It’s been 20 years since the tragic death of Amy Gillett, a moment that stopped the Australian riding community in its tracks and ignited a movement for safer roads. Since then, the organisation founded in her memory has evolved into one of the country’s leading national voices for road safety: Amy’s Foundation.

While its name has evolved, its purpose has not. As Managing Director Katey Bates puts it, “Our vision is zero deaths and injuries on the road. We do that through infrastructure, technology, and law, and by improving the relationship between road users. None of that is easy, but it’s essential.”

With Queensland’s road toll topping 250 for 2025 at the time of writing, the need to improve road safety, for all users, has never been higher.

Bates, a former professional cyclist and Olympian, brings both lived experience and sharp strategic focus to the role. She speaks with the energy of someone used to attacking from the front of the bunch, yet her thinking is methodical, data-driven and deeply layered.

“Everything we do, we look at through two lenses: what can we change now, and what do we need to work on for generational change?” she says.

Working Together for Safer Roads

Bates is quick to point out that road safety advocacy in Australia is dependent on collaboration, and to that end she recognises the different roles that organisations like Amy’s Foundation and Bicycle Queensland, or other state bodies play.

“Amy’s Foundation is unique because we operate nationally,” she says. “But that means we can’t get into every local or state issue. That’s where the incredible work of advocacy bodies like Bicycle Queensland is so important. A federated system of government needs state-based organisations to drive change on the ground. We can then focus on the national levers – things like technology, enforcement, and legislative reform.”

That division of effort gives Amy’s Foundation the flexibility to explore projects that complement rather than duplicate state-level work. For example, Bates points to their involvement in promoting technology that helps protect vulnerable road users. Amy’s Foundation have developed a Car Buyers Guide, designed to equip people with the tools needed to inform their purchase and ask questions about the integrated safety systems that modern cars have.

“Cars today have amazing safety features,” she says. “We’re working with partners to ensure those tools, things like automated emergency braking or cyclist detection, are used to make roads safer for everyone, not just drivers.”

She sees a similar balance between short- and long-term change in their approach to law enforcement. The Foundation’s Metre Matters campaign helped make minimum passing distances law across most of Australia. “That was a huge achievement,” Bates says. “But now we need to make sure it’s enforced. We’re working on ways to make enforcement easier for police, including technology that can record passing distances accurately.”

Anyone who has experienced a close pass but then struggled to find a clear and consistent way to have the issue enforced will understand how important this action on enforcement is. Any of us will automatically get an infringement notice for running a red light or speeding when driving in an area where cameras exist – so why can’t technology be used for similar automated enforcement for close passes on bike riders?

Developing lasting impact

For Bates, the key to sustainable impact is recognising that real change happens at multiple speeds.

“Take car safety,” she explains. “Right now, we can give every driver a car buyer’s guide that explains what to ask for in a safer car. This is a short-term action. But in the longer term, we’re pushing for changes to the Australian Design Rules, so those features become mandatory. That’s when you really shift the needle.”

The same mindset applies to culture. Bates believes that one of the hardest and most important parts of the Foundation’s mission is improving the relationship between all road users.

“It’s getting harder,” she admits. “We’re seeing empathy fatigue. People are tired, distracted and stressed. The result of that plays out on the road. We can’t just ask people to care more; we have to shift what’s socially acceptable.”

That’s where one of her most striking ideas comes in, and it requires a complete cultural shift for the majority of Australians and Australian media. Difficult – yes, but there are examples that Bates highlighted to show it’s not impossible.

“If you really want to know what culture change looks like,” Bates says, “think about how it became unacceptable not to pick up after your dog. Twenty years ago, people didn’t blink if you didn’t. Now, it’s mortifying. You’d never leave it on the grass because you’d be judged for it.”

Her goal is to make cyclist hate equally uncool.

“Right now, it’s still somehow acceptable to mock cyclists – to sell merchandise that’s blatantly anti-cyclist, or to post online about how we ‘don’t belong on the road.’ That has to change. If you scare a rider, if you brag about close-passing, if you put an offensive sticker on your car, it should be seen as completely unacceptable. That’s how we’ll get real, lasting culture change.”

“Imagine if every cyclist in Queensland had just one calm, respectful conversation a year with someone who didn’t understand their perspective,” she says. “That’s thousands of chances to shift attitudes. It doesn’t have to be preachy. It’s about getting people to rethink those little moments.”

The impact of people power can drive incremental change that adds up. “Every time we behave respectfully on the road, every time we model patience or empathy, we’re teaching the next generation. That’s what I see with my kids – they notice how I respond. That’s culture change in action.”

Leadership Beyond Funding

Unlike most advocacy groups, Amy’s Foundation isn’t member-funded. Its supporters include philanthropists and business leaders who are personally invested in road safety.

“That independence gives us a lot of flexibility,” Bates explains. “Our donors aren’t just giving money, they’re giving expertise. The intellectual capital is priceless.”

It’s a model that values ideas and innovation as much as dollars. “Yes, we need to keep the lights on,” Bates says, “but our biggest asset is the calibre of people who believe in what we’re doing. They help us see things differently and sometimes completely outside the advocacy bubble.”

For Bates, that mix of community action, smart policy, and collaboration across sectors is what keeps Amy’s Foundation pushing forward.

“There’s no single solution to road safety,” she says. “We need state bodies like BQ fighting for better infrastructure. We need national organisations like Amy’s working on technology, law, and enforcement. And we need every rider – or every person – modelling respect and empathy on the road.”

And the drive is simple: making roads safer for everyone who uses them.

“Culture change, technology, law – they’re all part of it. But what really matters is remembering that we share the road. Every decision we make, big or small, should start from that.”

amysfoundation.org.au

For Bicycle Queensland member Kathryn Good, bikes have never just been about sport or recreation. They’ve always been part of everyday life.

“I grew up in a riding family,” she says. “My dad would take me to preschool in a trailer on the back of his bike. Me and my brother would be bundled in together, and he’d ride to work afterwards. He was a very keen cyclist, so I definitely grew up seeing bikes as a normal way to get around.”

That early exposure set the tone. Kathryn learned to ride when quite young , including a few inevitable spills along the way, but it wasn’t until university that cycling really became central again.

“When I started uni, I didn’t have a car. I couldn’t afford one,” she says. “So I started riding to and from campus because it was simply the best way to get around. I think anyone who rides regularly in Brisbane probably becomes an advocate by default. You see what’s working, what’s not, and you experience both the freedom and the frustration of riding here.”

Her daily route to the University of Queensland was a mix of suburban backstreets and arterial traffic with little access separated bikeways back then. “I was a headstrong 18- or 19-year-old taking the lane, being assertive about my right to be there,” she laughs. “These days I’m probably a bit more cautious. Preserving my life feels more important!”

That first-hand experience shaped Kathryn’s perspective on cycling advocacy. “You do eventually realise that a lot of people just don’t like you because you’re on a bike – for no other reason,” she says. “But the good news is, I think that’s changing. The rise of e-bikes has made a huge difference. More people are discovering that a bike is just a convenient, affordable way to get around. You don’t have to be a ‘cyclist’ to ride a bike.”

It’s that distinction that Kathryn believes will help move Queensland forward. “Not everyone who gets into a car sees themselves as a motoring enthusiast,” she points out. “They just drive to get around. That’s how it should be for bikes too.”

The opportunities in Brisbane

Kathryn is quick to acknowledge Brisbane’s progress. “We do have some amazing infrastructure. I’m lucky to live right near the Bicentennial Bikeway, which made commuting into the city so easy for years,” she says. “But there are still so many gaps, especially around key destinations like shops, stations, and schools.”

Her wish list? “A network that actually connects where people live to where they want to go. Major roads should have bikeways, the same way they have footpaths. For example, from Toowong to Indooroopilly there’s no direct, safe route by bike. You end up taking massive detours or dealing with narrow overpasses and missing links. It’s that last kilometre that often lets people down.”

Kathryn believes cultural change is just as important as infrastructure. “Lower speed limits, better pedestrian crossings, more driver awareness – those things help everyone, not just people on bikes. It’s not about choosing one mode over another. It’s about designing streets that are safe and comfortable for all users.”

The Story Bridge Bike Bus

Kathryn’s advocacy came into focus during Brisbane’s Story Bridge Bike Bus campaign, a grassroots response to the closure of key cycling access routes across the bridge after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

“The idea was part protest, part practical solution,” she explains. “We wanted to raise awareness, but also to provide a way for people to actually get across safely. Seeing groups of riders using the bridge every day sent a message: people ride here, and we belong here.”

Riding on the Story Bridge traffic deck is completely legal – but not palatable when there are shared paths either side. With those closed, safety in numbers was a core motivation for the Bike Bus. “We had people who’d been crossing alone for weeks, including one older gentleman who carried his golf clubs to Nudgee. He told me he’d been doing it solo until the bike bus started. I just thought if that were my grandfather, I’d want someone riding with him. Even if we only helped one person get across safely, it was worth it.”

That sense of care and of community resonated widely. “We had overwhelmingly positive feedback,” Kathryn says. “Of course there were a few negative Facebook comments, but most people saw the value. And interestingly, there were no crashes during our rides.” Unfortunately the Bike Bus did receive a number of close passes, a reminder of the public education that needs to happen around sharing the road and transport equity.

The project also highlighted something deeper. “When drivers regularly see bikes on the bridge, they start expecting to see them and that makes it safer for everyone.”

Why advocacy matters

Kathryn joined Bicycle Queensland for the same practical reasons many members do – insurance, peace of mind, and connection to a like-minded community. But she sees the real value in BQ’s advocacy work.

“The advocacy side is so important,” she says. “There’s an increasing number of people using bikes for transport who don’t think of themselves as advocates. But the work that Bicycle Queensland does benefits everyone. You shouldn’t have to be a protester to be able to ride safely — but somebody has to do that work.”

“BQ helps communicate what’s needed around safety, infrastructure and the lessons from other cities. We know what works. We just need to apply it here, and we need a voice to keep reminding decision-makers that this matters.”

Brisbane 2032 and beyond

Like many in Brisbane’s active transport community, Kathryn sees the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as a defining opportunity.

“The Olympics are a once-in-a-generation chance to transform how people move around Brisbane,” she says. “Cities like London and Paris used major events to deliver lasting change with better public transport, green corridors, cycling infrastructure, and public spaces. We can do the same.”

The funding, she argues, is already there. “What we need now is political will. The legacy of 2032 shouldn’t just be about medals or stadiums. It should be about how Brisbane evolves as a city. If we get this right, the benefits will last for decades.”

“We have a chance to make Brisbane a city where choosing to ride is easy, safe, and normal,” she says. “Let’s not waste it.”

Kathryn Good was BQ’s Individual Advocate of the Year

When hundreds of riders roll out from the University of Southern Queensland campus on Sunday, March 29, for the 2026 Ipswich Scenic 100, they’ll be taking part in something more than a bike ride.

Behind the start line, the road marshals, the refreshment stops and even the parking crews stand a team of Lions – volunteers from across south-east Queensland who have spent months planning every detail of this iconic community event.

For Lions Brisbane West President Pat Marrinan, the Ipswich Scenic 100 represents the best of what the service organisation stands for: locals giving back to their communities.

“Delivering community benefit is a big motivator for all of us at Lions,” Pat says. “We’re about getting money into the community for projects. That’s the reason Lions exist.”

The Brisbane West Lions Club was founded in 1979, when Bellbowrie was a new and growing suburb on Brisbane’s western fringe.

“Bellbowrie at that stage was a new suburb, and some of the local men saw the need for a community club,” Pat recalls. “They established what was called the Lions Park on Birkin Road, and that park still exists today.”

The club began with around 30 members, Pat himself joined the following year, and like many Lions branches, it quickly became a hub for local initiatives.

By the early 2000s, the club was looking for a major annual fundraiser that could help support its growing list of projects. A few cycling enthusiasts among the members suggested a bike ride. The idea stuck.

“The ride started in Ipswich and at the time it was fairly basic,” Pat says. “For the first three years the event didn’t go as well as hoped – 2004 was really the make-or-break year.”

But the club persevered, refining the event and building connections with nearby Lions branches. That determination paid off. The ride grew steadily, moving to its current home at the University of Southern Queensland Ipswich Campus about 15 years ago. Today, all routes start and finish at the university which provides a base that gives the event a strong community feel and room to grow.

More routes in 2026

For 2026, the Ipswich Scenic 100 will offer four route options to suit a range of riders: 160km, 100km, 50km and a new 25km course.

“The 160 goes out through towns like Rosewood, Harrisville, Kalbar and Boonah,” Pat explains. “The 100km follows the same roads out to Harrisville before turning back, the 50km goes to Rosewood and returns, and the 25km travels to Walloon and back.”

The shorter 25km course is a new addition designed to welcome riders as young as 12 or anyone looking for a more relaxed challenge.

Beyond the start and finish line, five Lions clubs pitch in to make the event happen each year. Ipswich Lions manage parking at the university, while Scenic Rim clubs including Harrisville, Boonah, Rosewood and Fassifern handle marshalling duties and staff the five refreshment stops along the route.

“It hasn’t been easy,” Pat admits. “We’ve had our ups and downs. But it’s been great that those clubs have stuck with us. We also make a donation from the proceeds to each club, which they then use in their own communities – one even built a skate park for local kids.”

Delivering for communities

The Lions’ model is simple: every dollar raised goes back into the community. With minimal overheads and all-volunteer labour, the results add up quickly.

Over the two decades the Ipswich Scenic 100 has been running, the Brisbane West Lions Club estimates it has raised around $1.3 million for local causes. The Ipswich Hospital Foundation has been one of the key beneficiaries, alongside countless smaller community initiatives.

“The 2024 event delivered a profit of $75,000 that we could give away,” Pat says proudly. “We only have basic expenses, so we can generate a sizeable amount to donate, depending on the number of riders.”

While the 2025 edition was cancelled due to weather and flooding, the club is already channelling its energy into making the 2026 event its best yet with Bicycle Queensland proud to come on board as an event partner.

Pat, who has been involved with Lions for more than four decades, says the Ipswich Scenic 100 has become much more than a fundraiser, it can be seen as community spirit in action.

“Part of why Lions exist is to help the community,” he says. “That might be by way of donations, or by personal assistance. And that’s what motivates us to do the event – to be able to donate funds and see that they’re used properly.”

It’s a formula that works. Every Lions club keeps overheads to a minimum, ensuring that almost every dollar raised is returned to the community.

Like many service clubs, Lions face a challenge in attracting new members as people’s time becomes more stretched. But Pat believes the camaraderie and purpose that come with being a Lion are as valuable as ever.

“The best way to get involved is to come to a meeting,” he says. “We have two a month – one is a business meeting where you’ll learn about what the club does, and the second is more social. You have to have those outlets and enjoy yourself – it can’t all be business.”

For Pat, the motivation to serve is its own intrinsic force.

“I’ve always wanted to help people,” he says. “I became a lawyer to help people, and that extends to Lions. I like seeing someone deal with a problem through the help we can provide – making their life a little easier.”

The Ipswich Scenic 100 isn’t just an event for cyclists, it is also a celebration of what community spirit can achieve. From the volunteers at each rest stop to the riders who take on the challenge each March, it’s a reminder that small acts of generosity can make a big difference.

And as Pat puts it, that’s exactly the point.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved,” he says. “It’s not just about cycling it’s about building stronger communities.”

The Ipswich Scenic 100 will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, starting and finishing at the University of Southern Queensland Ipswich Campus. Bicycle Queensland is proud to partner with Lions Brisbane West for this iconic event. Tickets are available via the BQ website.

Tucked into the slopes of Mount Archer and rideable from Rockhampton’s city centre, First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve is one of Queensland’s most impressive riding destinations. Despite hosting state level events and attracting attention from national media, many first-time visitors have the same reaction – surprise at just how extensive and varied the trail network is, and how close it sits to town.

First Turkey didn’t come from a large capital works program or a top-down tourism plan. It exists and continues to improve because of a committed local mountain bike community, led by the Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club, that has built momentum through people, persistence and planning.

A park that builds community

First Turkey might have a great mix of trails, but it’s more than that. It’s a place where a mountain bike community has formed and grown. That sense of connection is visible every day in the car park and on the trails with families unloading bikes, kids riding in all conditions, and visitors discovering the network for the first time.

Over the Christmas period, club members noticed a steady stream of travelling riders stopping in at First Turkey. “There was quite a few people I met in the car park who had those scratch maps of mountain biking in Queensland,” says Myall Stevens, Club Vice President of Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club. “They’d come to First Turkey to scratch it off and then end up staying an extra night or two.”

Recent trail openings have drawn crowds of 150 to 200 people, many of them children. “Easily 70 per cent of the people there were kids,” Stevens says. “They’re in there regularly – rain, hail or shine.”

That regular use has helped foster a strong local riding culture, supported by social rides, women’s rides, coffee rides and a growing youth program. As club member Rolley Tickner explains, “It’s about building the community up. We run a lot of social rides, and they’re all a little bit different – not everything has to be serious riding.”

2025 was a big year for Rocky MTB, given the extensive damage from severe rain events. Volunteers spent 1000 hours trying to keep the trails maintained. Rocky MTB also had Stanwell Corp donating $33,000 to rebuild the green flow trail Whipsnake, and thanks to ongoing support from donations and businesses they could engage a local builder for ongoing trail maintenance or rebuild works.

For those looking for airtime, the popular jump line Dirtclowns has also been rebuilt by local builder CQ Mini Excavations.

The importance of volunteers

Maintaining a trail network the size of First Turkey is no small task, particularly in a region prone to heavy rain and extreme weather. The club relies on volunteers to keep trails safe and rideable, prioritising the most popular routes and responding quickly after major weather events. Their Facebook page has regular updates about conditions, trail closures, working bees and of course – rides.

“Primarily it’s volunteer-based,” Stevens says. “We go in with a purpose. We’ll run working bees focused on the most popular trails and what needs attention after weather or heavy use.”

Those working bees aren’t just about shovels and rakes. The club has been actively looking for new ways to involve people who can’t make traditional weekend sessions. “There’s only a finite number of people that are willing or able to turn up,” Stevens explains. “So we’re looking at reaching out to other community groups.”

Importantly, the club has found that giving people responsibility builds long-term commitment. “People like to have responsibility,” Stevens says. “They want ownership of stuff. If they feel like a trail is theirs, they’ll turn up for it.”

Trails as a regional opportunity

First Turkey is increasingly recognised as a regional asset, not just a local one. State-level events are now firmly on the calendar, bringing riders and spectators to Rockhampton and helping showcase the park’s potential.

“What that’s shown council is that we have the ability to run events of that scale,” Stevens says. “And that’s sparked a bit more interest in what this place can be.”

The park’s location is a major advantage. “It’s not a 10-minute drive, or a 20-minute drive to get here,  you can ride to the trail from the centre of town,” Stevens says. That accessibility makes First Turkey valuable for locals and appealing for visitors looking for a rideable, stay-and-play destination.

With the Queensland Government pushing regional and eco-tourism as part of a Queensland 2045 campaign – the work that Rockhampton MTB Club has undertaken over decades may just be a perfect example of how a community can create a nationally significant outdoor recreation attraction, while still benefitting from it themselves.

People matter

One of the most important lessons from Rockhampton is that there’s no special formula or hidden advantage at play. Progress has come from people: strong leadership, skilled volunteers and a willingness to keep building momentum.

“It’s definitely people,” Tickner says. “There’s always been great leaders and a lot of passion for mountain biking. When those things mix together, people feed off each other and it generates a lot of goodwill.”

Local businesses also play a critical supporting role, helping cover everyday costs such as tools, fuel and consumables. While council support has improved in recent years, particularly around approvals, the club remains largely self-driven.

First Turkey into the future

To move from incremental improvements to long-term impact, the Rockhampton MTB Club has developed a master plan for First Turkey. This isn’t just about new trails; it’s about embedding mountain biking into broader regional planning.

“We had to put a master plan in place,” Stevens says. “If a club wants to build and get bigger and better, that plan needs to be embedded in the strategic intent of council.”

A central part of that vision is a proper trailhead, with toilets, change rooms, skills areas and space for families and beginners. “That’s a huge ticket item,” Stevens says. “It’s not just for mountain bikers, it should be a community hub.”

Facilities like these help address equity and access, making it easier for women, kids, new riders and visiting families to use the park comfortably and confidently.

Another potential project in the region is the Yeppoon to Rockhampton rail trail – a foundational piece of riding infrastructure that assists active transport planning but can also attract a greater tourism base.

First Turkey Mountain Bike Park shows what’s possible when community, planning and persistence come together. It’s proof that regional trail networks don’t need to wait for perfect conditions to thrive.

When Richard and Andrea first stepped into the world of e-bikes, they weren’t just buying a business, they were taking on a mission and starting new careers.

“We wanted to continue the vision Bruce had when he started Blind Freddy Electric Bikes,” Andrea says, reflecting on their decision to take over the business in 2019. “It was about giving people access to cycling who might not otherwise have it whether that’s because of age, ability, or confidence.”

At the time, the demand for electric bikes was surging. When the COVID pandemic arrived with COVID lockdowns, this pushed more people toward cycling, and the introduction of the NDIS had created new opportunities for mobility solutions. It was a huge period of growth for anyone in the bike industry – especially for those able to deliver more creative mobility solutions. “We could see the potential,” Richard explains. “But it wasn’t just about selling bikes. It was about problem-solving, customising, and finding ways for people to keep moving.”

EveryBody eBikes quickly became known for its willingness to say yes to the hard questions. If someone came in with a unique need, a trike that needed a motor, an adaptive handlebar, or a cargo solution, Richard and Andrea would find a way.

Andrea recalls one family who had struggled to ride together for years: “They came in almost at breaking point – mum, dad, and a young adult son who couldn’t ride a standard bike. When we got him set up and riding, the parents just cried. It meant they could finally go out as a family and share that experience.”

Richard adds: “You can see the weight lift off their shoulders. Suddenly cycling isn’t a barrier – it’s freedom.”

Floods, relocations, and resilience

Their journey hasn’t been without challenges. The shop was badly affected by flooding, forcing them to find a new home while keeping the business running. “That was a stressful period,” Andrea admits. “We were split between a workshop here, a warehouse there and the shop under our home for a while… it wasn’t ideal for the team or for customers.”

The move to Gaythorne has changed everything.

“Having everyone under one roof is huge,” Richard says. “The workshop, warehouse, showroom are all in the same place. It means customers can see the bikes, test ride them straight out the door, and we can talk through solutions on the spot.”

Andrea agrees: “The new space is modern, light, and welcoming. People feel comfortable walking in. And from a business perspective, it’s efficient. We’re not wasting time moving bikes and stock back and forth. It’s made us better at what we do.”

A look inside the Gaythorne shop and it’s clear this is more than a retail floor. While the modern show room is a great space with a range of e-bikes, e-trikes and accessories on display, the workshop is a hum of activity. There are lifts to work on the side-by-side e-mobility devices and e-trikes, and a huge range of specific spare parts and even tooling for fabrication. Everything that mechanics will need to service e-bikes through to fine-tuning custom builds.

“That’s where the magic happens,” Richard says with a grin. “Every rider is different. Sometimes it’s as simple as swapping a handlebar. Other times it’s a full custom job. But the goal is always the same – to get that person on a bike that suits them.” Whether that’s for a commute along the Kedron Brook bike path, an e-bike to ride to the shops or to take the kids to school, or a modified e-trike for someone with lower mobility – they receive the same service and attention.

One story that stands out for Andrea is of a man in Rockhampton who hadn’t ridden in decades. “He is usually wheelchair-bound and thought he’d never ride again,” she says. “When he came back from his first ride, the look on his face said it all. Forty years off the bike, and he was back. Those are the moments that keep us going.”

E-Bikes for every body

The name EveryBody eBikes isn’t just a clever play on words, it’s a statement of intent.

“We really do mean every body,” Andrea says. “We stock e-bikes for commuters, cargo bikes & trikes for passengers and families, recreational riders and travellers, and people who just want something fun. But we also specialise in solutions for people who might have been excluded from cycling before – “wobbly” riders who have lost confidence, older riders and people with disabilities, those recovering from injury or requiring additional supports to feel safe.”

Richard nods. “It’s about finding the right bike for the right body. Sometimes that’s a two-wheeler. Sometimes it’s a trike. Sometimes it’s a cargo bike with a child seat or two. Whatever it is, it should make you feel good and give you the confidence to ride.”

Their work doesn’t stop at the shopfront. Richard and Andrea are passionate about improving the infrastructure that supports accessible cycling.

“We talk to councils about path widths, bollard spacing, curb ramps,” Richard says. “If you’re on a passenger trike or a cargo bike, those things matter. If you can’t get past a bollard, that path might as well not exist.”

Andrea adds that education is just as important: “We do exhibitions, we go to NDIS expos, we talk to planners. The more people understand what’s possible, the better the outcomes for riders.”

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, Richard and Andrea see a huge opportunity to reshape how the city moves.

“We’d love to see Brisbane really embrace riding as a mode of transport,” Andrea says. “Not just for the athletes, but for everyone. Imagine a city where kids, grandparents, and people with disabilities can all ride safely to where they need to go. That’s what we’re working towards.”

One element of that would be the creation of a Brisbane Bike Library – where a range of e-bikes are available for the community to trial. Examples exist in Noosa and Hobart, and are an ideal way for people to see if the mode shift works for them.

For all the talk of infrastructure, logistics, and business operations, what drives Richard and Andrea is far simpler.

“Everyone should be able to feel the wind in their hair,” Andrea says. “That’s what cycling gives you. It’s freedom, it’s joy, and it’s something we believe everyone should have access to.”

Richard smiles and sums it up: “We’re not just selling bikes. We’re helping people rediscover what’s possible.”

Tucked into the bustling heart of Woolloongabba, Planet Cycles has long held a reputation as one of Brisbane’s iconic bike shops. Planet Cycles are also a BQ Link retail member, essential partners for Bicycle Queensland, sharing our message and cause with their new and existing customers. For Dimity Scott, who now manages the store, the reputation attached with Planet Cycles wasn’t just inherited, it’s something she and her team are proud to uphold every day.

“Planet is a bit of a legacy in Brisbane. It’s a very well-known bike shop,” Dimity says. “It’s always been the benchmark that other stores have looked to. We have set a standard as a premium store, with premium service and premium products. And that’s what we aim to continue.”

That focus on quality goes beyond the bikes themselves. Dimity sees the store’s greatest strength in its people, both on the shop floor and on the tools in the workshop

“For me, the best part about this store is the team. The experience is unbelievable, and it spans across road, cross-country, downhill, e-bikes, gravel – just about everything,” she says. “It means we can give customers genuine, well-rounded advice no matter what kind of riding they’re into.”

In an era where bikes are constantly evolving, having a shop that keeps pace with both technology and service expectations is crucial. Dimity says one of the key roles of a reliable bike shop today is to help riders, especially those newer to the scene, make sense of the tech.

“Keeping up with the technological changes is hard, even for us,” she says. “So for someone who’s not mechanically minded, having a shop that can explain things, take care of the bike, and keep them riding smoothly is really important.”

This is especially true for the e-bike market, with the technology introducing a bunch of terms and numbers that need educated staff to explain and contextualise. Given e-bikes cross just about every genre, thankfully the Planet Cycles crew are well up to speed – pun intended.

While the store has always been strong in the road cycling space, Planet Cycles is also embracing the growing appeal of gravel. Their new monthly social ride is already building momentum among a wide mix of riders.

“On the last Sunday of the month, we meet at the Fernvale Information Centre and head out to Coominya and back,” Dimity explains. “It depends on the group, but no one gets dropped. Some people go a bit harder, and others just cruise—it’s about having fun and enjoying the ride.”

The appeal of gravel, especially to those with a road riding background like Dimity, is easy to understand.

“You’re out in nature, no traffic, no noise – it’s just relaxing. You can actually have a chat with your mates and enjoy being on the bike. Then you grab a coffee after and start your day feeling great.”

The ride has attracted everyone from occasional riders getting back into cycling to super-keen new gravel converts, and that is Dimity finds genuinely rewarding.

“We’ve had people who ride once every six months and want to get back into it, right through to those with brand new gravel bikes who just want to be out there as much as possible. That variety is what makes it great.”

In-store, Planet Cycles continues to give riders the chance to experience some of the latest gear firsthand. As a Specialized dealer their demo fleet includes the a variety of the brand’s class-leading e-bikes, along with select other models. Dimity is quick to confirm that their test rides are the real deal as well.

“You don’t just ride around the car park, you can take them out for a day or a weekend and actually see what it’s like,” Dimity says. “It’s a great way for people to explore the e-bike scene properly.”

As a BQ Link retail partner, Planet Cycles is also aligned with Bicycle Queensland’s broader goals – to grow riding across all levels and styles, and help make Queensland a safer, more accessible place to ride.

“I think Bicycle Queensland does an amazing job of promoting cycling – not just as a sport but as something fun and healthy to do,” Dimity says. “Their work pushing for infrastructure is huge. I ride 20km to work each way and I’m hardly on the road at all, which from a safety point of view is fantastic.”

For Dimity and the team at Planet Cycles, the motivation is simple: they love bikes, and they want more people riding them.

“We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t love it,” she says. “Partnering with BQ is a way for us to help grow the industry and support the community. Whether it’s through events, advocacy, or just helping someone have a better ride.”

Visit Planet Cycles website.