair Trading saying:  

“This is a good step towards protecting riders and parents from unknowingly buying unsafe products. A whole industry had emerged of retailers whose main business model seemed to be selling illegal e-motorbikes to parents and kids. Using Fair Trading powers to clamp down on this was a key suggestion in Bicycle Queensland’s submission to the current Parliamentary Inquiry into E-Mobility Safety and Use. We are pleased that the Government has moved on this. But further action may well be needed to stop retailers selling illegal e-motorbikes ‘for use on private property only’ with a nod and a wink, knowing full-well customers are buying them for use on-road and in public spaces.” 

Bicycle Queensland wishes to thank our partners who’ve worked on this advocacy campaign, including Queensland Walks, the RACQ, The Motor Traders Association of Qld, and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.  

Prof Burke said, “There is still much to do. We now look to the Commonwealth Government to re-introduce appropriate import restrictions and ensure illegal e-motorbikes can’t so easily enter Australia. This will help cut the problem off at the source and stop the deaths we’re seeing in Queensland spreading interstate.” 

Prof Burke said, “Thankfully there are so many awesome bikes and legal e-bikes to choose from no-one ever needs to buy an illegal motorbike. Just looking at some of the mountain bikes that are for sale today in reputable bike shops, there are fantastic options.” 

What the OFT Will Do 

In a letter sent to importers, wholesalers, and retailers this week, the OFT warns that: 

  • Many devices are being marketed and sold as legal e-bikes when they are not legal for use on roads and paths. 
  • Using these high-powered devices in public spaces has already resulted in serious injuries and fatalities. 
  • Businesses may face penalties of up to $50 million for corporations and $2.5 million for individuals under the Australian Consumer Law if they misrepresent illegal devices as compliant. 

The OFT have said that they will visit Queensland suppliers to clarify the law and will follow up with a targeted compliance program examining whether retailers are misleading customers about the legality of their products. 

What counts as a legal E-Bike in Queensland 

To be considered legal for use on public roads and paths in Queensland, a device must meet all of the following criteria: 

  • It is predominantly pedal-powered. 
  • The motor only provides assistance while the rider is pedalling. 
  • Throttle control is permitted only up to 6km/h – also known as walk-mode 
  • The motor has a maximum continuous power rating of 250 watts. 
  • The motor cuts out at 25km/h, and the bike can be pedalled at higher speeds 
  • High-powered motors are never legal, even if software-limited to appear compliant. 

Any device that exceeds these limits is classified as a motorcycle and must meet TMR vehicle registration requirements.  

Many retailers continue to sell high-powered throttle-driven electric motorbikes without making this clear to customers – a practice BQ has strongly campaigned against. 

Protecting riders, parents, and communities 

BQ firmly believes that compliant e-bikes are safe, sustainable transport options helping commuters and boosting recreational cycling and cycling tourism. The problem lies with high-powered, throttle-controlled illegal motorbikes that are being passed off as bicycles and sold to riders, including children, with tragic consequences. 

BQ encourages consumers to look for devices certified to EN15194 (the European Standard for power-assisted bicycles) and to seek advice from reputable retailers. Further details are available via our E-bike rules page. 

BQ will continue advocating for stronger national import rules, better enforcement, and clearer public education, ensuring Queenslanders can enjoy the benefits of legal e-bikes whilst maintaining road safety.  

Categories
Advocacy

Has your school applied for the School Transport Infrastructure Program? 

Bicycle Queensland (BQ) is encouraging schools across the state to apply for the School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP) before nominations close on November 17. 

The Crisafulli Government has committed $4 million this financial year to the program, which funds projects that improve safety and accessibility around schools. Eligible projects include upgrades to drop-off and pick-up facilities, bikeways and shared paths, bus zones, pedestrian refuges and crossings.  

The program aims to make it easier and safer for children to walk, ride or take public transport to school, rather than relying on car travel. 

Over the next four years, the program will receive $27.5 million, with $4 million allocated to new projects this financial year. 

While the new funding is welcome, with nearly 1800 schools across Queensland, the current pool will average out to a little over $13,500 per school for the entire program – highlighting the need for a broader commitment to long-term investment, and to invest in behavioural change. 

BQ CEO Professor Matthew Burke said the funding represents an opportunity for schools to put forward practical, community-led safety improvements, but it should also be a starting point for deeper reform. 

“We’re encouraging every school to apply – this is money that can make a real difference for children’s safety and independence,” Professor Burke said. 

“But improving safety around schools won’t be possible via infrastructure with this level of investment. We need changes to regulations to support programs that work overseas, including lower speed limits near schools and utilising trained school crossing supervisors to make temporary street closures, creating safe ‘School Streets’ zones like those in Europe, Korea and the UK.” 

Bicycle Queensland continues to advocate for safer school environments that encourage more active travel. As highlighted in BQ’s recent article on changing school drop-off habits, reducing car dependence for school trips could help ease congestion, improve air quality, and boost children’s health and wellbeing. 

“Every parent knows how chaotic the school gate can be,” Professor Burke said. “But if we shift the focus from car drop-offs to safe, independent journeys on foot, by bike or on a scooter, we can make our communities calmer, healthier and safer.” 

Schools can get more details from the Department of Transport and Main Roads website. 

Categories
Advocacy

Kurilpa Precinct Plan Needs to Produce Bike-Friendly Development 

Bicycle Queensland active transport network

Brisbane City Council recently announced plans for thousands of new high-rise apartments in South Brisbane’s Kurilpa precinct, as part of Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s anti-sprawl strategy. 

Under the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct Plan, developers will be able to build taller, more sustainable buildings that exceed current height limits. Council says new buildings exceeding existing height limits must demonstrate design excellence, incorporating subtropical design principles. It is said they must also deliver new green spaces and pedestrian plazas, and contribute to public art and creative lighting. 

Bicycle Queensland wants Council’s Plan to ensure bike-friendly development.  

Proposals have been lodged for 5,279 new dwellings across 12 projects, including apartments, student accommodation and hotel rooms. Plans include: 

  • Three 50-storey towers on Nott Street 
  • Three towers ranging from 24 to 50 storeys on Melbourne Street 
  • Six towers between 12 and 30 storeys on Donkin Street 
  • A 19-storey student accommodation project on Tribune Street with 525 rooms and a rooftop space 

The area has very strong public transport links and a developing active transport network that will be strengthened with the completion of the Grey St bikeway and streetscape project. Justifiably, the Kurilpa precinct is being designed as a neighbourhood where owning a car is optional, with CBD-style maximum mandatory car parking limits and easy walking access to shops, cafes, essential services and public transport. 

Bicycle Queensland welcomes the precinct’s focus on sustainable, connected living and it represents a significant step forward for the city. However, BQ’s CEO Prof. Matthew Burke is adamant that there needs be clear encouragement for active transport, including bike riding. 
 
“We have to get premium resident and visitor bike parking into these new tall apartment developments. If these precincts are going to be “car-optional” as the Lord Mayor suggests, the developers have to provide safer bike storage options than are found in most Brisbane apartment buildings, where thefts are an ongoing concern.” 

BQ’s Director of Advocacy, Andrew Demack, admired the plan’s promotion of urban density and the benefits that may create. 

“Sustainable, connected living, which gives people the convenient, safe choice to walk, ride or take frequent public transport, is what makes great cities great. Brisbane can do this while also recognising that in a subtropical city, shade and shelter are vitally important.” 

“In these parts of the city, the best way to go out for dinner will be to walk to the dining precinct. The best way to visit the shops will be on your e-cargo bike. And the best way to get to work might be via frequent bus or train services.” 

To that end, Prof. Burke insisted that speed limits also be addressed. 

“We also need to reduce the posted street speeds in these small, crowded streets down to 30km/h. The Kurilpa precinct will be crammed with pedestrians, shops, cafes and activity, and you can’t have high speed traffic in such places. We can’t build like the densest Asian cities and not bring our street speeds down to their level.”

Categories
Advocacy

Joint press conference calls for immediate action on illegal e-motorbikes

At a joint press conference in Brisbane today, RACQ, Bicycle Queensland, Queensland Walks, and the Motor Trades Association of Queensland urged state and federal governments to act swiftly to protect Queenslanders and restore confidence in safe, legal e-mobility. 

RACQ’s Dr Michael Kane said existing laws already give authorities the power to impound and remove illegal e-motorbikes, but enforcement has been inconsistent across the state. 

“We have a crisis on our footpaths and roads,” Dr Kane said. “E-bikes and e-mobility are a great asset to the community – our problem is illegal motorbikes.” 

“These are unregistered, unsafe, and can be impounded today by police or transport officers. We need to see a genuine crackdown. The message to parents is simple: do not buy your child an illegal e-motorbike.” 

Compliant e-bikes versus e-motorbikes or non-compliant e-bikes can be identified via their output, speed assistance limits and other criteria. The Street Smarts website has information to assist. 

Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Professor Matt Burke said the problem stems from federal import rules that were relaxed in 2021, allowing illegal e-motorbikes to enter the country under the guise of e-bikes. 

“If I can speak directly to Ministers Catherine King and Tony Burke – in 2021 the Morrison Government changed the rules on imports and allowed these illegal motorbikes to come in,” Professor Burke said. 

“It’s within your power as the Federal Government to change this and stop the importation of these vehicles. If we don’t act soon, the problems we’re seeing with deaths of children in Queensland will be replicated around Australia.” 

Professor Burke stressed that legal pedal-assist e-bikes remain an important and safe part of Queensland’s transport network. 

“We’ve had legal e-bikes on our streets, in parks and on footpaths for more than 15 years without major problems,” he said. “The issue is the unregulated importation and retailing of high-powered electric motorbikes.” 


Brad Flanagan, General Manager for Industry Skills at the Motor Trades Association of Queensland, said illegal electric motorbikes have no place on Queensland’s roads or paths. 

“There are unregulated, illegal motorbikes in our parks and on our footpaths. They’re a danger to the community. People are being hurt, and people are being killed,” Mr Flanagan said. 

“If you want a motorbike or e-mobility device, go to a reputable, licensed dealer. You’ll get proper advice, a legal product, and clear guidance on whether it needs to be registered or licensed.” 

Mr Flanagan said some retailers were deliberately misleading consumers. 

“We know there are unscrupulous dealers giving instructions on how to modify legal products into illegal ones. They need to be dealt with. This is about getting unsafe, unlicensed vehicles out of our parks, off our footpaths, and off our roads.” 

In the meantime, BQ CEO Prof. Matt Burke took aim at retailers selling e-motorbikes. 

“Retailers have to take some responsibility here. The business model of some shops seems to be primarily selling illegal e-motorbikes to parents and kids. It’s not an industry we’re supportive of.” 

The growth of active transport will reduce congestion and improve the health of Queensland’s cities and towns. And riding e-scooters or bikes pales in uptake compared to walking – yet the rise of non-compliant e-motorbikes and e-scooters is putting walking at risk on shared paths. 

Anna Campbell, Executive Officer of Queensland Walks, said pedestrians across the state are increasingly fearful of using shared paths. 

“Queenslanders are telling us they’re nervous about stepping out on their footpaths and shared paths because of illegal devices moving too fast,” Ms Campbell said. 

“We support e-mobility as an important part of transport equity, but we need safer paths, better enforcement, and separated infrastructure so that pedestrians, riders and rollers can all use our public spaces safely.” 

It is clear that a coordinated state and federal intervention is required, targeting illegal importers and retailers, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring safe transport and recreation for all Queenslanders and ideally, all Australians.  

Bicycle Queensland’s full submission to the Queensland Government’s Parliamentary Inquiry into E-mobility can be read online. 

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Press releases

‘Don’t buy your kids an illegal e-motorbike’: BQ warns after tragic deaths 

Bicycle Queensland has expressed deep concern following the deaths of an eight-year-old on the Sunshine Coast and a teenager on the Gold Coast in the past week. Both children were killed while riding electric motorbikes. There are many of these devices that are being sold as “e-bikes” throughout Queensland and Australia – however the majority do not meet Australia’s legal pedal-assist standards. 

What are the e-bike rules in Queensland?

BQ CEO Professor Matt Burke said the incidents highlight a growing safety crisis. 

“The recent deaths while children are using illegal e-motorbikes on the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast have been pretty concerning,” he said. “Bicycle Queensland was advocating for appropriate regulation enforcement over a year ago, having written to the Transport Minister earlier this year. Since then we have made our submissions and presented to the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility, as have many of our members. 

The inquiry is due to report by 30 March 2026. In the meantime, communities are concerned about the safety not just of e-motorbike riders, but pedestrians and other road or shared path users. 

“Bicycle Queensland is strongly against these electric motorbikes and has been from the start,” Professor Burke said. “It’s going to take a bit of time with the Queensland government inquiry to finish. It’s meant to report in March next year and then it’ll take time for the government response to come through. So, it could be many, many months before we see all the changes we’d like to see.” 

Professor Burke said the bigger issue lies with federal importation rules. 

“The worst news is that the Federal government, who created this mess by deregulating importation rules, are showing absolutely no indication that they want to do anything about this and re-regulate – that’s really, really unfortunate.” Bicycle Queensland has lobbied the relevant Ministers, the Hon. Catherine King and Tony Burke, and our friends at the national cycling lobby – We Ride Australia – have been working hard, but without much success thus far.  

Bicycle Queensland wholeheartedly support the sale and use of e-bikes that do meet Queensland regulations. Half of our staff own and ride legal e-bikes. The Qld Government provided rebates to encourage their take-up as recently as September 2024. The adoption of legal e-bikes has been great for cycle commuting, for uptake of recreational cycling and growth in cycle tourism. 

In the meantime, Prof. Burke has urged Queenslanders to prioritise safety and legality when buying e-mobility devices this Christmas. Just because you can buy the device, it doesn’t mean it meets the required standards. 

“If you’re talking to your friends, to your family, whoever it is, can you just tell people don’t buy your kids an illegal motorbike for Christmas?” he said. “It’s quite likely, after the inquiry – maybe even beforehand – that people will have these vehicles impounded.”  

Bicycle Queensland is calling for: 

  • Federal action to restore import regulations and stop illegal e-motorbikes entering Australia; 
  • Immediate state measures to enforce current laws and raise public awareness; and 
  • Community education so parents understand what constitutes a legal, safe e-bike. 

 
BQ encourages anyone looking for e-bikes that are legal, fun to ride and safe to visit their local reputable bike shop and ask their advice. The Bicycle Queensland website has links to reputable bike stores that will help you know what is and isn’t legal and help you find an e-bike that meets the rules. There are great mountain e-bikes, gravel e-bikes and commuting e-bikes that are legal, a lot of fun to ride and worth considering.