Categories
Advocacy

BQ Advocacy Update July 18, 2025

The past few months have been a hive of activity in the BQ office. The big news earlier this year was that the Queensland Government were holding a Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility. BQ has made their submission, and will be presenting to the inquiry on July 21.

We’ve also wrapped up our Y2W (Yarraman to Wulkuraka) 3-day rail trail event. This was held on the popular Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, and it presented a great opportunity to speak to members and riders about important advocacy work in their areas. That included speaking to riers who have been volunteering their time for the Story Bridge Bike Bus, as we await further information from Brisbane City Council as to when and how the bridge will serve as an essential transport link for all users.

All that and more, via this update from Andrew.

If you want to know more about what BQ is up to and where, please contact us on BQinfo@BQ.org.au – or call the office on 07 3844 1144 between 8:30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

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Advocacy Press releases

Bicycle Queensland seeks new CEO

Bicycle Queensland are recruiting for a new Chief Executive Officer. This is the chance for the right person to lead the movement for a more active and sustainable Queensland

Bicycle Queensland (BQ) is a not-for-profit with over 12,000 passionate members – people across Queensland who ride bikes and scooters for transport and recreation. Our mission is to get more people riding more often. We are riding bikes, having fun and changing the world.

We have a small staff supported by a highly capable board and a network of volunteers and supporters.

At its heart, BQ does three things:

  • We support our members, with member services including insurance
  • We advocate for better policy and places to ride – including the active transport networks that make Queensland cities sustainable, for rail trails and bike tourism
  • We promote riding including through great events

Key qualities we are looking for in our next CEO

We want you to live our mission – to be someone who really gets it about how bike riding and sustainable transport can transform Queenslanders’ lives for the better and can lead the debate to legitimise bikes as a mode of transport.

We want you to love our members – to understand BQ’s value proposition and have the expertise in membership, marketing and communications which will drive member growth.

We want you to be a change agent – someone with EQ and political nous who can create a network for change across the community and work with governments of all persuasions to get safe, sustainable transport happening.

We want you to be a capable business operator – to be financially literate, tech savvy and a good people manager capable of transforming BQ into a high performing organisation.

We want you to be a person of integrity – to work well with the board, to be an ethical leader and to be someone with whom we can have honest, creative conversations.

To apply, please click here and upload:

  1. your resume, and
  2. a letter (maximum of 2 pages) covering your suitability against the key qualities listed above.

For a discussion or more detailed inquiries, please call 3844 1144. Applications close Monday, 11 August at 4:00 pm.

Categories
Advocacy

BQ calls for clarity on e-mobility

Bicycle Queensland’s Interim CEO Liana Heath recently spoke to the ABC, talking to Cathie Schnitzerling on the 612 ABC Brisbane Drive program on July 15, discussing the Queensland State Government’s Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility.

‘Bicycle Queensland are a community voice for people who ride bikes or scooters in Queensland, so the inquiry is certainly welcomed,’ Liana said, when quizzed on BQ’s thoughts on the inquiry.

‘Bicycle Queensland brought e-mobility issues to public attention in March this year. We wrote to the Australian parliament and Queensland transport minister, looking to solve some of the inconsistencies between state and federal laws.’ You can read BQ’s position paper on high-powered e-bikes right here.

Many topics are being covered in the Parliamentary Inquiry, with submissions coming from a wide variety of individuals, user groups, businesses and organisations. Bicycle Queensland are primarily looking for a result in standardised national guidelines for e-mobility, as Liana explained to the ABC.

‘The Australian government have gone to enormous trouble to harmonise the national road rules and transport regulations, yet with the growth of e-mobility the regulation is catching up, and at different standards in each state.’

We have asked for the Queensland Government to develop a logical and leading approach out of the inquiry, and work with other state governments to ensure there is national consistency.’

Rules for e-bikes and e-scooters in each state are quite different. Be it where e-scooters can be used, power limits on e-bikes and even whether a throttle can be used for said e-bike, as opposed to being purely pedal-assist and within the EN15194 nationally legislated standard.

‘This can present challenges for citizens but also tourists who aren’t clear on the changes between states,’ Liana pointed out, putting users at risk of breaching regulations purely by inconsistent standards and enforcement.

‘We would like greater public awareness around what the rules are around importation and sales of e-bikes and e-scooters – but also the road rules. We need to ensure that we are all on the same page around what the rules are.’

There are a range of simple rules for e-bikes and e-scooters in Queensland, covering important areas like where they can be used, limits on speed for e-assistance, and the power limits. You can read the specifics about the e-bike rules on our website, or for e-bikes and e-scooters on the TMR website.

‘E-bikes need to be pedal-assisted, of course an e-scooter is different and has restrictions around speed limits,’ Liana explained.

Illegal e-bikes were brought up, and the question arose – if an e-bike that exceeds the legislated standards for either maximum continuous power, throttle assistance or the fact it doesn’t even have pedals… why are they for sale?

‘The bikes can be imported under current legislation, and sold. We need better awareness at a retail level,’ Liana pointed out. This is why Bicycle Queensland are pushing for greater public awareness around what the limits are. While some devices are legal to be used on private property, that is not being publicised as strongly as it should be at the point of sale or within the marketing of retailers or importers. This puts a user at risk of fines and even demerit points, without knowing they were in breach of existing rules.

‘Once we know people are aware of the rules, we should be confident as a state of enforcing them,’ TMR’s Street Smarts website easily outlines what is legal, and what isn’t, for those unsure of where their existing e-bike or e-scooter lies.

Bicycle Queensland active transport network

The ABC raised the point that earlier this year, Queensland’s Minister for Transport Brent Mickelberg was not aware of any major safety concerns with compliant e-bikes.

‘BQ agrees,’ confirmed Liana. ‘The issues we see are on illegal devices, including the accidents and hooning we see on media.’ The majority of the e-bikes in question are typically throttle assisted for propulsion, often weighing well in excess of 50kg and more akin to an electric motorbike, than an e-bike.

‘We are confident the safety issues don’t exist, or are lowered if you are following the safety guidelines and using compliant e-bikes.’

‘As a membership organisation offering insurance, we don’t see the claims coming in for e-bikes and e-scooter use – as we only cover those riders who use bikes or scooters that meet the existing legislation.’

If the current restrictions are enforced, Bicycle Queensland don’t believe we would see the same level of issues currently shown in Queensland.

It is difficult to have a discussion on e-mobility without the risk of battery fires coming up, and Liana was clear on the actions needed to reduce the risk.

‘This comes down to the importation of battery and chargers. Knowing what comes in and is sold. We need a nationally consistent set of standards.’

This includes devices needing battery management software (BMS), something that is typically covered by the current legislation for e-bikes – the EN15194 standard, which also covers assistance levels, pedal assistance and maximum continuous power limits.

Given so many devices can be imported and sold that don’t meet the e-bike standards or fit the e-scooter guidelines, the question was floated – is the e-mobility landscape a modern wild west?

‘This is the whole reason the inquiry is underway. Many experts and bright minds are contributing, and there are areas in the world who are further ahead and who we can learn from. It will require some extra peddling but I’m confident that the Queensland government with stakeholders and experts will land on a safer and clearer result for the public. We are a growing state and active transport has to be part of our transport solution going forward, for congestion issues alone. But it has to be safe. I’m optimistic, and we are pushing hard at b=Bicycle Queensland for a result in this space.’

Further into the discussion, the ABC asked about BQ’s submission asking for bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters being built into the transport network, along with advocating for a drop from 50km/h to 40km/h on local streets. Speed reductions on local streets has shown to reduce the severity of accidents around the world, while also encouraging changes in mode choices.

‘This is an advocacy position BQ has had for some time. It calls for speed limits to be reduced to 40km/h in local streets. This is because it saves lives. When accidents happen at 40km/h, the result is very unlikely to be death or serious injury.’

‘It works, and has been implemented in school zones. This change would protect riders and walkers in local streets and assist to reduce road traffic deaths, but also improve sideline benefits.’

Lower speed limits on local streets can have health benefits by encouraging more people to use active transport, like bikes, scooters or walking, improving air quality and congestion – and even seeing businesses increase visitation as it is easier to stop in.

The big question in any discussion around laws or standards is one of enforcement. When asked, Liana was confident that if the benefits are promoted, community reaction would be positive.

‘We want to embrace and facilitate the growing part of our society in the active transport space of bike and scooter riders. There are clear benefits to public health and well-being. Bicycle Queensland are committed to this, and as a state we need to embrace it.’

Public education and awareness around the benefits of reduced speed limits on local streets is key, and BQ hopes to partner with the Queensland government on this messaging.

Bicycle Queensland membership supports our advocacy work, while providing peace of mind coverage when riding a bike or e-scooter.

Categories
Advocacy

Queensland cycling grants announced

Bicycle Queensland congratulates the State Government for its investment in a healthier happier Queensland through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants.

We particularly welcome the regional focus of these grants.

“It is great to see regional councils such as Somerset, Cassowary Coast, Douglas Shire, Mt Isa and Goondiwindi investing in improvements to their cycling networks,” said BQ’s Director of Advocacy, Andrew Demack. “Bicycle Queensland has worked closely with regional advocates and Councils across Queensland, and we welcome the outcome of those endeavours. Our face-to-face visits with BQ members and bicycle user groups across the State are an important mechanism of checking in with local advocates as these projects progress.”

We also commend the larger regional councils such as Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast, Logan and Moreton Bay for putting forward worthwhile projects that will help people have safer options when they decide to cycle or walk for transport or recreation.

Every dollar invested in safe cycling infrastructure returns $5 to the community in health and economic benefits, according to the State Government’s own research. Cycling and walking infrastructure is the best value-for-money investment that the Queensland Government can make.

We encourage the Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mr Mickelberg to continue to grow the Queensland Government’s commitment to active transport. Every person who decides to cycle, walk or scoot to their destinations is one less car clogging up the roads of Queensland.

You can look at all the grants that have been funded on the TMR website.

Categories
Advocacy Press releases

Bicycle Queensland calls for bold, co-ordinated action on e-mobility

Bicycle Queensland (BQ) has made a strong case to the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility, urging the State Government to embrace the opportunities of e-mobility while putting in place the essential infrastructure, regulation and education to ensure safety and equity for all road users.

Describing the e-mobility revolution as a positive and permanent shift, BQ emphasised the potential for e-bikes and e-scooters to deliver cleaner, healthier, and more accessible transport options — if managed with clear policy, proper planning and strong enforcement.

BQ’s submission calls on the Government to take decisive action in three priority areas:

  1. Build long-promised infrastructure such as separated bike lanes and safe paths to keep riders away from vehicles and pedestrians.
  2. Enforce existing laws which are allowing throttle e-bikes to be sold, despite them being illegal to use in Queensland.
  3. Coordinate nationally to avoid a fragmented patchwork of rules across state borders.

“We encourage the Government to facilitate the growing interest in e-mobility through a properly funded active transport network” said BQ Interim CEO Liana Heath. “To improve safety concerns for riders and the public, we need to ensure current laws and rules are enforced, rather than introducing further complexity and obstacles to safe riding,” said Heath.

The BQ submission sets out four recommendations exactly how that can be done.  BQ welcomes the inquiry and looks forward to contributing to more safe, active transport for everyone.

1. Fund and prioritise active transport

  • Reinstate mode share targets in transport planning
  • Lift active transport funding from under 1% to 10% annually by 2032
  • Reduce local road speed limits from 50km/h to 40km/h
  • Complete the Principal Cycle Network Plan by 2032
  • Develop Ride Safely to School strategies including bike lanes and bike tracks to new schools
  • Enforce a zero-tolerance approach to aggressive behaviour towards riders and e-scooter users

2. Ensure only safe, compliant devices are imported and sold

  • Enforce Australian safety standards
  • Restrict import and sale of non-compliant e-bikes and scooters
  • Govern or remove speed/throttle functions on illegal devices already sold

3. Launch a statewide public education campaign

  • Educate the public on what devices are legal and where they can be used
  • Promote rider training and safety awareness

4. Collaborate nationally on battery and safety standards

  • Implement national battery safety and charging standards
  • Coordinate legislation across states for clarity and consistency nationally

BQ welcomes the Parliamentary Inquiry and looks forward to working with the State to ensure safe and active transport for all Queenslanders.

You can read Bicycle Queensland’s complete submission here.

For more information or media enquiries:
Liana Heath

l.heath@bq.org.au

www.bq.org.au

Categories
Advocacy

Bike Bus scheduled for Story Bridge

When ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred passed through Brisbane in March, it left more than just downed trees and sodden streets in its wake. For thousands of people who walk, ride or scoot to get around, it severed a critical link across the river.

Both shared paths on the iconic Story Bridge were closed following damage inspections. Three months on, they remain shut—and the timeline for reopening them has not been made public. The repairs, it seems, will take much longer than anticipated.

But for locals who rely on active transport, life hasn’t paused. While there is a suggested detour, it takes longer and leads users through areas that many deem unsafe to use. And this has meant some people abandon active transport and resort to single passenger journeys in a car instead.

But Kathryn Good’s new “bike bus” is looking to provide a temporary solution.

“A a bike bus is basically kind of like a normal bus,” Kathryn explains. “It has a pickup point and a drop-off point, and everyone travels together. But on a bike bus, everybody is cycling. They’re on their bikes instead of being on a physical bus, so it’s about visibility and safety of people cycling together in a group. You know, there’s a lead and a tail rider and everyone rides together, and everyone’s heading to the same destination, just like a bus.”

Kathryn’s initiative grew from frustration and a strong sense of community responsibility. In April, she helped organise a group ride to raise awareness of the continuing Story Bridge path closures.

“We did a group ride previously in April to bring awareness to the issue,” she says. “Obviously the footpaths are still closed. There’s still no end in sight, and people still need to get across safely.”

Riding alone across the bridge’s traffic lanes is legal, but daunting.

“It’s a pretty scary thing to ride across by yourself,” Kathryn says. “There’s heavy traffic. The lanes are pretty narrow. It’s definitely not something a lot of people feel comfortable doing by themselves.”

The bike bus offers safety in numbers—and sends a clear message to Brisbane City Council that a proper solution for riders and walkers is still urgently needed.

“Hopefully this is a way to get at least a few people over the bridge safely, doing it together. And yeah, bring visibility as well to the fact that the footpaths are still closed and there’s still no end in sight.”

The bike bus is launching next week with an 8:00 AM departure heading north over the bridge toward Fortitude Valley. The first week is a pilot program, shaped by community feedback.

“We probably will informally ride back over the bridge if there’s anyone that wants to head back the other way,” Kathryn explains. “But yeah, the first week is kind of a trial. We want to hear feedback about whether people would prefer earlier, later, or an evening ride, what time would actually be useful.”

Volunteers are vital, but finite. Kathryn is hoping to strike a balance between availability and demand.

“Volunteer availability is the limiting factor at the moment. So if we can try and have it at a time that’s useful to the most people—and have a bigger group, more visibility, more safety—that’s the goal.”

Early community response has been strong.

“Some people have just been choosing to ride across the bridge regardless, in the car lanes, which is a pretty scary thing to do by yourself,” she says. “It’s great that we’re getting some of those people who hopefully either have tried it and not felt comfortable, or people who haven’t felt comfortable doing it alone – hopefully now they will.”

But while the bike bus offers a solution for people on bikes, it leaves others behind—especially those on foot, scooters, wheelchairs or pushing prams.

“Obviously, the solution that we are actually hoping for in the long term, because it seems that the footpath closures are going to be long term, is that Brisbane City Council do something like they did on Coronation Drive in 2022,” Kathryn says.

She’s referring to an incident in which Council temporarily blocked off a lane of traffic with plastic barriers to give people walking and riding a safe corridor, when the Bicentennial Bikeway was closed due to flood damage.

“If they would block off a lane of the bridge, then people could walk, ride, scoot, or take prams or wheelchairs – anytime of the day.”

Kathryn is quick to note that while cycling across the bridge is still legal, walking and scooting are not possible.

“So it’s helping cyclists, but ideally we would have a lane of the bridge open for everyone to get across. That would be the best solution while the footpaths are being repaired in the very long term.”

While a formal petition to Brisbane City Council closes today, Kathryn encourages everyone affected to keep the pressure on.

“The most effective thing we can do is to get in contact with the Council and ask them for this lane to get across,” she says. “Just calling or writing to the Council and asking them to put barriers up – to put a lane on the bridge- then everyone can get across safely. That needs to happen.”

Bicycle Queensland supports Kathryn’s initiative as a creative and caring workaround, but agrees it is not a substitute for action from Brisbane City Council. The Story Bridge is a critical piece of the city’s active transport network, and a safer solution for all users needs to be developed.

You can follow the Bike Bus Facebook page for updates on the schedule – or get in touch via Facebook or the email address below if you would like to volunteer:

https://www.facebook.com/storybridgeactivetravellalliance
storybridgeactivetravel@gmail.com

Photo thanks to Space4CyclingBNE

Categories
Advocacy

Bicycle Queensland develops sustainability policy

Bicycle Queensland has taken a major step toward a greener future with the adoption of a new Sustainability Policy, endorsed on 25 March 2025. This policy cements BQ’s commitment to embedding sustainable practices across all facets of its operations—from office administration and events to advocacy, community engagement, and partnerships.

As Queensland’s leading voice for riding, BQ has long championed active and sustainable transport. The new policy strengthens that position by outlining clear guidelines and actions to reduce environmental impact and support ethical, community-focused initiatives.

“We want to lead by example and inspire positive change, not just within the cycling community, but across Queensland,” said BQ CEO Alton Twine. “This policy is a roadmap to help us walk—and ride—the talk.”

Key areas of action include:

  • Reducing carbon emissions through active transport advocacy and responsible staff travel policies.
  • Minimising waste at events with reusable and compostable materials, plus improved recycling.
  • Choosing ethical partnerships with organisations that share BQ’s sustainability values.
  • Community education through workshops and campaigns promoting eco-friendly cycling and local impact projects.

BQ will also monitor progress through post-event and annual surveys, with results to be published in its annual report. Members can expect practical sustainability tips and inspiring stories to be shared through BQ’s regular communications.

“This isn’t just about reducing our own footprint,” Twine said. “It’s about helping our members and partners be part of a larger movement toward a cleaner, healthier Queensland.”

To learn more or read the full policy, click the Sustainability Policy link.

Categories
Advocacy

BQ Advocacy Update 23 May

From 19 May, 2025, Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine and Director of Advocacy Anderw Demack toured through Far North Queensland. They visited BQ members and local councils in Cairns, Atherton, Innisfail and Townsville.

These visits offer a chance to discuss local issues with members and other riders, and to work with local councils to achieve positive outcomes. More details are in the video.