Author: Mike Blewitt

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Advocacy Press releases

Queensland Government adds e-bikes and e-scooters to Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy

There is great news for bike riders and scooter riders – any Queenslander buying a new approved e-bike or e-scooter from Monday September 23, 2024 will get a $500 rebate on their e-bike, or $200 rebate on their e-scooter.

After almost two years of advocating with the department of Transport and Main Roads on this issue, Bicycle Queensland are happy to share the exciting news that the Queensland Government have updated their Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy, introducing the rebate for e-mobility devices: e-bikes and e-scooters. 

The Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy has provided rebates for electric cars, which, whilst helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, do little to reduce traffic congestion on Queensland’s roads. Bicycle Queensland welcomes the inclusion of these modes into the policy.

E-scooter insurance

E-Bikes and E-Scooters make mobility easy. Making them more affordable will help boost these modes, making it easier for more Queenslanders to ride more often. We constantly hear from our members that these devices are a “game changer” for many, allowing people to extend their rides, deal with difficult hills, and get to and from work more comfortably. For many older riders, they allow people to ride longer and with less stress on ageing bodies. 

The $1 million rebate scheme will deliver $500 and $200 rebates for approved e-bikes and e-scooters for Queenslanders, sold via a retailer or eligible online stores. You can find your local BQ Link store via our Store Locator. As of Monday September 30 – another $1 million has been added to the rebate fund.

Understanding the rebate scheme

The Queensland Government have published a thorough outline of the e-bike and e-scooter rebate scheme, which can be read online.

To be eligible, you need to purchase your e-bike or e-scooter on or after September 23, 2024 – this cannot be a retrospective rebate. You need to be an individual – this isn’t for sole traders or businesses. You must also be a Queensland resident and 18 or over. The purchase needs to be from an eligible retailer. That means any retail business in Queensland, or an Australian online business operating under an active Australian Business Number (ABN).

What e-bikes and e-scooters are eligible?

Not every e-bike or e-scooter is eligible. It must be new – not second hand or reconditioned. It must also comply with the definition of an e-scooter or e-bike (see below). The motorised speed must be limited to 25km/h via either software or hardware, and include a battery management system. And lastly, the supplied charger needs to have a regulatory compliance mark and be registered on the Electrical Equipment Safety System national database.

For an e-scooter to be eligable, it needs to be designed for just one person to use, with either a wheel fore and aft, or two wheels at the front and one at the back or vice versa. The electric motor cannot propel the scooter beyonod 25km/h, and steering must be via handlebars (not a wheel). There needs to be a footboard (not a seat) and the total length cannot exceed 1250mm. The e-scooter must be no more than 700mm wide and 1350mm high. It cannot weigh more than 60kg.

The scheme primarily suits the most common e-bikes that have a maximum continuous rated power of 250W, where the output is progressively reduced as speed goes from 6km/h to 25 km/h. This is the standard performance of e-bike systems from Yamaha, Shimano, Brose, Specialized, SRAM, Bosch, TQ and Ananda systems, amongst some lesser known systems.

They can also be power-assisted bikes that have one (or more) electric auxiliary motors with a maximum output (or combined output) of no more than 200W. They cannot go faster than 6km/h under motor only, and need to cut motor assistance at 25km/h when being pedalled. They cannot include an internal combustion engine.

The rebate scheme is not valid for e-bike conversion kits.

Eligible applicants can only receive one rebate, and a maximum of three people per household can receive a rebate.

More details can be found on the Queensland Government website.

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/projects/electricvehicles/zero-emission-strategy
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Advocacy

Queensland’s 50c Public Transport to continue

The announcement earlier this year that the Queensland Government would undertake a 6-month trial of 50c fares for public transport was welcomed by Bicycle Queensland. Making public transportation more affordable is a step in the right direction toward reducing congestion and promoting sustainable travel options.  

Whilst public transport use has increased most markedly in the south-east corner, around the state patronage has typically increased between 8-15%. Rail has been the big winner in south east Queensland, with a reported 26.5% increase in patronage after the first month of the initiative. 

On the weekend Premier Steven Miles said that the government would keep the 50c fares post-election. Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said that the LNP would keep the commitment for cheaper public transport if his party won at the state election in October. Bicycle Queensland welcomes this bipartisan support for this great public transport initiative. 

We understand from media reports that this cost for subsidising public transport 50 cent fares has been estimated to be approximately $300 million a year, although it may end up less if patronage grows.  

By way of comparison, the Queensland Government has committed $315 million over four years for walking and bike riding in their transport budget. 

Bike riding, e-scooter riding and walking typically go hand-in-hand with more public transport use to allow for properly connected routes. At Bicycle Queensland, we would encourage further investment in walking and riding infrastructure so Queenslanders can make the best use of the ongoing subsidies for public transport. 

Cycling and micromobility has a very real role in supporting more public transport trips, particularly as part of the “door to door” customer experience. Many park-and-ride facilities on the public transport network are already full or close to capacity, so alternatives need to be considered. Additional investment in secure bike parking, and investing in greater capacity for carrying bikes on trains would help. 

‘Having ongoing discounted public transport as a bipartisan promise for the coming state election is a positive step for all Queenslanders,’ stated Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine. ‘We encourage all parties to match this additional $300 million investment in public transport with investment in active transport, to make the best use of the incentives and opportunities.’ 

Interestingly, the Household Travel Survey data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads shows that there are double the number of people riding bikes compared to using trains in Southeast Queensland, despite the significantly lesser investment in active transport. 

Can you imagine the increase in mode share for cycling and micromobility if a similar level of investment to public transport was applied? 

With the state election looming, Bicycle Queensland encourages you to engage with the candidates in your area to find out what they are doing to improve cycling in your region. 

You can support Bicycle Queensland’s Advocacy work by becoming a member.

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Bikeway detours and closures

Temporary Closures on Elizabeth St, Brisbane

Bikeway Closures
Brisbane Bikeway Closures


From 9am Saturday 21 September to 1pm Sunday 22 September, Elizabeth Street will be closed between George and Edward streets to remove the tower crane from the Albert Street northern station entrance building site (Lot 3). 

There will be traffic control arrangements in place with the temporary road closure. While the CityLink Cycleway on Elizabeth Street will be maintained during this period, sections of the cycleway will be detoured via the opposite footpath – so stay aware of changes and follow directions.

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Education Events

Rail Trails and Tourism 2024 Conference Launched

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Bicycle Queensland

Bicycle Queensland are partnering with Somerset Regional Council to host the Rail Trails and Tourism Conference 2024. The conference will take place at the Somerset Civic Centre, Esk across November 6-7, with the two days offering input around building rail trail tourism, and building rail trails themselves. The conference is possible thanks to the support of Somerset Regional Council and the Department of Main Roads.

Day one, hosted by Somerset Regional Council, will focus on tourism and how businesses along rail trails can yield maximum benefits. Industry experts, academics, elite cyclists, community champions and tourism operators will come together to learn and share ideas. After the first day’s conference, a complementary social event will provide fantastic networking opportunities. If you are interested in the business opportunities and tourism market around rail trails – this is going to be a very useful day to attend.

On Thursday November 7, Bicycle Queensland will be delivering sessions about building a rail trail. This day will start with an optional early social ride followed by presentations and discussions with rail trail gurus in a collective effort to build a new “Rail Trail Development Toolkit”. This will be a practical guide for rail trail advocates to help transform ‘that line on the map’ into a tangible trail for all to enjoy. While Queensland has a few successful rail trails, there are more decommissioned rail corridors around the state, and the country, than there are rideable rail trails. The scope for more rail trails is immense.

This day will cover the need to have a vision and drive for the project, how to manage stakeholder relationships, working on planning and funding, and looking at partnerships and events to help make sure the rail trail is marketed appropriately, and maintenance is funded in the long-term.

‘Rail trails are an integral part of the cycling infrastructure around Queensland, Australia and the world,’ said Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine, on the importance of the Rail Trails and Tourism 2024 conference. ‘Rail trail projects have shown to give an extra life to existing transport corridors, serving communities in an economic, social and health and wellbeing space.’

‘I encourage anybody interested in developing a rail trail to come to this conference in Esk. You can hear first hand from the businesses who have made a success of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, and access expertise around managing stakeholder relationships, funding, events and partnerships.’

You can sign up to the free conference via the Somerset Regional Council event page.

For those outside of south-east Queensland who may need assistance with transfers from the train station at Ipswich to Esk, please contact Paul Dalitz (p.dalitz@bq.org.au).

The event program is available via this link.

The Rails Trails and Tourism Conference is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.

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Advocacy

Bicycle Queensland supports completion of the Samford Cycle Link

The Samford to Ferny Grove Cycle Link has had two stages built, connecting Ferny Grove Station to Samford via the old rail line corridor on Lanita Ave and McLean Road South. After crossing Camp Mountain Road, the route connects along McLean Road North and into a shared path before meeting the end of Peterson Road. At this point the rail corridor is now privately owned, and the route then climbs two hills on Peterson Road, before turning left atop a crest back onto Camp Mountain Road, with no continous shoulder to the narrow bridge over Oliver’s Crossing, and into Samford via a path and crossing at the roundabout with Samford-Dayboro Road.

Get more details around supporting the Cycle Link completion.

When opened, Bicycle Queensland were disappointed with the final stretch, as it adds distance, hills, and greater exposure with motor vehicles compared to a lot of the route.

The property on the old rail corridor on Peterson Road is now for sale privately, creating an opportunity for Transport and Main Roads to complete to the Samford Cycle Link, or for the City of Moreton Bay to do the same.

Bicycle Queensland’s Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack met with local resident Harry Audus and Brisbane North Bicycle User Group (BUG) President Andrew Methorst to promote the action that is possible for TMR or MBCC.

WATCH the discussion and join the conversation on Facebook

‘When this was opened, we thought the first 80% was brilliant, but the last bit into Samford could do with some work,’ said Demack.

‘This is such a fantastic bike way, but Peterson Road as it stands is terrible for anybody except the most fit cyclist, and it is unsafe as the sight lines are poor and the main road further on is not really safe to cycle on,’ Harry Audus told BQ. ‘So this is great, the property is for sale, council could buy it and main roads could use the property to extend the bike way.’

The property leads all the way to Samford Road at the bottom of the range, so a crossing would be required in the 60km/h zone, with access over the bridge and onto Cash Avenue, which leads to the heart of Samford.

At the time of the original project, property resumptions were suggested but justifiably shelved. But this sale presents an excellent opportunity. The current route on Peterson and Camp Mountain road is not a safe route for families, young riders or less experienced riders. A proper bike link would reduce congestion in Samford and solve a missing link in this network. Alternative plans have been suggested around carrying on over Peterson Road to Wights Mountain Road (as on the Principle Cycle Network) or making a separated path all the way along Camp Mountain Road from the end of McLean Road South. However, the direct link to Samford should be the priority route, while these other bikeways can work with the main route to offer better access to Wights Mountain, Samford Valley and Highvale – along with safe connections for Samford State School and Samford Steiner School.

‘On behalf of Brisbane North BUG, Bicycle Queensland members who live in Samford and Bicycle Queensland’s perspective, we would really love to see this link upgraded. The first bit is brilliant, but from Peterson Road to Camp Mountain Road through to Samford is substandard, it is not a good bike way,’ Demack stated.

‘We really need this to be finished, to become a proper cycle link. It would link into Cash Avenue which takes you right into the heart of Samford Village.

‘One of the benefits of following a rail alignment… is that they are flat, more or less,’ added Andrew Methorst. ‘It is a win for everyone who can ride, even if they aren’t as confident they don’t need to ride with traffic, so the old railway alignments are fantastic bike ways.’

Bicycle Queensland encourages both the City of Moreton Bay and Transport and Main Roads to consider completing the Samford Cycle Link, to promote better connectivity within this community and towards Ferny Grove.

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Advocacy

Regional Queensland Tour Updates

Throughout August, Bicycle Queensland has been visiting our members and bike riding communities around Queensland. During this tour of regional Queensland, Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine and Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack have worked to understand the issues around cycling in all corners of the state, while listening for feedback around changes and opportunities in each area. Our team have also met with councils and elected officials, to advocate for safer cycling and scooter riding in all parts of Queensland.

This tour has taken us from the bikeways along the Esplanade in Cairns, to the trails and back roads of the Atheron Tablelands, and the rocky trails of Mt Douglas in Townsville. We have ridden to the Northern Beaches in Mackay, discussed rail trails in Yeppoon and checked out the trail-side swimming holes in Rockhampton. We have also heard about the opportunities with the National Trail for bike riders, seen the success of the Mary to Bay Rail Trail, and listened to concerns of bike riders around Bribie Island.

“There are lots of exciting developments for bike riding across Queensland. But for our members, the bread-and-butter issues are connecting the missing links in the bikeway network, and making sure that what is provided is well maintained and easy to access,” said Demack.

The next two meetings where you can visit are on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane:

Monday September 2nd | 6pm: Broadbeach Branch Library, 61 Sunshine Boulevard, Broadbeach QLD
Tuesday September 3rd | 5:30pm: Sports House, 150 Caxton St, Milton QLD

You can RSVP via Bicycle Queensland’s Facebook page

We’d like to hear from you, whether you are a Bicycle Queensland member or not, to help us make Queensland a better and safer place to ride bikes and e-scooters.

You can join Bicycle Queensland to support our advocacy work, and be covered by public liability and accident insurance.

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Advocacy

Stakeholders meet to discuss further development of Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail

On August 1, Bicycle Queensland met with the major stakeholders for the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail. This included staff from South Burnett Regional Council, Gympie Regional Council, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and members of several users associations involved with rail trails across Queensland. The meeting was facilitated by Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine.

Bicycle Queensland set up this meeting to discuss how the user experience across the length of the rail trail can be improved. Within the South Burnett region, where that section is known as the South Burnett Rail Trail, the trail has removed the need to open gates, and implemented a bitumen surface. Within the Gympie region, gates remain on the trail and the surface is more akin to the original rail corridor, and shows sign of weathering after recent major rain events in the region.

With the popularity of bike riding growing, the potential for increased visitation in both regions are immense with an improved end to end experience. Cycling tourism is valued at approximately $2 billion nation wide, yet only around $200 million of that lands in Queensland.

Who uses the southern end of the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail?

Data from the southern end of the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail (also known as the South Burnett Rail Trail) shows that the trail has a wide variety of users. The South Burnett Rail Trail users association have recorded an increase in overnight stays in the region, regular events who use the trail and attract external visitors, and noted that the sealed surface also attracts adaptive and disabled users, who are unable to experience the majority of off-road rail trails.

This success has come around over time, with diverse grant funding to invest in infrastructure that doesn’t have the same ongoing costs. The trail also connects to other tourism and cycling products – from mountain bike parks to wineries. As such it has diversified the user groups and created greater involvement from the local community and businesses.

The challenges for the northern end of the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail

From within the working group, the challenges can be summarised into a few areas. Firstly, the condition of the trail isn’t as appealing compared to the southern end. While few users would expect bitumen, a surface that can be ridden in entirety is important. There are a few safety concerns on the northern section due to damage from major rain events. While repair is one element, so is ongoing maintenance.

Being a user-friendly experience is also of concern, with numerous gates and steep gullies to navigate, the experience is distinctly different to the southern end. The addition of facilities, and costs involved, is also an issue, with the need for toilets and potentially showers at a key location on the route.

Lastly – the group was concerned about how best to promote the trail, given how well it can connect to other rail trail infrastructure in time, a long-term approach around branding and promotion was highlighted as another priority.

Stakeholder feedback from the meeting

‘This was an excellent day,’ stated Alton Twine, BQ’s CEO. ‘We brought together people from different councils, the community to look at what we can actually achieve with this rail trail now and in the future. If you want outcomes, you have to bring people together, you need to establish a common voice and agree on common goals. And I think we have reached that today. I’m really positive about where this is going to go in the future. It is really good to have passionate people around the table with a clear vision.’

Jason Wyeth, from the South Burnett Rail Trail, was very happy with the meeting.

‘Today has been really powerful, being able to get everyone together to chat about the future of the KKRT. This is a little gold mine at this end of the trail. It is great to see Gympie Regional Council here and have both councils talking to each other. We have a few short term things to fix, and if we can get them fixed as soon as possible, then the future is very bright.’

Andrea Ferris (Kilkivan) was at the meeting representing the Kilkivan and District Community Care Association.

‘It is great that people have finally come together to talk about the trail. A great willingness and enthusiasm towards the future has been shown, with some great ideas.’

Andrea is also an avid horse rider and bike rider, but the benefits for the whole community are the most important.

‘As a community member I see so many benefits for the community and for other rail trails in Queensland too. If we can make a good model here for governance and strategy that can be replicated, maybe more people will develop rail trails as it will be easier to govern and manage it.’

Robyn Davies from the Department of Transport and Main Roads also attended, given their investment in the Queensland Cycling Strategy and the benefit of cycling to the economy.

Perhaps most exciting for a lot of attendees was the future potential, not just for other disused rail corridors, but connectivity in Queensland. There is scope for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail to use the Link Trail to connect through to Kingaroy, then to Kilkivan, Theebine, and potentiall using back roads and stock routes to get to Gympie.

Connecting Wulkuraka to Gympie on one, signposted route? Sign us up!

‘Clearly there are a lot of people in the room today who can see that opportunity. But there are very few of those long, off-road, safe and give a cultural experience of going through small communities in Queensland countryside. Developing something like that, joining the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) to Gympie and connecting via train would be an incredible experience, something that people would come for not just nationally but internationally, if it is a good enough experience.’

The Mary Valley Rail Trail sits south of Gympie, running from Brooloo to Gympie, withy stages to Kandanga and then Amamoor proposed. Chrissy Thompson and Craig Thompson from the Mary Valley Rail Trail were in the meeting. While the rail trail they advocate for isn’t connected to the KKRT, it falls within the Gympie Regional Council region, and a rising tide lifts all boats.

‘Hopefully the Mary Valley Rail Trail will be a 21-22km trail in the future, which makes it a point of difference to the KKRT or BVRT. However, if we can loop up with a major project in south east Queensland around connecting the BVRT to the KKRT and to Gympie, then I think that’s a win for everybody,’ said Craig.

‘It looks like our trail will get to Amamoor,’ Chrissy added, ‘and then there could be potential for it to get from Amamoor to Gympie, which is huge potential for the trail and the region in the future.’

There are key points to action from various stakeholders after the meeting, but with a very positive tone for the day, Bicycle Queensland feels like the future is bright not just for the KKRT, but for rail trails and off-road bike infrastructure throughout Queensland.

By joining Bicycle Queensland, you can support initiatives like this, plus enjoy many membership beenfits.

Categories
Advocacy

$6.5 Million Boost for Cycling and Walking Infrastructure in Queensland

Bicycle Queensland welcomes the recent announcement by the Queensland government for a commitment of over $6.5 million in local council grants. The grants are aimed at improving bike riding and walking networks across Queensland. The funding is expected to support 31 new cycling projects and 16 new walking initiatives over the next two years. Earlier this year Bicycle Queensland asked local governments to increase funding to cycling infrastructure and programs. This announcement from the state certainly helps local governments across Queensland achieve this aim with co-investment under this program. 

These grants, allocated through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants and Walking Local Government Grants programs, are part of the record $37.4 billion Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) for 2024-25 to 2027-28.

The funding will facilitate the development of priority bike routes and walking network plans, addressing key locations such as schools, public transport hub, and town centres. From the Gold Coast to Torres Shire, these projects will include the creation of shared paths, crossings, and comprehensive planning efforts.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish also highlighted the benefits of this funding: “Queenslanders deserve world-class active transport facilities. Every person who rides a bike or walks to work, school, or leisure reduces traffic congestion, cuts pollution, and saves on transport costs. This round of funding will support the delivery of new cycling and walking projects statewide, ensuring more Queenslanders can safely and efficiently reach their destinations.”

Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine praised the announcement, stating, “This investment will help Queensland become a leader in active transport. Enhanced cycling and walking infrastructure not only improves connectivity but also promotes healthier lifestyles and a more sustainable environment. We are thrilled to see such progressive support for our vision of more people riding more often.”

Grants in action

Eligable projects in the grant submissions included off-road exclusive use bikeways, aeparated bikeways, off-road shared paths, bicycle streets, mid or end of trip facilities and on-road facilities such as bike lans, line marking or shoulder widening.

Notable projects
– Active transport lighting – Fig Tree Point Park (Brisbane)
– Separated bikeway- Sylvan Rd: Miskin-Land St (Brisbane)
– Design shared path – Opal st to Botanic Gardens (Central Highlands)
– Construct shared path – Boat Harbour Drive to Old Mayrborough Rd (Fraser Coast)
– Construct shared path – Parksville Drive to Kahler Close (Gladstone)
– Construct shared path – Short St to Riddle St (Goondiwindi)

All the successful grants can be viewed online.

T0 support our advocacy, gain cycling insurance and many other benefits – join BQ today.