Author: Mike Blewitt

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Partner News

Bicycle Queensland partner with See.Sense

Bicycle Queensland has started a new partnership with See.Sense, a cycling technology and data company, aimed at enhancing riding safety across the state. This collaboration combines high quality lights with the ability to report incidents and conditions on your bike routes.

See.Sense’s bike lights are equipped with advanced sensors and connectivity features, designed to help riders stay visible and safe in all conditions. The lights use patented technology to react to their environment, flashing brighter and faster at riskier moments. See.Sense lights are also daylight visible and help riders stay seen by motorists, pedestrians, and other riders whether riding day or night.

But what sets these lights apart is their ability to connect with the See.Sense app, enabling riders to report incidents or hazards they encounter on their rides, as well as access connected features like crash and theft alerts and personal stats. The app provides a platform for riders to make reports about any issues encountered on their ride such as a close pass, potholes, obstruction, or other factors that may impact safety.

In time, this feedback will be shown on a data dashboard on the BQ website and will contribute to better-informed advocacy and decision-making when it comes to improving cycling infrastructure, offering a unique opportunity for riders to directly shape their environment. Aggregated and depersonalised data insights will also be accessible to other partners such as TMR and local councils to help improve conditions for cycling.  The data sharing is private, and riders can choose whether or not to opt in. Even if you don’t own See.Sense lights, you can use the See.Sense app to report any issues and record your rides.

This partnership is a natural progression for Bicycle Queensland. By collaborating with See.Sense, BQ is taking a proactive role in improving cycling safety through innovation and technology and using our member base to gain input as to conditions faced by people riding, and what facilities need maintenance. It offers a chance for riders to be individual advocates for infrastructure in their local area.

“Safety is at the heart of everything we do,” said Bicycle Queensland CEO, Alton Twine. “By working with See.Sense, we’re not only providing our members with great pricing for a practical tool to improve their safety, but we’re also contributing to a larger effort to gather data that can help shape safer roads and cycling infrastructure for everyone. This partnership will make riding more secure, connected, and enjoyable.”

“At See.Sense we want to enable more people to cycle more often. Through this partnership with BQ, we’re excited to provide insights that will shape safer, smarter roads for everyone. Together, we can create a better cycling experience for Queensland”, says See.Sense CEO, Philip McAleese. 

As part of the partnership, BQ members will receive an exclusive 30% discount on See.Sense’s innovative range of smart bike lights, designed to enhance visibility, provide incident reporting, and tailor lighting output to suit varying conditions. These lights are not just about brightening the road ahead and being visible – they are part of a larger effort to make riding safer and smarter. Log in to the BQ Portal to access the discount code.

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Events Press releases

Bicycle Queensland go big with events in 2025

Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.

Bicycle Queensland are set to host a thrilling line-up of riding events in 2025, catering to riders of all abilities, from families to seasoned riders alike. The 2025 calendar promises a diverse range of experiences, from scenic, leisurely rides to challenging gravel trails, all designed to foster a sense of community, adventure, and active lifestyles across Queensland.

Event Summary:

  • Park Pedal & Scoot Family Events: February – June 2025, Minnippi Parklands
  • Weekend in Wondai: April 25-27, 2025
  • Her Ride Sunshine Coast: Starting May 25, 2025
  • Y2W (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail): July 4-6, 2025
  • Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend: October 3-6, 2025

Park Pedal & Scoot Family Events: February to June 2025

Kicking off the year, Bicycle Queensland presents a series of six Park Pedal and Scoot events at Minnippi Parklands, running from February 2 to June 29. These events are designed with families in mind, offering a fun and supportive environment for bike and scooter riders of all ages.

Whether you’re introducing your kids to riding or enjoying a leisurely ride through picturesque parklands, Park Pedal and Scoot events provide an opportunity for everyone to get on their bikes, socialise, and enjoy the outdoors. You can expect a range of activities and support, with a focus on creating lasting memories and promoting active lifestyles.

register your interest

Weekend in Wondai: ANZAC Day Weekend

From April 25-27, 2025, the Weekend in Wondai promises to be an unforgettable 3-day riding experience. Set against the backdrop of the charming South Burnett region, this event celebrates both the spirit of ANZAC Day and the joys of bike riding. Combining family-friendly rides with more challenging routes for experienced riders, participants will explore scenic attractions, local history, and the natural beauty of the area on and around the South Burnett Rail Trail.

Event entry includes all catering, ride guides, camping, amenities and evening entertainment.  The Weekend in Wondai will be an ideal getaway for riding enthusiasts of all levels, ready to ride the gravel roads and rail trails in the South Burnett region.

register your interest

Her Ride Sunshine Coast: Empowering Women Cyclists

Starting on May 25, 2025, Her Ride Sunshine Coast will offer a series of nine sessions aimed at building cycling skills, safety, and social interactions for women who ride. The sessions are run on Wednesday and Sunday mornings.

These sessions are designed to empower women cyclists by offering a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can improve their confidence, learn valuable skills, and connect with other women who share a passion for cycling. The program focuses on everything from bike handling to group riding techniques, with a strong emphasis on fun and camaraderie.

register your interest

Y2W: The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Adventure

From July 4-6, 2025, Y2W will take participants on a 3-day, point-to-point adventure along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. This fully catered and supported event offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Queensland’s most scenic gravel riding routes, starting in Yarraman and finishing in Wulkuraka.

Descending the range to Linville on the BVRT

Riders will pass through charming towns, enjoy spectacular rural landscapes, and experience the thrill of long-distance gravel riding. Overnight stays in Linville and Esk will host evening entertainment, with equipped camp villages providing well-deserved rest after each day’s adventure. This event is a must for gravel enthusiasts and gravel-curious riders alike.

register your interest

Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend: Mundubbera

The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend is back in 2025, moving to Mundubbera for October 3-6, 2025. The event offers a 4-day riding experience along parts of the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail and other surrounding areas. Participants will enjoy a mix of diverse rides, from relaxed routes to more challenging adventure trails, all set in the historically rich and visually stunning landscape of the region.

Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.

With plenty of opportunities to explore the local sights, history, and wildlife, this event promises to be a memorable ride for all involved. The diverse terrain, full-service campsites, evening entertainment and catering makes this an event that riders won’t want to miss.

register your interest

A Year of Adventure, Community, and Cycling

With events that cater to families, women, and seasoned cyclists, Bicycle Queensland’s 2025 event calendar offers something for everyone.

‘Bicycle Queensland has a long history of delivering great value, fun events throughout Queensland, and I’m proud that we are delivering such an extensive calendar for 2025,’ said Alton Twine, CEO of Bicycle Queensland. ‘The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail event in May 2024 was our first multi-day event in years, and the response was really positive. So while we’ll be going back to Central Queensland in 2025, we are also expanding our events to include more for young families and gravel riders alike.’

‘This event line up is an important step for Bicycle Queensland, and it is a precursor to bringing more great events to many regions of Queensland in the coming years.’

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely weekend getaway or an epic multi-day gravel ride, these events provide the perfect mix of adventure, community, and outdoor exploration. Get ready to saddle up and enjoy the best of Queensland cycling in 2025!

For more information and to register for events, head to our Event Registration page.

Park Pedal and Scoot, Weekend in Wondai, Her Ride and the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend are all made possible thanks to support from the Queensland Government.

register your interest
Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
Categories
Advocacy Press releases

Bikeway dismount hours amended to allow evening commute

The Sono Lumo lights festival at Star Casino is causing an issue for bike and scooter riders who use the Bicentennial Bikeway. The event organisers had required that riders must dismount from 4-11pm to travel through the Festival area at Queen’s Wharf.

Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine said: “It is unacceptable to require bike riders to dismount on their commute home on Brisbane’s busiest bikeway. The timing applied to date is simply too restrictive. We’ve heard from plenty of members who are having to find other routes to bypass this event.”

There has been also significant protest about this blockage from Brisbane CBD BUG and Space4Cycling.

BQ had earlier spoken to Destination Brisbane Consortium before the festival began, and had offered a solution that would enable commuters to continue to ride through the space (Queen’s Wharf Plaza) which bisects the Bicentennial Bikeway at the new casino, until the end of the evening peak. 

Today BQ spoke with organisers of the event and let them know of the concerns of the cycling community, asking for a push-back on the timing that will at least allow for the evening commute to occur without interruption. Star Casino have agreed to not enforce the dismount until it is necessary for safety reasons, and have asked all bike riders to please ride slowly through the event zone. BQ’s understanding is that the requirement to dismount will now be after the evening peak. We remain concerned about this situation and will continue to monitor it until we have an outcome that allows people using this space for active transport to do so safely and conveniently. 

At the heart of the issue is the poor design choices made in this area when part of this transport corridor was surrendered to become part of this precinct. The State could have kept the bikeway separate to the multi-use area, but have compromised both the integrity of the corridor and the safety of all users by choosing not to. When an event like Sono Lumo comes along, this failure becomes all too evident.

BQ has also raised with Destination Brisbane Consortium our concern over the rumble strips placed on the bikeway near Queens Wharf Plaza without consultation with any bike groups. We believe that these strips are unnecessary, and a safety concern especially for e-scooter riders.  This is an on-going concern and we have no news to report on that matter.

It is clear that Queens Wharf Plaza must have an uninterrupted path for bike riders that can be ridden safely and conveniently 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It is part of the Bicentennial Bikeway, the most popular bike route into Brisbane’s CBD.

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Press releases

2025 Bicycle Queensland Membership Pricing

On January 1 2025, Bicycle Queensland memberships will have a minor price increase. All annual memberships will have a total price increase of $4, and any monthly memberships will have an increase of 50c per month.

Annual Individual$138
Annual Household of 2$176
Annual Household of 3+$202
Annual Concession$103
Annual BQ Supporter$53
Monthly Inidividual$13.49
Monthly Household of 2$16.49
Monthly Household of 3+$18.49
Monthly Concession$10.49
Monthly BQ Supporter$5.50

We were pleased to hold pricing steady through 2024 but have needed to introduce this minor price increase in line with CPI. For more details, email bqinfo@bq.org.au or call our office on 07 3844 1144.

Categories
Events

Ipswich 100 returns for March 2025

Get ready to mark your calendars! The Ipswich 100 is returning on Sunday, March 30, 2025, and we’re excited to invite you to take part in this thrilling fundraising event. The Ipswich 100 is one of Queensland’s premier cycling challenges, offering participants a chance to experience the region’s scenic roads, picturesque countryside, and vibrant community atmosphere. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking to test your endurance or a casual rider seeking a fun day out, the Ipswich 100 has something for everyone.

The event is an important fundraiser run by Lions Brisbane West and Ipswich Hospital Foundation, and it was originally created by Lions Brisbane West. 2025 will be their 26th event, with three distances where riders can challenge themselves and each other.

Ipswich 100 event details

  • Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
  • Routes: Choose from multiple route options, ranging from the challenging 100 km course to the shorter 50km distance – or even the Imperial 100 mile route
  • Location: Start and finish in Ipswich, with beautiful views and exciting challenges along the way.

Why Participate?

  • Scenic Ride: Explore the picturesque roads around Ipswich and into the Scenic Rim region, showcasing Queensland’s beautiful countryside.
  • Support & Safety: Well-stocked rest stops, experienced marshals, and mechanical support to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
  • Community Event: Join fellow riding enthusiasts, local riders, and families in a supportive, inclusive atmosphere.

Registration is now open, so check out all the details on the event website, including route maps, registration information, and event updates.

We look forward to seeing you at the Ipswich 100 on March 30, 2025 – it’s going to be an event you won’t want to miss!

More details and event registration are available at the Ipswich 100 website.

Categories
Events Press releases

Bicycle Queensland celebrate 2024

Bicycle Queensland (BQ) held a memorable end-of-year function at Queensland’s Parliament House, bringing together key figures from local and state government, industry partners, BQ’s Board of Directors and Chair, staff, Bicycle User Groups (BUGs), and long-time members to celebrate the achievements of the past year and to set the stage for future advocacy for bike and scooter riding in Queensland.

The event, which took place on the evening of 21 November, was a vibrant gathering of passionate riders, policy makers and industry leaders, all united by their shared commitment to making riding safer, more accessible, and more integrated into Queensland’s transport landscape.

A Night of Reflection and Forward Momentum

BQ’s CEO Alton Twine kicked off the evening thanking attendees for their support and outlining the significant strides made in riding infrastructure, policy, and community engagement over the past year. From expanding safe cycling routes to advocating for stronger local government partnerships, Twine praised the collective efforts that have seen cycling continue to grow as a sustainable and healthy transport option across the state.

“We’ve achieved a lot together this year,” Alton Twine said. “But there’s still more work to be done. We are just getting started, and with the support of all our partners here tonight, I have no doubt we’ll continue to make Queensland a safer and more connected place for riding.”

Bicycle Queensland’s Chair, Rachel Nolan, spoke to attendees about how essential the work that BQ does is for future proofing Queensland’s cities and regions. Of key importance, Nolan said, the fact that active transport needs to be the basis for connection for Brisbane 2032 – not an add on.

BQ also acknowledged the role of local and state governments in advancing the cause of cycling. With several elected officials in attendance, including Brisbane City Council’s Ryan Murphy, the event served as an opportunity to further strengthen relationships and discuss future initiatives aimed at improving riding infrastructure and safety.

Graham Turner of the Flight Centre Group was also in attendance, and spoke to the guests about his concerns in the e-mobility space, specifically around the high-powered e-bikes and scooters that are well beyond the legislated limits. “These are actually electric motor bikes,” Turner said, with suggestions to change the retailing and use of the bikes for improved safety in Queensland. Bicycle Queensland are working on a position statement to put forward in this regard.

A Lifetime of Advocacy

The event was also a chance to award Life Memberships. Ben Wilson and Lisa Davies-Jones were both awarded Bicycle Queensland Life Memberships for their service to Bicycle Queensland. Ben Wilson was on hand to receive his from Rachel Nolan.

As the evening continued, attendees shared ideas and made connections through an informal networking session. The evening left a sense of optimism and shared purpose as those involved in the riding movement look forward to another year of progress.

You can read through Bicycle Queensland’s Annual Report and Strategy document in our Governance section.

Categories
Press releases

Inaugural Rail Trails and Tourism Conference a great success

From November 6-7, 2024, Bicycle Queensland co-hosted the Rail Trails and Tourism conference with Somerset Regional Council. The conference was held at Somerset Civic Centre in Esk, Queensland. The conference was made possible by support from the Queensland Government.

Wednesday November 6 was lead by Somerset Regional Council, with a focus on business opportunities on rail trails, with specific examples for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT).

Attendees heard from Professor David Solnet and Professor Pierre Benckendorff from the University of Queensland, who did an extensive study on visitors to the  BVRT. They also heard from various speakers, including Peter Horman, CEO of Queensland Country Tourism. His presentation gave fascinating insights into the data driven decisions around tourism and destination marketing, helping to improve the understanding of potential market size around rail trail experiences.

Linda Tillman from Tilma Group Consultancy gave a presentation that dug into why visitor experiences that are unique and memorable are essential for any tourism offering – and rail trails are no different. There were many takeaways for this session, especially for businesses around a rail trail who are looking to attract visitors and gain word of mouth recommendations.

Dr Richard Buning from the University of Queensland delivered a presentation on cycle tourism, with a glimpse at some global best practices and how rail trails can help be part of a picture to grow cycle tourism in Queensland and Australia.

Conference attendees delved into a group session lead by Rowan Lamont from Blue Sky Trails, problem solving and brainstorming ideas to boost growth for rail trail businesses and the awareness of experiences alongside a rail trail. This was followed by a panel discussion with four different bike riders with a wide variety of experiences of using the BVRT.

A networking function was held that evening at the Esk Grand Hotel, offering a chance for attendees to catch up in a social setting – and in many cases share notes on the progress of their own projects.

Day two of the Rail Trails and Tourism conference started with a ride on the BVRT for those keen to start early, before a casual BBQ breakfast at the Somerset Civic Centre. Day 2 was delivered by Bicycle Queensland, and was all about how to build a rail trail.

This included input from Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine on the importance of rail trails in the promotion of bike riding and active lifestyles, and a presentation from Desley O’Grady, President of the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail, about the importance of having a vision when taking on such a large project.

Craig England from the Department of Transport and Main Roads busted myths about how corridors are secured, explaining the process involved with a rail line becoming available for a new project. This included managing leases, sale of assets – and avoiding losing access entirely!

With the success of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, those attending the conference enjoyed an in-depth session from Iain Lonsdale from Tweed Shire Council, about the planning involved for a rail trail, including the finer details of understanding users, desired experiences, safety, limitations, climatic conditions and even material choices.

Paul Heymans, Patron of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association, dug into the history and politics around the staged development of the BVRT, including hurdles and methods used for growth, before Rowan Lamont and Andrew Demack ran through different models of operation that can be used depending on the rail trail project.

After lunch, Tiffany Stodart, Manager of Destination, Communication and Customer Experience at Tweed Shire Council, teamed up with Bicycle Queensland’s Mike Blewitt to look at how to market a rail trail. From understanding your product, your market, new target markets, the brand – and how to manage those and increase visitation. This included looking at events, media relationships and asset creation.

The two days combined for a thorough experience on building, managing and optimising rail trails and their potential to be major economic drivers in different parts of Queensland and Australia.

‘This Rail Trails and Tourism conference was a great success, and we are happy to have been able to partner with Somerset Regional Council to deliver this two day event,’ said Alton Twine, CEO of Bicycle Queensland. ‘Many of us already know the benefits of rail trails, and how they contribute to the economic health of a region, alongside the social, mental and physical health of the communities involved – while also getting more people out on bikes!’

‘Importantly, we are now able to develop a tool kit to guide regions on how to take a rail trail from an available corridor through to a finished tourism offering, and we are hard at work creating a guide that will be available for any community groups who are ready to tackle a rail trail project.’

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Uncategorised

Bicycle Queensland Helps Establish Townsville Active Transport Advisory Group

Townsville’s bike riding, scooter riding and pedestrian communities are set to benefit from a new collaboration aimed at improving sustainable transport options across the city. Bicycle Queensland has joined forces with the Townsville City Council and local community members to establish an Active Transport Advisory Group.

After visiting Townsville during our Regional Tour in August, the need for input was clear, and since then Bicycle Queensland has been involved in assisting to set up local advocates to work closely with Townsville City Council to improve the current active transport network.

The primary objective of the group is to improve infrastructure and facilities for bike riders and pedestrians, helping to create safer, more accessible routes for those choosing active transport. By fostering a collaborative approach, the group aims to encourage more people in Townsville to leave their cars behind and embrace walking and cycling as sustainable, eco-friendly modes of transportation.

Key goals for the group include:

  • Ensuring bike lanes meet required standards
  • Working to make shared paths a safe and connected network
  • Identifying areas where infrastructure can be upgraded to support more riders and walkers
  • Advocating for policies that promote sustainable transport choices across the city
  • Encouraging a culture of sustainable transport choice across the community
Thijs Krugers from the Townsville Bicycle User Group (BUG)

Bicycle Queensland’s CEO, Alton Twine, expressed excitement about the initiative, stating, “Bicycle Queensland congratulates Townsville City Council on this initiative. This advisory group is a fantastic opportunity to work directly with the local community and Townsville City Council to make meaningful improvements for bike and scooter riders, and pedestrians. By working together, we can help create a more connected, sustainable, and healthier city for all residents.

A major part of the success for this collaboration will be working with Townsville’s Bicycle User Group (BUG), who are instrumental in advocacy on the ground, with support from Bicycle Queensland.

The collaboration is expected to result in significant improvements to Townsville’s active transport infrastructure, making the city a more bike, scooter and pedestrian-friendly place to live, work, and play.

Learn more about Bicycle User Groups (BUGs)