Category: Advice

Categories
Advice Advocacy

Local Government Association of Queensland

For the first time, Bicycle Queensland’s advocacy team (Rebecca Randazzo and Andrew Demack) attended the annual Local Government Association of Queensland conference held in Mackay.

We had a prime location between the rugby league and AFL booths on the way to the refreshments area! As a result, just about every Council in Queensland stopped for a conversation. We had prepared three posters with our main talking points: cycle tourism, education and schools, and building the cycle network.

Cycle Tourism

Cycle tourism was clearly the top priority for councils. Many councils are already working on attracting mountain bike riders, following the example of the Wangetti Trail, now under construction from Palm Cove to Port Douglas in FNQ. Mackay Council is also building a trail of similar epic quality, from Eungella to Finch Hatton — that will be amazing.

We are working through our follow-up contacts with councils including Mareeba, Mackay, North Burnett, South Burnett, Scenic Rim, Cassowary Coast, Livingstone and Ipswich. Most of these are interested in either developing rail trails and other cycle tourism opportunities, but also getting the best value for money in cycle infrastructure.

Local Counterparts

On the way to Mackay, BQ’s Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack arranged meetings in Maryborough, Bundaberg and Rockhampton, meeting up with bicycle user group representatives and Councils. In Maryborough, we were delighted to see and experience the remarkable progress being made by Fraser Coast BUG on the Mary to the Bay rail trail. In Bundaberg, we met with Council staff to encourage progress on the Bundaberg to Gin Gin Rail Trail. In Rockhampton, we met with the local cycling group to discuss our collaborative response to the Council’s just-released Walking and Cycling Strategy.

Proudly supported by the Queensland Government

Categories
Advice Advocacy Press releases

SEND A LETTER TO YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLOR

On the back of the COP26 conference in Glasgow, cycling organisations around the world have joined together and rallied for cycling to be a part of the Glasgow Declaration on Accelerating the Transition to 100% Zero Emission Cars and Vans.

Now it’s time to ask the question locally, what are your councillors doing to combat carbon emissions from transport?

If you would like to ask your local councillor what they are doing to combat carbon emissions from transport and emphasis the important role bike riding can play, follow the instructions below.

  • Download the draft letter here
  • Find your local councillor here
  • If you are unsure of your council area, click here 
  • Fill in the details on the draft letter
  • Send to your local councillor

Let’s make bike riding a priority transport method to combat carbon emissions.

Send a letter to your councillor
Categories
Advice Advocacy

Bicycle Queensland State Budget Submission

BQ Budget Submission

Bicycle Queensland has recently submitted our recommendations for the 2022-2023 State budget. The focus area of our submission is to promote more people riding more often. The recommendations focus on investment in infrastructure, cycle tourism and getting more women and kids riding.

Read the full submission below.

BQ-State-Budget-2022-2023Download
Categories
Advice Advocacy Uncategorised

COP26 CYCLING LETTER

Zero emission cycling.

COP26: More than 250 civil society organisations sign open letter calling on governments to boost global cycling levels to reach climate goals quickly and effectively

An open letter by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) and a global coalition of pro-cycling organisations urging governments to cut transport emissions by investing in cycling has seen a surge in support from all over the world.

Since it was published on 2 November, over 190 civil society organisations have added their signature to the letter, which now counts more than 250 signatories from all over the world, including ECF, Greenpeace and Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The letter calls on governments at COP26 to commit to significantly increasing the number of people who cycle in their countries in order to reach climate goals quickly and effectively. 

As the global pro-cycling movement continues to grow ahead of COP26 Transport Day (10 November), which is set to focus almost exclusively on the electrification of road vehicles, governments and transport ministers will be under pressure to take cycling into account when negotiating climate commitments related to the transport sector.

Today, transportation is responsible for 24% of direct CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, with the vast majority coming from cars, and these numbers are not decreasing. With global temperaturs rising fast, humanity cannot afford to wait decades for fossil-fuel cars to be fully phased out and replaced by electric vehicles. To quickly cut transport emissions on a massive scale and keep 1.5°C alive, governments need to invest in much more cycling now.

Combat climate change

ECF and its allies believe cycling represents one of humanity’s greatest hopes for a shift towards a zero-carbon future. Cycling produces zero emissions, delivers far-reaching positive societal impacts and relies on technology that is already widely available today.

The more than 250 signatories to the open letter call on governments and transport ministers attending COP26 to declare commitments to significantly boost cycling levels at home and collectively commit to achieving a global target of higher cycling levels. The letter was sent to governments ahead of COP26.

Bicycle Queensland is in full support of this movement. More people cycling more often is our goal and a global movement to get more people on bikes is incredibly important.

Jill Warren, CEO of the European Cyclists’ Federation: “The dramatic growth of this global civil society movement in only a few days sends a forceful message to governments at COP26 about the importance of active mobility. There is no conceivable way to reduce CO₂ emissions quickly enough to avoid the worst of the climate crisis without significantly more cycling.” 

Henk Swarttouw, President of the European Cyclists’ Federation: “More people riding bicycles will reduce our transport emissions and help save our planet. It will also stimulate our green economic recovery after COVID-19 and relieve our overburdened public health systems. Investing in cycling is a low-cost, low-tech no-brainer. It is what any sensible political leader should be doing right now.”

Read the open letter to governments at COP26: www.cop26cycling.com

This article was created by the European Cyclist Federation.

Categories
Advice Education Events Press releases

CEO Update

Dear members

As we move through the spring weather, I wanted to update you all on the work we have been doing to shape our riding agenda and the next phase of our work.

As Queensland’s point of connection for the future of riding, we have been working hard to reach out into regional areas, ensuring all riders, irrespective of where they live, have access to our member benefits and are represented in our advocacy voice. Since my last update, we have welcomed over 300 new members and congratulate Rob van Manen on his appointment as President. Rachel Nolan to Vice president, and Peter Thompson to Secretary at the recent Annual General Meeting. As we come out of a difficult two-year period, I wish to thank members for their ongoing support to Bicycle Queensland (BQ).

BQ continues to flex our advocacy muscle and now represent members on over 20 panels and steering groups across the state. BQ has been recently appointed a member of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Steering Committee. The first meeting was held in Esk and outlined the forward plan of capital works from TMR and the four Councils which the trail runs through; Ipswich, Somerset, Toowoomba and South Burnett. The Steering Committee will give guidance and feedback as the authorities implement the BVRT Strategic Plan. Our top priority in physical terms for the BVRT is a program of tree planting in the exposed sections between Esk and Moore. The trail becomes an unpleasantly hot place to be in summer, and we want to promote its use all year round!

In addition, BQ has a seat at the table at the Sunshine Coast Active Travel Advisory Committee, with the first meeting held in Caloundra. We support the ATAC model, which has been beneficial in Brisbane, with strong support from key political decision-makers, including the Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey. Minister Bailey was present at this initial meeting of the Sunshine Coast committee, which was very helpful.

A stern test of the committee’s mettle will be discussions on a proposed Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade. BQ members at Caloundra have asked for our help in opposing this project in its current form, which puts a four-lane road through a green zone. We will report back on how this goes, but BQ, Qld Walks, and the local active transport advocates from Caloundra have requested an on-site meeting to see if there are alternatives to removing mature shade trees for this project.

Sunday, 17th October saw the community take to the streets for our 16th Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge. A big thank you to Downer group, our principal partner, who, without their support, the day would not be possible. We welcomed over 4,300 riders across a new course with 40km, 60km and 100km challenges offered. It was wonderful to connect with members, volunteers, and partners on what was a beautiful day to ride your bike. I’m proud to announce that our riders have raised over $100,000 for our event charity partner, Stronger For Longer.

Our education services continue to gain momentum and importantly sow the seeds for our ten-year strategy. These services have included the creation of content for new and experienced riders via blog posts, video series and online learning modules. Our impact in schools is growing with curriculum-aligned programs being delivered in pre-schools and primary schools across southeast Queensland. I am excited to announce the work we are undertaking with CARRS-Q to develop an Audio Visual (AV) curriculum which, when completed, provides a connection to secondary schools and workplaces.

I’m very proud of the work we have progressed in the Women’s advocacy space and the considerations we are taking to understand how we can support more women to ride for their health and wellbeing. Our HerRIDE campaigns are proving very popular and encourage members to save the date on 27th November for our HERride MTB day at Gap creek.

Until next time, happy and safe riding.

Rebecca Randazzo

Categories
Advice Advocacy Press releases

Project Introduction – North Brisbane Bikeway

North Brisbane Bikeway

Brisbane City Council has released concept designs for the next stage of the North Brisbane Bikeway. This is an excellent step forward, making a safe, convenient and direct connection all the way to Eagle Junction and beyond.

The below announcement from Brisbane City Council:

Brisbane City Council is pleased to release the proposed concept design for the North Brisbane Bikeway: Price Street to Kedron Brook project between Dickson Street, Wooloowin and Jackson Street, Clayfield.

Attached is a copy of the project newsletter with information about the project, along with an invitation to have your say on proposed design options within the project alignment to finalise the connection between Price Street and the Kedron Brook Bikeway.

You can have your say via an online survey, which can be accessed from the North Brisbane Bikeway: Price Street to Kedron Brook project page on our website. The online survey closes on 19 November 2021.

Alternatively, you can speak with the project team at two community information sessions:

  • Thursday 4 November 2021, 5pm – 7pm at Eagle Junction Train Station
  • Saturday 6 November 2021, 9am – 11am at Kalinga Park (near Jackson Street)

All feedback received from the community will be considered by Council and used to inform the final design for the project.

If you agree with the need for this bikeway, please have your say as part of the public consultations.

Find all the information about the project HERE

Categories
Advice

COVID-19 riding update

We’ve been getting lots of questions from the cycling community about where people can ride at the moment, how far, whether they can drive to somewhere away from their home to go for a ride. There are many uncertainties and conflicting opinions circulating.

What is clear is that the Prime Minister, Queensland Premier, the Chief Health Officer and Queensland Police Commissioner have all said that people should only leave their homes for essential travel reasons only.  While exercising is included in this – they are urging people to stay in their suburb and saying exercise should be done locally.

Our advice is to ride from your front door and remain in your local area. 

What you consider to be your local area remains your judgement call. Perhaps if you’re questioning whether you should be doing something, it is best to give it a miss. 

Here’s the link to the Home Confinement, Movement and Gathering Direction.

Categories
Advice Education

Riding solo for the first time

Supporting your physical and mental wellbeing is very important during the COVID-19 outbreak, equally as important is stopping the spread of the virus. Cycling has seen a boost recently with people having more time and looking for a great way to get some fresh air and has minimal risk of infection. We continue to support riders and recommend they follow all government rules and guidelines regarding exercising outdoors and self-isolation.

Our current recommendations state that you should ride SOLO or with members of your own household, please refer to our Coronavirus update for Cyclists for more details. For many seasoned cyclists, riding solo is a given and half the fun is getting some time to yourself, for many others riding solo is a new experience so we have put together some tips and tricks for those about to adventure out on their own, perhaps for the first time.

1. Planning

When planning it is important to consider a few key factors; how far, how long, which route and what if I need help. We recommend writing down the answers to these questions and passing it on to a friend or family member who can track your progress.

  1. How long do you plan to ride for? 30mins, 1 hour, more?
  2. Does this match the distance and speed that you can perform? Be reasonable with your estimates and give yourself a little extra time. Don’t plan a 30km ride and think it will only take an hour if your max speed is 20km/h.
  3. Are you taking the safest route possible?
    1. Are there dangerous intersections that you could avoid?
    2. Are the roads and paths in good condition?
    3. Have you gone this way before? If it’s your first time solo, we don’t recommend exploring new routes as it is easy to get disorientated and distracted, increasing your risk.
    4. Is this a popular route? Other riders are a sign that this route is safe and if things do go wrong there will be someone around to help out.
  4. Can you adjust your timing?
    1. Try and ride during daylight to reduces risks. If you do ride during low-light conditions or night-time remember to have your lights on.
    2. Go for more short rides, this will keep you closer to home (more rides = more cardio increases and more kudos 🤩)
  5. What are your plans if you breakdown or crash?
    1. Can a family member pick you up?
    2. Is this a popular route will someone find you?
    3. Does the route have phone coverage.

2. Preparation

Now you have planned your ride, it is time to get prepared, this is similar to getting ready for a group ride, just remember you need all your own supplies.

  1. Have you checked your bike?
    1. When was the last time was the bike serviced?
    2. Have you checked your brakes?
    3. Is the chain lubricated? Is there rust on the chain?
    4. Are the tyres inflated to the correct pressure?
    5. Are your lights charged?
    6. Do the gears change freely?
  2. Have you spares, water and food?
    1. Have you packed enough water and food for your distance?
    2. Do you have own supplies; tube, pump, levers etc?
    3. The $5 note can be used as an emergency tyre repair material. It’s light weight, foldable and waterproof, and you can use it on the inside of your tyre to seal a cut.
    4. Going bush or an unpopular route, consider carrying a whistle. It carries further then a voice/cry for help and is less exhausting.
  3. Personally
    1. Are you wearing bright kit? Can you be seen?
    2. Is your phone charged?
    3. Are you mentally ready for time by yourself?
    4. Can you fix a flat/other breakdown?

3. Tracking                             

Do you have a phone or GPS that can be tracked? There are many services that offer location tracking and reporting. We recommend letting people know your plan and how they can access your location. Below are a few of the main trackers but do some research into which option works best for you and your tracker, we recommend testing your solution on a short walk or ride to make sure the service is fit for your needs.

  1. Apple devices have find.my installed by default https://www.apple.com/au/icloud/find-my/
  2. Android devices can use google find me device https://www.google.com/android/find
  3. Strava Summit (premium) offers Beacon that shares real-time location data.
  4. Garmin LiveTrack to Track Activities https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/fitness/use-garmin-livetrack-track-activities-real-time/
  5. Everyone should download the triple zero emergency app https://emergencyapp.triplezero.gov.au/

4. Check-ins

Now you are set you have your route planned, your bike is ready, and your tracker knows where you are. Make sure you keep your tracker informed on your plans.

  1. Are you on a long ride? A good idea would to be to check in halfway. Not only does your tracker know that you’re ok, but they can double the time for your return.
  2. Have you broken down, get a flat, stopped for a break or a cheeky photo (make sure you tag us if you do), check in with your tracker, they will see that you stopped moving and may get concerned, it will also have added time to your ride.
  3. Coffee time? With many cafés shut or only serving takeaway maybe have a coffee at home, if you arrange with a friend before time you could video call over a coffee to talk about your solo rides.

5. Stay connected and ride well

We hope you enjoy you continue to enjoy riding your bicycle! #ridewell

Remember to share and tag us in your solo ride photos on socials; Facebook @bicycle.qld, Instagram @bicycle_qld, Twitter @bicycleqld, and join the BQ strava group. BQ is riding with you!