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$100 million Active Transport Fund announced

Bicycle Queensland active transport network

Bicycle Queensland welcomes the announcement by the Australian Government of its commitment to invest in active transport infrastructure, fostering more liveable, active, and connected cities and regional centres nationwide.

Catherine King, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, announced $100 million to establish a ground breaking national Active Transport Fund. This fund aims to enhance and develop new bicycle and pedestrian pathways, promoting zero-emission travel, ensuring safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians, and fostering active and vibrant communities.

“The creation of the national Active Transport Fund marks a significant step towards building sustainable and accessible transportation options across Australia,” said Alton Twine, CEO at Bicycle Queensland. “We applaud the government’s recognition of the importance of active transport in promoting social connection, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and creating vibrant urban and regional environments. Bicycle Queensland commends the government for prioritising investments in infrastructure that enable individuals to commute to school, work, and local services safely and sustainably.”

Bicycle Queensland Queen's Wharf separated path

The program guidelines for the Active Transport Fund will be collaboratively developed in consultation with states and territories. These guidelines are set to be unveiled to the public before the fund’s anticipated commencement on July 1, 2025.

Minister King emphasised the government’s commitment to creating thriving communities across urban and regional Australia.

“We want communities to thrive whether they be in cities or in the regions,” stated Minister King. “We are investing to build economic opportunity and also the opportunity for people to enjoy the spaces and places they live in, building connection and improving safety.”

“It’s great to see the federal government on board with providing transport for all users,” stated Andrew Demack, Bicycle Queensland’s Director of Advocacy. “Funding to grow and maintain an active transport network has been missing at both a federal level, and this is a fantastic first step by the government towards progressive transport investment.”

Bicycle Queensland looks forward to collaborating with the Albanese Government and stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the national Active Transport Fund, advancing the vision of healthier, more connected, and sustainable communities nationwide.

Learn more about what we do at Bicycle Queensland here – or sign up to receive all the member benefits!

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Interview with Mary Doolan Co-convenor Brisbane CBD BUG

Challenges for women cyclists:
  • Safety concerns: Women are generally more risk-averse than men and often cite safety as the main reason for not cycling, especially on roads.
  • Lack of infrastructure: Existing infrastructure may not cater to the needs of commuting cyclists, and there’s a gap in safe and connected routes.
  • Limited representation: BUGs and other cycling advocacy groups are mostly male-dominated, making it harder for women’s voices and needs to be heard.
  • Knowledge gap: Many people, including cyclists who are experienced in forms of riding other than road riding, may lack basic knowledge about safe riding practices and group riding etiquette.
Mary Doolan’s suggestions
  • The importance of women’s involvement in BUGs and advocacy to address safety concerns and promote cycling for all.
  • The need for better education and outreach programs to equip cyclists with necessary skills and knowledge.
  • Strategies like social media sharing, one-on-one mentoring, and addressing fundamental knowledge gaps to attract more women to ride.

See the City Differently: Brisbane’s Women Cyclists Pedal for a Vision We All Need

A conversation with Mary Doolan, Co-convenor Brisbane CBD BUG

Forget the roar of engines, listen instead to the quiet hum gaining momentum on Brisbane’s streets. It’s the sound of two wheels, women cyclists rising above the urban din. They want to reshape the city through their unique perspective, creating a bike culture that’s safe, inclusive, and reflects their needs.

Research shows that generally, the male perspective is evident in decision making re cycling infrastructure design, and Mary thinks this needs to be evened out. The road ahead mirrors Brisbane’s hilly terrain – challenging and demanding a different perspective. A unique perspective that women cyclists have to offer.

Safety concerns loom large. “There have been times,” Mary admits, her voice softening, “when I felt vulnerable, threatened .The lack of dedicated infrastructure and the car-centric culture can be daunting.” This sentiment echoes throughout the female bike riding community, creating a knowledge gap and a palpable hesitancy from women to embrace bike riding.

Mary embodies the spirit of a much wanted change. “We need a shift in the default position,” she declares, her voice firm. “Instead of automatically reaching for the keys, we should ask, ‘can I bike there?’ ‘But this requires more than individual choices. ‘We need active policies that prioritise safe cycling infrastructure designed with women in mind, and empower our female voices in decision-making bodies.”

We asked Mary what would she say to a captive room of government leaders – from the Premier to regional councillors?“There’s a lot of talk about congestion busting. When it comes to the use of transport and driving, the best way to bust congestion is actually to take cars off the road. There’s a whole heap of policies that should be in place that could do that. And one of those policies would be to get people out of cars, and onto other forms of transport, including bike riding. It also has the flow on effect of improving people’s health. I mean, it has a positive impact on health budgets. It has a positive effect on the environment. And it also is just one of those things that really helps connect communities. When you’re riding your bike, you can actually say hi to people, and stop and chat and you know, go for coffee and support businesses. You can’t do that, generally in a car. 

Then I’d like you all, to perhaps get together and come up with an active policy which has a stated aim of changing people’s default positions, instead of getting in a car, to start using something else, using an active transport method to get around.”

We’d like to see that meeting.

On a roll, Mary adds, “Brisbane, or any Queensland city for that matter, has the potential to be a cycling haven,” her voice full of optimism. “Imagine a city that’s not just dedicated paths that weave alongside creeks, but a city where children bike ride confidently to school, and where diverse communities connect over shared rides. It’s achievable, but it requires collective action, and especially, listening to the women who see the city differently.”

So, the next time you see a female bike rider, remember: she’s not just a cyclist passing by, she’s a new perspective, a voice that wants to advocate for a more equitable and vibrant city. “We need more women in influential roles, in BUGs, in government, everywhere, not just because it’s fair, but because our unique perspective on safety, infrastructure, and community will benefit everyone” 

But how do we get more women involved, if the safety issue is so strong?

Mary thinks that social media, mentorship and accessible, well thought out riding education programs are important pieces of the puzzle. But that we also need to address the infrastructure gap: creating dedicated cycling paths that actually connect the city and feel safe and accessible, especially for women and families. By creating a welcoming environment both online and offline, we can encourage more women to say, ‘Hey, I can do this!’

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Advocacy Partner News Press releases

The new BQ CEO is Alton Twine

The Board of Bicycle Queensland is pleased to advise members and key stakeholders that the new Chief Executive Officer of the organisation is Alton Twine.

Mr Twine is a highly experienced former public servant with a long record of passionate and effective advocacy for cycling and sustainable transport.  

Most recently he was Director of Lifestyle and Community and for 8 years previously, Director of Transport and Infrastructure at Gold Coast City Council. He has also led cycling infrastructure and active transport planning and activation at Brisbane City Council as well as with the Queensland Government, where he managed the Active Transport team and had a critical role in TravelSmart, the world’s largest active transport program.

Alton was a member of the Australian Bicycle Council for many years and has had substantial input into strategy, planning and implementation of cycling facilities and behaviour change programs at all levels of government, successfully proposing and delivering significantly- increased capital works programs delivering more bikeways, facilities and active travel programs. In 2009 he was awarded Cycling Professional of the Year by the Cycling Promotion Fund.

He first joined Bicycle Queensland as a member in 2003.  He grew up in Townsville where he started his cycling career on a bright green Malvern Star, and, with still too many bikes in the shed, has recently bought his first E-bike.

Alton’s vision for BQ is to position the organisation at the forefront of advocacy for cycling, particularly as we head into a year of elections at the local and state government level. Alton also wants to improve the offering for members across the State, reinvigorating membership, insurance and events, as well has having meaningful input on behalf of members into proposals and projects that benefit cyclists. He is already planning improvements to the website, social media and participation opportunities for members.

Chair of the Board Rachel Nolan said she was very pleased to have secured Mr Twine’s services and was optimistic about the future of the organisation and of the important cause of sustainable transport.

Last year, the Board promised members we would undertake a thoughtful and thorough search for a new CEO and over the final months of 2023, we did that.  The position was advertised widely and we received 49 applications.

“Alton was the stand out candidate.  He is a capable and committed person who is very well known in cycling and sustainable cities circles for making a difference to the urban form.  He “gets it” about BQ and has the skills to deliver on providing services to members and making an impact that matters.

 “The time is right for the cycling revolution.  We live in a carbon constrained world, the cost of living is high and people are literally dying for want of opportunity to move their bodies.  Cycling and active transport are the solution to all of these things – but we need to make it easy for people to ride and get governments thinking about cities beyond cars.

“Bicycle Queensland is ambitious in its vision.  We intend to make change.

Ms Nolan said BQ had undergone significant reform in recent times, changing the legal structure, renewing the board and governance, returning to surplus after 5 years and now undertaking a highly competitive recruitment for a new CEO.

She especially thanked outgoing CEO Lisa Davies Jones, the longest standing BQ Director who stepped into the role in May and led the organisation with professionalism and grace. 

“We have been ably led by Lisa, who we will nominate for life membership at next AGM.”

Ms Davies Jones said it had been a privilege to step into the Interim CEO role through such an important time of transition for Bicycle Queensland.

“I wish the Board and Alton every success in delivering on the Board’s inspiring and important vision,” Ms Davies Jones said.

The new CEO will commence in the role on February 12.

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Uncategorised

Festive Season Office Closure

The Bicycle Queensland team wishes everyone a happy and safe festive season. Thank you for your support in 2023. We hope you are able to take some time and enjoy riding wherever you may be.

Our office will be closed for from 4:00 pm on Thursday 21st December 2023 and will reopen from 8:30 am on Monday 8th January 2024. We will respond to your voicemails and emails when we return.

To renew your membership please log into the member portal. You will need your member ID which can be found on your renewal communication or in your latest member newsletter.

Handy links:

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Riding High: Bicycle Queensland’s Unforgettable 2023 Journey 

As the sun sets on another fantastic year for Bicycle Queensland, it’s time to reflect on the successes that defined our two-wheeled adventure in 2023. From breaking gender barriers to paving new paths, here’s a snapshot of our journey: 

1. Her Ride Empowerment Programs: A Triumph for Women on Wheels 

Breaking stereotypes and building confidence, our Her Ride programs have empowered Queensland women. From conquering road riding challenges to mastering mountain bike trails, this initiative has been a celebration of female ridership, building skills, confidence and connection. 

2. Local advocacy: Pedalling Towards Safer Routes 

Bicycle Queensland partners with 26 bicycle user groups across the state, harnessing the passion of local advocates towards making Queensland a better and safer place to ride a bike. We connect every day with people facing barriers to bike riding and provide a conduit to finding solutions with State and local governments. 

3. Government Partnerships: Navigating Towards Sustainability 

A heartfelt thanks to the Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads for their unwavering support and sponsorship. Together, we’re steering Queensland towards a greener, more bike -friendly future. 

4. Corporate Allies: Strength in Unity for a Healthier Queensland 

Our collaborations with corporate allies—White Cloud Foundation, McInnes Wilson Lawyers, V Insurance Brokers, and Lug & Carrie—have been instrumental. Together, we’re supporting healthier, happier, more liveable communities  

5. Rail Trail Initiative: Supporting community development into Regional Queensland 

Our commitment to regional revitalisation shines through our work with the Rail Trail Network. Covering 300 km to date, these picturesque trails are not just pathways; they’re threads weaving communities together, preserving our rich heritage. We invite you to enjoy a video BQ has produced about the Rail Trail, you can watch it here.  

For an in-depth dive into our achievements, check out our 2023 Year in Review brochure here. Join us in reliving the joy, challenges, and triumphs that made 2023 an unforgettable chapter in Bicycle Queensland’s story. 

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Advocacy Uncategorised

Bicycle Queensland’s Budget Submission Urges Government Commitment to Transformative Active Transport Initiatives 

Happy Father and son riding their bicycles by the lake. Father and son having fun together on their bikes in the park. Happy family, outdoors activities, childhood and parenting concept.

We are pleased present our organisation’s 2024-25 Budget Submission, showcasing our steadfast commitment to the one million Queenslanders who engage in cycling and scootering weekly, whether for transport, recreation, or sport. 

Attached is Bicycle Queensland’s comprehensive budget document, a blueprint aligning with the Queensland Cycling Action Plan and the 2022 State Infrastructure Strategy. Our dedication to advancing active transport is evident, supporting the government’s initiatives for healthier communities. 

In our submission, we champion solutions that align with the National Obesity Strategy 2022–2032 and the Queensland Climate Action Plan. We emphasise four key focus areas: 

1. Healthy and Active Communities, Safer Neighbourhoods: 

  • Implementing behaviour change programs for school children and families. 
  • Delivering women-specific bike riding programs. 

2. Increased Investment in Walking and Cycling Infrastructure (Target: 10% by 2032): 

  • Allocating 10% of the transport budget to active transport projects. 
  • Building safe school commute infrastructure, retrofitting end-of-trip facilities, and implementing bike storage in schools. 
  • Establishing separated cycle ways within communities. 

3. Safer Freight Vehicle Package (Australian Design Rules – ADRs): 

  • Providing financial incentives for owner-drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles to retrofit blind-spot safety features. 

4. Promoting Electric Bikes for Emission Reduction and Financial Relief: 

  • Developing a strategy for behavioural change. 
  • Offering subsidies to encourage the adoption of electric bikes. 

In the spirit of collaboration, our budget priorities are harmoniously aligned with like-minded organisations such as The Heart Foundation, Queensland Walks, and Diabetes Australia – Queensland. Together, we can amplify our impact and make significant strides towards shared goals. 

We invite you to engage with us to discuss the submission in detail and address any inquiries to bqinfo@bq.org.au.

Your ongoing support is pivotal in creating a healthier, more sustainable Queensland. Let’s continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of our fellow Queenslanders. 

Thank you for your commitment to our cause.  

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Events

Pedalling Progress: Queensland’s Leaders Unite for a Bike-Friendly Future 

Minister-for-Transport-and-Main-Roads-and-Minister-for-Digital-Services-The-Hon.-Mark-Bailey-BQ-Chair-and-board-members-BQ-staff

In a recent event that marked a strength of purpose in creating a more bike-friendly Queensland, leaders, supporters and advocates of bike riding and active transport gathered for a Bicycle Queensland event.  

The event, which included the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services, The Hon. Mark Bailey, and the Shadow Minister for Customer Service and Shadow Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Steve Minnikin, were joined by Bicycle User Groups, the BQ board, councillors, industry representatives, peak associations, and devoted members of the cycling community and the state and local government. 

Hosted by the Chair of BQ, Rachel Nolan, the event was a celebration of the sheer joy that riding a bike brings and a shared desire to enhance the cycling experience across Queensland. In her address, Rachel Nolan, as the Chair of the state’s premier industry body, underscored Bicycle Queensland’s commitment to supporting micro-mobility users and their dedication to creating an environment where people of all ages, abilities, and locations can safely experience the joy of riding or scootering. 

“As the state’s premier industry body, representing the bicycle and e-scooter community, Bicycle Queensland reaffirms its dedication to supporting micro-mobility users, and we commit to working towards creating a state where everyone, regardless of age, ability, or location, can revel in the joy of riding or scootering safely,” expressed Rachel Nolan. 

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services, The Hon. Mark Bailey, addressed the growing challenges posed by the surge in traffic over the past four decades. He emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to establish cycling networks that span across various levels of government. Minister Bailey stressed the pivotal role of local government in actively participating and committing to retrofitting active transport solutions in communities, including the development of separate bike lanes. 

“There’s three times the traffic there was from forty years ago, it’s a lot faster and it’s dangerous. How do we solve that? We work together as a community to get cycling networks up and running. That means local government is to work with other levels of government to achieve that. The majority of roadways are owned by councils, and we need more councils actively involved and committed to retrofitting active transport in communities to develop separate bike ways. We know that having the right infrastructure will make a huge difference in encouraging people to buy and ride bikes or e-bikes,” stated The Hon. Mark Bailey. 

Both The Hon. Mark Bailey and Shadow Minister Steve Minnikin reiterated their commitment to collaborative efforts with Bicycle Queensland in reshaping the Queensland landscape. The shared vision revolves around implementing tangible solutions such as dedicated bike lanes and enhanced cycling networks to create a safer and more accessible environment for cyclists and micro-mobility users across the state and supporting behaviour change and community activation.  

This event stands as a testament to the passion and determination of all involved parties to pave the way for a future where active transport is not just a mode of commuting but an integral part of Queensland’s identity – a state where the joy of riding is accessible to all, irrespective of age, ability, or location. 

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Press releases Uncategorised

Tragedy on Bicentennial Bikeway Sparks Call for Urgent Safety Upgrade on Bicentennial Bikeway in Brisbane CBD   

Bicycle Queensland and Queensland Walks call for urgent safety upgrades to the Bicentennial Bikeway at North Quay following a tragic incident in which a 72 year old pedestrian died after a collision with a cyclist on October 16.

Both organisations extend their condolences to the family of the pedestrian who died. The crash is now understood to be being investigated.

On 20 October, just days after the crash, Bicycle Queensland and Queensland Walks conducted a joint site inspection in which the crash had occurred.  The inspection revealed a poorly managed and unsafe environment.  In particular –

  • The bikeway has various forms of line and pavement markings with crossing points between people walking or riding being confusing for all users.
  • Construction fencing running along the sides of the bikeway limit users’ line of sight, and
  • 10km per hour bike speed zones appear to have been erected after the accident, a speed which most bike riders and e-scooter riders find impossibly slow to ride at.   

Bicycle Queensland Interim CEO Lisa Davies Jones said the various treatments on the bikeway were clearly confusing, “While we were carrying out our site inspections, it was clear that pedestrians were nervous crossing and that cyclists were confused by the line marking.”

“In the time we were there, we observed a near-hit between a cyclist and a pram and a grandmother approached us to say it was a dangerous location and alerted us to the sad death.”

The Bicentennial Bikeway, which opened in 1988 is critical piece of infrastructure, with an average daily use of 5,284 people – 3,461 bike riders and 1,823 walkers, and many more people accessing the ferry, making it one of the country’s busiest pathways. 40% of path users are commuters, 40% use it for recreation and the remaining 20% use it for errands, shopping and social visits.  

Together, Bicycle Queensland and Queensland Walks have written to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Brisbane City Council and Minister Mark Bailey, Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services, calling for:

1. Adoption of ‘The Safe Systems Approach’ on all bike and pedestrian infrastructure: the approach, which is standard on road infrastructure is based on the principle that people can make mistakes without facing a serious risk of injury or death. 

2. Comprehensive Review of Construction Standards: Brisbane City Council and Transport Main Roads are urged to undertake a thorough review of construction standards for bike and pedestrian infrastructure, aligning them with the same stringent standards applied to roads. 

The organisations also call for an urgent review of safety and markings on the Bicentennial Bikeway. 

Anna Campbell, Executive Officer for Queensland Walks, adds: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the victim’s family, and we are committed to working towards a safer Bicentennial Bikeway. Walkers and riders should not have to navigate an environment where confusion and risks persist. We call upon the Brisbane City Council and the State Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads to prioritise the safety of people who walk and ride by implementing improved standards and ensuring that safety is paramount.” 

The pedestrian death on the Bicentennial Bikeway came just four days after the release of the coronial report into the 2020 death of cyclist Carolyn Lister near the Royal Brisbane Hospital.  She was hit by a truck after construction blocking her usual footpath cycling route forced her onto the roadway at the busy intersection of O’Connell Terrace and Bowen Bridge Road.   

“Twice in a week we have been confronted with circumstances in which people have lost their lives in part because construction impacts on bike and pedestrian infrastructure have not been well managed,” Lisa Davies Jones said.

“While every crash involves a complex set of decisions and circumstances, it is the case that these ad hoc treatments would not occur if active transport corridors were taken as seriously as roads.”

“With the Bicentennial Bikeway taking as many as 3,000 cars a day off the roads, it should be treated as a serious piece of transport infrastructure with construction impacts properly managed.

We now call for this change of mindset on the part of the councils and governments who manage active transport infrastructure and the construction contractors whose actions affect it.”

Walkers and riders represent 14% of Queensland road users who lost their lives  (2018 – 2020)* Queensland Road Safety Strategy, and data released in August by the Australian Automobile Association showed the number of cyclists who died on Australian roads increased by 24.3% from 2022 to 2023.

For media enquiries, please contact:  

  

Lisa Davies Jones   

CEO – Bicycle Queensland   

Mb: 0449 520 778   

Email: l.daviesjones@bq.org.au   

  

About Bicycle Queensland (BQ):  

BQ is the state’s peak industry body representing the needs of almost 800,000 Queenslanders who ride a bike for recreation or transport, every week. BQ has a 40-year history of successful advocacy as a leader in the field of bicycle advocacy with local councils, as well as state and federal government bodies. And through our educational (activation) programs encouraging more people, to ride, more often.