From September 1, 2024, Bicycle Queensland will be updating our membership offering and insurance, meaning all members will now be covered with accident insurance and public liability insurance, whether they use an e-scooter or a bike. This means as a Bicycle Queensland member you will be covered when riding a legal e-scooter with your Individual, Concession or Household membership. We’re excited to introduce this change, meaning you’re covered no matter what method you choose to ride more often. This coverage does not extend to BQ Supporter memberships.
Coverage starts from September 1, 2024. For the Bicycle Queensland members who have only taken out an e-scooter membership, you will have a slight price increase when it is time for your membership to renew, be it annual or monthly. Your membership will now become an Individual membership. You still have the same coverage with your e-scooter use, but also for using a bicycle. . If you currently have paid for an e-scooter add on, this additional cost will not be added when your membership is up for renewal.
Not yet a member of Bicycle Queensland? Sign up here.
Membership type
Current inclusions
Price ($) annual/monthly
New inclusions from 1/9/24
Price ($) annual/monthly from 1/9/24
Individual
Bike riding insurance only
$134/$12.99
Bike and e-scooter riding insurance
$134/$12.99
Concession
Bike riding insurance only
$99/$9.99
Bike and e-scooter riding insurance
$99/$9.99
Household of 2
Bike riding insurance only
$172/$15.99
Bike and e-scooter riding insurance
$172/$15.99
Household of 3 Plus
Bike riding insurance only
$198/$17.99
Bike and e-scooter riding insurance
$198/$17.99
E-scooter
E-scooter riding insurance only
$113/$10.99
Transition to Individual membership
$134/$12.99
BQ is excited to introduce this change as the updated membership and insurance structure offers a far more inclusive policy for all our members, ensuring they are covered whether they choose to get around via a bike or an e-scooter. If you have questions regarding the updates, please email bqinfo@bq.org.au or call 07 3844 1144 between 8:30am – 4:00pm Monday-Friday.
The Queensland Government has committed $315 millon over the coming four years to expand the network of bikeways and walking paths. Bicycle Queensland applauds this investment, which overshadows the recent announcement of a $100 million Active Transport Fund.
The state government is aiming to encourage more Queenslanders to leave their cars at home, however the $315 million investment is still a fraction of the eye-watering $34.7 billion that is registered in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) following the state budget announcment. So while $315 million seems like a lot, and it is, it’s not even 1% of the total investment in transport. The United Nations suggest 20% of transport infrastructure funding should go towards active transport, but Queensland is falling well short.
‘Every person who rides a bike or walks to work, school, to socialise or to go to the shops means less traffic and less pollution, and can also mean savings on transport costs,’ stated Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish. ‘It’s not only cheaper than using a car but it’s much better for your health and we think Queenslanders deserve world class active transport facilities.’
The Queensland government state that for every dollar invested in a bikeway, nearly five dollars are returned in economic benefits to Queensland – however the cost to benefit ratio for many built motorways is as low as 0.24, compared to close to 5.0 for bikeways.
Some other projects of note within this funding include: – $41.5 million for the Cairns Southern Access Cycleway (co-funded with the federal government) – $36.1 milion velobridge over Birdwood Road on the Veloway 1 in Greenslopes – $9.4 million towards the second stage of the New England Highway Bikeway between Highfields and Toowoomba – $10.4 million for improvements to active transport on Moggil oad from the Centenary Motorway to Chapel Hill Road. – $22.5 million to fill gaps on the Riverwalk at Kangaroo Point – which makes an unbroken link between Kangaroo Point and Mowbray Park – $9.6 million to develop a network of bike-friendly streets in South Brisbane, Highgate Hill and West End.
‘Bicycle Queensland members and the 800,000 Queenslanders who regularly ride a bike all welcome this announcement from the Minister,’ said Andrew Demack, Bicycle Queensland’s Director of Advocacy. ‘Building bikeways is great value for money for Queensland towns and cities, and we’re keen to see connected, high-quality bikeways built that give people the chance to get to their destinations safely while building their fitness and reducing congestion and carbon emissions.’
E-bikes have opened up all sorts of adventures for riders. Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
From May 3rd to 6th 2024, Bicycle Queensland, assisted through funding from the Queensland State Government, were proud to assist the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Association (BBIRT) in the successful running of the inaugural Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend. The event saw an impressive turnout of riding enthusiasts from across Queensland and New South Wales, coming together to celebrate their passion for cycling and exploration on the Dawes Range Tunnels section of the BBIRT (Barrimoon to Builyan).
Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail event offered participants an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, scenic vistas, and thrilling challenges. The event had it all, with a dash of rain keeping the temperatures ideal, and adding a challenge element with some wet conditions. Riders embarked on a variety of rides through picturesque landscapes, traversing the diverse terrain of the rail trail -including the iconic Dawes Range tunnels. Evenings were spent being well fed and entertained with live music, all while camping under the wide Queensland night sky.
Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
One participant expressed their delight, stating, “Meeting other like-minded people and riding with others in a group while soaking in the fabulous scenery made this event truly special.”
Another attendee shared their enthusiasm, remarking, “The riding, the challenges of the culverts, the venue, food, and drinks – it was all superb. This event brought together a great mixture of riders and bikes, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”
Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
Each day had planned rides that let riders explore the old rail corridor and the sights it took in, and of course some of the historic infrastructure along the way. With ride leaders on hand, attendees were able to lean on their knowledge of the area and the rail corridor.
The Honourable Glenn Butcher, Member for Gladstone, was in attendance, and clearly impressed by the experience.
“The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail has been one of the pinnacle projects that we have done in the region, utilising an old rail track which was ripped up a number of years ago now, to turn it into what I believe is one of the best rail trails not only here in Queensland, but in Australia.”
“I’m looking forward to what we can do in this part of the world. I’d like to see this end up as Australia’s longest rail trail. From Gladstone all the way through heading south.”
Hon. Glenn Butcher shakes hands with Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
The BQ Team were in attendance for the weekend, comprising CEO Alton Twine, Advocacy Director Andrew Demack and Grants and Sponsorship Officer Paul Dalitz.
“This weekend has been a great success, in no small part due to the hard work from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Association,” said Alton Twine after the weekend. “The weather threw up some extra challenges, but I think the turn out and positive event experience has illustrated just how popular this sort of infrastructure is. I’m certain the enthusiasm around the BBIRT will continue to grow from here.”
Andrew Demack was impressed by the turn out – but not surprised.
“Bike riders love rail trails because they are removed from traffic. Any time a rail trail is developed – riders will come. The bike riders who visit rail trails are committed travellers, they will spend time in the region and visit local businesses. As such, rail trails are an essential tool for economic revitalisation.”
“Bicycle Queensland are thrilled to have partnered with the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Association, and we look forward to working with them again soon.”
Andrew Demack runs a bike maintenance basics workshop during the BBIRT weeekend. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
Gladstone Regional Council Mayor, Matt Burnett, had the honour of opening the event on Friday night and was thoroughly impressed by the overwhelming turnout of participants and the dedication from the volunteers to make the event a success. Mayor Burnett commended the organisers for their efforts in bringing together such a vibrant and inclusive event, emphasising the importance of initiatives like these events in promoting the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail.
Bicycle Queensland extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail event. Their passion and dedication have played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant cycling community and showcasing the beauty of Queensland’s landscapes.
With our eyes now set to 2025, we will carry on working with the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Association to deliver another fantastic event experience on the iconic rail corridor in early May, 2025. Make sure you’re signed up to our newsletters for all updates, or follow us on social media:
