Author: Mike Blewitt

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E-bike licensing risks derailing active transport

Bicycle Queensland has reviewed the leaked recommendations from the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility safety and use. BQ believes that the proposals to require a licence to ride an e-bike are poorly thought through and risk undermining cycling and micromobility across the state and potentially all of Australia. 

The leaked recommendations include banning children under 16 from using e-bikes and requiring riders aged 16 and over to hold at least a learner driver’s licence. 

Bicycle Queensland Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack said the proposal was a blunt policy response that fails to address the real causes of unsafe devices. 

BQ’s transport alliance requests 

Bicycle Queensland joined RACQ and Queensland Walks in calling for a targeted reform package to improve safety while protecting the benefits of cycling and micromobility. Key recommendations included: 

  • Stronger enforcement and penalties for illegal high-powered devices and dangerous behaviour 
  • Crackdowns on unsafe retailers who continued to import or sell equipment that didn’t meet the EN 15194 standard 
  • Improved data and education, including statewide reporting and public dashboards supported by education campaigns 
  • Investment in safer infrastructure, including separated cycling and micromobility lanes and higher-quality footpaths 
  • Revamped hire schemes to improve safety and reduce footpath clutter 

“If we improved these five things we’d be in a much better situation than we are now,” said BQ’s CEO Matthew Burke.  

Licensing proposal is inequitable, costly and counterproductive 

BQ believes requiring a driver’s licence to ride a legal pedal-assist e-bike would create significant barriers for people who rely on cycling for everyday transport. 

As it puts a motor vehicle framework and cost burden onto people who have deliberately chosen not to own a car, it disadvantages young people, international students, visitors, and people who can’t obtain a licence due to disability or medical conditions. And it disadvantages those who have consciously opted to avoid ownership of a car. 

The proposal would add significant administrative and enforcement workload for police while doing nothing to regulate unsafe devices at their source – which is import and sales. It just shifts responsibility onto the user. 

The influx of illegal high-powered and throttle-controlled devices followed the former Morrison Government’s 2021 decision to remove mandatory compliance with the EN15194 e-bike safety standard. 

That decision opened the floodgates to non-compliant devices entering Australia, and BQ has welcomed the recent reinstatement of EN15194 nationally. But that does need to be enforced at a national level. 

With Brisbane 2032 on a closing horizon, the licensing proposal could significantly undermine active transport planning for major events and long-term congestion and emissions goals. 

The volume of visitors to Brisbane and other host cities will rely on active transport and public transport as solutions to moving people. A requirement for licences will have a severe impact on the benefit that active transport has delivered for recent Games. Discouraging active transport is the opposite of what cities are doing around the world to fight congestion. 
 
The licencing response, without any commitment to creating a safer user environment, is motonormativity in action. 

BQ is urging the Queensland Government to reject any licensing requirement for legal pedal-assist e-bikes and focus on product regulation, retailer accountability and infrastructure investment. 

Read BQ’s submission to the inquiry.

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Advocacy

Bicycle Queensland’s Fortitude Valley Precinct Submission

Bicycle Queensland recently made a submission for the Fortitude Valley Sustainable Growth Precinct Plan. The submission asks for five things:

  • A safe route to go from the hospital precinct to New Farm for riders, and from Breakfast Creek through to the city centre. Routes are on the Principle Cycle Network Plan – but nothing has been built.
  • New developments should contribute to works that will deliver the safe cycling infrastructure.
  • Better end of trip facilities in any new apartment or office complex built in the area.
  • Less parking priority to stop flooding dense inner city areas with private vehicles.
  • Get a public park built from the funds so far collected.
read the whole submission

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Advocacy

Transport coalition’s asks from Parliamentary Inquiry into E-mobility Safety and Use 

Bicycle Queensland has joined RACQ and Queensland Walks in calling for urgent reforms to improve safety as new data shows a sharp rise in e-mobility-related injuries across Queensland. 

New research from the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit (QISU) shows more than 2,000 people presented to Queensland emergency departments with e-mobility injuries in 2025, a 23% increase on 2024 and a 45% increase on 2023. The data represents only around 25–30% of total emergency department presentations, meaning the true number of injuries is likely significantly higher. 

At a joint press conference RACQ Head of Public Policy Dr Michael Kane said the figures show the situation is worsening rapidly. 

“Queensland’s e-mobility crisis has reached tipping point, the upcoming report provides a clear-cut opportunity to change course,” Dr Kane said. 

“We welcome the Queensland Premier’s commitment to provide the strongest response in the nation, especially considering the rate of hospitalisations in Queensland. 

“At least 2,000 Queenslanders were admitted to hospital in 2025 due to e-mobility injuries, but as emphasised during the inquiry last year, these figures represent real individuals whose lives have been upended.” 

Bicycle Queensland, along with RACQ and Queensland Walks, is urging the Parliamentary Committee to recommend strong and immediate measures to improve safety. 

“The things we are asking for cover enforcement, retailers, education, hire schemes and of course infrastructure,” said BQ CEO Prof. Matthew Burke. “If we improved these five things we’d be in a much better situation than we are now.” 

Key reforms called for by Bicycle Queensland and partners 
  • Stronger enforcement to stop illegal devices and unsafe behaviour, resourcing for expanded enforcement powers, and penalties for illegal high-powered devices. 
  • Crackdown on unsafe retailers, restricting sales of e-mopeds and e-motorbikes to licensed dealers and tightening import standards. 
  • Improved data and education, including statewide reporting and public dashboards supported by education campaigns. 
  • Investment in safer infrastructure, including higher-quality footpaths and separated cycling and micromobility lanes. 
  • Revamped hire schemes to improve safety and reduce footpath clutter. 
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Pre-order your Her Ride jersey now!

Bicycle Queensland is excited to unveil the updated Her Ride jersey. It has been designed to celebrate the incredible women who make up the Her Ride community. Her Ride is about safety and skills, but also the social connections made when taking part in a Her Ride course. We believe the jerseys are a great way to show you have been part of the Her Ride program.

pre order your her ride jersey
sign up for her ride in 2026

We love spotting previous Her Ride jerseys out on the roads, paths and trails across Queensland, and with so many new riders joining the program, it felt like the perfect time for a fresh design. The new design has been updated with an eye on visibility, while sticking with a vibrant design to stand out from previous iterations.

The new Her Ride jersey is now available for pre-order at a special launch price of $89 posted (usually $114 posted once stock lands in the BQ Shop).

Made by Bowy, the jersey features a second-skin, performance fit. It is a light weight material with a full length zip – ideal for riding in Queensland conditions. If you prefer a more relaxed fit, we recommend sizing up – but ensure you measure up based on the Bowy size guide (see below), not from previous jerseys you own.

Whether you’re rolling with your local group met at a Her Ride course, tackling a weekend adventure, or commuting on two wheels, we can’t wait to see more Her Ride jerseys out on the roads and trails this year.

Orders close Sunday March 1, 2026. Orders will be posted out approximately 6 weeks after orders close.

Pre order your her ride jersey and save
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Advocacy Bikeway detours and closures

Temporary Herschel Street bikeway detour  

Bike riders travelling through Brisbane’s CBD will see a temporary detour on the Herschel Street crossing to Roma Street from Wednesday 11 February 2026, as part of ongoing works for the Cross River Rail project. 

The shared path between George Street and Roma Street will close for up to eight weeks to allow construction of an improved walking and riding environment. While the detour will require adjustments to your regular route, the outcome will deliver better safety and connectivity for riders. 

You have a few options during the closure, however the George Street bike lane provides a clear and safe alternative south of the closure, and the signalised crossing at Makerston Street will assist people walking or riding through the area. If you must use the Roma Street footpaths, please be considerate of pedestrians. There will be traffic control and signage in place to assist riders, pedestrians and motorists.  

Allow another minute or two on your trip, and take extra care on the detour you choose – including being mindful as pedestrians negotiate the same changes in their route. 

BQ has long advocated for safer, more intuitive and higher-quality cycling infrastructure through the Brisbane CBD, particularly on key east–west links like Herschel Street. Unfortunately, a safe riding thoroughfare along the full length of Herschel Street will not be developed within this particular project. 

Once construction is complete, a new shared link between George and Roma streets will open, with excellent connections to Roma Street station.  

BQ will continue to keep members informed as works progress and encourages riders to report any issues encountered during the detour so they can be raised with the project team. More details can be found on the project website.

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Advocacy

Logan Faster Rail: Reinstate the Active Transport Corridor 

The Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project was meant to deliver a continuous Active Transport Corridor alongside the rail line — a safe cycling route connecting communities from Kuraby to Beenleigh. But two key sections of bikeway have now been removed from the project design, without public consultation. Bicycle Queensland is calling for the corridor to be reinstated in full — and we need your help. 

BQ’s solution
updates from bq
action you can take
The issue 

Long, safe bikeways are rare in South East Queensland — which is why the Logan Faster Rail Active Transport Corridor mattered so much. This project was meant to deliver a continuous cycling corridor from Kuraby to Beenleigh, around three times longer than Ipswich Road in Brisbane, creating a safe, direct route that would serve: 

  • everyday riders commuting to stations 
  • local school students riding safely to and from school 
  • regional cycle tourism 

The Queensland Government, acting through the Department of Transport and Main Roads rail branch, has deleted two key sections of the bikeway: 

  • Between Woodridge and Kingston Stations 
  • From Compton Road to Kuraby Station 

The Queensland Government project team did not consult with or advise the public about this major change. 

BQ is not sure that the Commonwealth Government was properly advised of the change in project scope to delete the bikeways. The Commonwealth is paying half the bill for the overall works and may not be impressed. 

BQ’s solution 

Bicycle Queensland is calling for the full reinstatement of the Logan Faster Rail Active Transport Corridor, delivering the safe, continuous route that was originally promised. 

First priority: Woodridge to Kingston 

Our highest priority is reinstating the Woodridge to Kingston section. This would restore most of the continuous bikeway and directly support safe access for thousands of students. 

This section serves schools with a combined population of approximately 4,000 students, including: 

  • Kingston State School 
  • Groves Christian College 
  • Kingston State College 
  • The Y School 
  • Loganlea State High School (directly on the corridor south of Kingston Station) 
Updates 
  • BQ were first briefed approximately six weeks after first asking for information. 
  • There has still been no public consultation on the removal. 
  • The project is expected to soon move from design to construction — once construction starts, reinstating the corridor becomes significantly harder. 
  • BQ met with Minister Mickelberg on January 19 and were told he wasn’t going to reinstate these links.  
  • We have now written to all local and state Members of Parliament that surround the corridor. BQ has been advised that they are making inquiries and that discussions are underway.  
Action you can take 

If you want a safe cycling route from Brisbane to the Gold Coast — or you live near Woodridge, Kingston, Loganlea or Kuraby — please act now. 

1) Email the project team 

Let the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project team know you want the Active Transport Corridor reinstated: 

logangoldcoastrail@tmr.qld.gov.au 

2) Contact your local State MP 

Ask your State MP to raise the issue directly and support reinstatement of the corridor: 

  • Melissa McMahon MP (Macalister) — macalister@parliament.qld.gov.au 
  • James Martin MP (Stretton) — stretton@parliament.qld.gov.au 
  • Hon Cameron Dick MP (Woodridge) — woodridge@parliament.qld.gov.au 
  • Hon Shannon Fentiman MP (Waterford) — waterford@parliament.qld.gov.au 

3) Contact your local Federal MP 

The Commonwealth is also part-funding this project. Ask your Federal MP to push for reinstatement of the corridor: 

  • Hon Julie-Ann Campbell MP (Moreton) — Julie-Ann.Campbell.MP@aph.gov.au 
  • Hon Rowan Holzberger MP (Forde) — Rowan.Holzberger.MP@aph.gov.au 
  • Hon Jim Chalmers MP (Rankin) — jim.chalmers.mp@aph.gov.au 

4) Mobilise school communities 

If you have children or grandchildren at: 

  • Kingston State School 
  • Groves Christian College 
  • Kingston State College 
  • Loganlea State High School 
  • Y School 

Contact the school’s P&C Association and ask them to advocate strongly for the bikeway to be reinstated. 

5) Join either the Logan Bicycle User Group (Logan BUG) or Bicycle Queensland 

The Logan BUG are local cyclists who work hard to make cycling conditions better in the area. Bicycle Queensland is the peak advocacy group for cycling in Queensland. Your membership helps support the advocacy work of Bicycle Queensland, including on campaigns like this.  

Join bicycle queensland

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Advocacy

Brisbane Riverwalk reopens at Eagle Street after major upgrade 

Bicycle Queensland welcomes the reopening of a key section of the Riverwalk at the  Waterfront Brisbane project, after more than two years of construction works. 

The upgraded Riverwalk section will reopen by midday on Tuesday 3 February, after being closed for approximately 30 months to enable construction works by Dexus. 

This section of the Riverwalk had long been a challenging pinch point for people walking and riding, with narrow widths, poor sight lines and tight corners creating conflict and safety concerns for all users. 

BQ was invited by Dexus to preview the new Riverwalk section ahead of its reopening. 

The shared path now features a generous 6m-wide corridor with smooth concrete surfacing, improved sight lines and safer corners. Shallow cobblestones have also been used to visually indicate areas where users can expect higher foot traffic, supporting safer behaviour and awareness along the shared route. 

Riverwalk will also connect directly to end-of-trip facilities for the Waterfront Brisbane currently under construction, supporting more people to choose walking and riding as part of their commute when the towers open. 

BQ CEO Matt Burke praised the upgrade and the project’s delivery timeline. 

“While construction has taken over two years, the Riverwalk is re-opening on time and it looks like the finished product is pretty darn good. Well done to the developers to creating and sticking to that vision.” 

Bicycle Queensland will continue advocating for high-quality, safe and connected active transport infrastructure across Brisbane and Queensland, ensuring that shared paths and commuter corridors work well for everyone. 

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Advocacy

Viola Place bikeway delivers safer cycling connections 

On January 27, Brisbane City Council officially opened the Viola Place bikeway. It’s a really important 600-metre shared path connecting Viola Place to Schneider Road near Brisbane Airport. While short in distance, the link fills a long-standing gap in Brisbane’s bike network, providing a safe, off-road alternative to some of the area’s most challenging and traffic-heavy roads. The link has solar lighting for added safety after dark.

Brisbane City Councillor Ryan Murphy said the opening marked the end of a frustratingly long journey for riders and advocates alike. 

“This link was about to be constructed when I became a councillor in 2012 and we’re opening it in 2026,” Cr Murphy said. “This is one of those ones that was caught in development hell between land acquisition, TradeCoast, lawyers, between state government and council.” 

Despite the delays, Cr Murphy said the importance of the connection was always clear, given the tens of thousands of people who work in the airport precinct. “The fact that it’s now open is really satisfying to me. This is one of the most satisfying openings I’ve ever been to, even though it’s a small link.” 

Cr Murphy said the bikeway provides a vital alternative to dangerous on-road routes. 

“People come off the Gateway Bridge and they want to get straight into the airport precinct,” he said. 
“They can’t do it unless they go down Sugar Mill Road, and it’s an extremely dangerous connection. You’ve got trucks, lots of delivery vehicles, because we’ve got some of the big freight companies here.” 

“This just means those cyclists are now safe. They can continue on what is an off-road path, all the way through to the airport precinct, and we know that there’s tens of thousands of people that work at that precinct.” 

Cr Murphy also paid tribute to the persistence of local advocates. 

“We also just thank the advocates who have been so patient, and many of the Bicycle Queensland members have been so patient, waiting for this connection to be here,” he said. 

Bicycle Queensland CEO Matthew Burke, who was at the opening, said “Parts of this route were built many years ago, but only this week is it all starting to stitch together as a bicycle friendly route to the airport precinct.”  

He said “Kudos to Mitch Bright and the Brisbane Airport Bicycle User Group (BUG) for their decades-long advocacy for this network. Congratulations to Council’s project team for completing a tricky project that wasn’t made easy by Queensland Rail and other land owners.” 

Mitch Bright with Andrew Demack
Belinda Ward from Space4Cycling BNE

Prof Burke also highlighted the need for a bike-friendly airport. “People already arrive at Brisbane Airport with bikes and try to ride to the city centre. They find themselves on pretty awful roads straight away. We’re now that bit closer to a safe direct route.” 

For Mitch Bright from the Airport BUG, the opening represents more than a decade of advocacy. 

“The bikeway connecting to the Gateway Bridge was first suggested when the bridge was in planning. The bridge opened in 2010, with no connection,” Mr Bright said. 

He said council funding was committed years ago, but progress stalled. 

“In 2014, the Brisbane City Council determined that this connection … through Viola Place to Schneider Road, was an option that they should pursue,” he said. “In 2019, we still hadn’t seen any action on that, so we started getting active, talking to the local newspapers. In 2021, council announced they’d be building it that year, and then nothing happened, and then, finally, in 2025, we finally got a work order.” 

For riders, the difference is immediate. 

“The alternative is Sugar Mill Road, which is quite heavily trafficked by trucks,” Mr Bright said. “There’s also Nudgee Road, which is a freight route as well.” 

Belinda Ward from Space4Cycling said the link transforms access for riders crossing the Gateway Bridge. 

“It’s a major connector for anyone who comes over the Gateway Bridge,” she said.  “This path, although it’s only short, it cuts out some horrendous pieces of infrastructure.” 

She said the opening also supports changing travel patterns. 
“This suddenly opens up a cheap, safe alternative to get to a lot of workplaces.” 

As Brisbane’s airport and surrounding employment precincts continue to grow, the Viola Place bikeway stands as a reminder that sometimes the most best infrastructure upgrades are the ones that finally connect the major projects.