The big build for Brisbane 2032 is getting underway, and bike riders travelling through the Barrambin Precinct/Victoria Park will need to readjust their routes as construction ramps up.
From September, work will be underway on both the new Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre, with significant areas of Victoria Park becoming construction sites. Early works on the Herston side include earthworks, haul roads, vegetation clearing, utility works and site fencing.
Importantly for riders, the existing bikeway through the park below Gregory Terrace will no longer provide the through-route many riders currently use.
Riders approaching from Herston will instead need to head from the Herston Land Bridge up to Gregory Terrace and adjust their journey from there.
The construction notice also confirms a new shared user path will be built adjacent to Gilchrist Avenue for a future diversion, with further information to come before it opens.
With the Barrambin Precinct set to change considerably in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032, BQ encourages regular users to familiarise themselves with the changed access arrangements, allow a little extra time and take care as new routes and diversions come into effect.
Bicycle Queensland has welcomed plans for the biggest expansion in the history of Smithfield Mountain Bike Park, with more than 62 kilometres of new trails set to reinforce Cairns’ position as one of Australia’s core mountain bike destinations.
The Queensland Government has unveiled the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Expansion Masterplan, designed by World Trail, which will grow the existing network from around 25 kilometres to more than 85 kilometres, securing Smithfield on the ‘must ride’ mountain bike map.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and be completed by late 2028, with the expanded network forecast to attract more than 53,000 riders annually.
Source: Tropical North Queensland
For mountain bikers, Smithfield needs little introduction. The rainforest-clad hills north of Cairns have been at the heart of Australian mountain biking for more than three decades. Smithfield has hosted UCI Mountain Bike World Cups and World Championships, along with recent editions of Crankworx Cairns. Of course, Smithfield’s roots cannot be confined to between the tape.
In the 1990s, Cairns riders and trail builders helped forge a distinctly Australian bike culture. Films such as Mud Cows and features on shows like Pepsi Max Extremists took the riding, characters and trails of Far North Queensland to riders around Australia and the world. Features including the Alien Tree, Jacobs Ladder, Croc Slide and the infamous Bowl of Death became part of Australian mountain biking folklore – and the majority of those features still exist in the trails. Although Jacobs Ladder became a descent and you might need a machete and some local knowledge to find the Bowl of Death.
Source: Wade Lewis
Cairns and Far North Queensland has changed in many ways since the 90s. However the mountain bike culture remains very much alive today, having expanded into a much wider community.
The Smithfield masterplan includes new beginner, intermediate and advanced trails to suit the expansion of mountain bike popularity and use since the 90s. There are upgraded trailheads and visitor facilities, improved event infrastructure, signage and safety measures, along with a long-term framework for sustainable trail management – an essential element for an area with such high rainfall.
BQ strongly supports investment in quality off-road cycling infrastructure across regional Queensland. Well-planned mountain bike networks provide accessible outdoor recreation for local communities while also creating destinations capable of attracting visitors, events and spending into regional economies.
Smithfield is an exceptional example because its reputation already extends around the world. Expanding the network gives Cairns an opportunity to build on more than 30 years of mountain biking history while creating a trail network suited to a much broader range of riders.
That said, Smithfield should not be an isolated example. BQ believes that targeted investment in mountain biking can support healthier communities, give young people places to ride, strengthen regional tourism and create new economic activity.
The recent Smithfield announcement demonstrates what is possible when governments recognise cycling infrastructure not simply as trails in the bush, but as long-term investment in the health and vitality of Queensland communities.
“Getting your kids on a mountain bike is pretty much the best thing any parent can do,” BQ Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack said.
“Mountain biking makes you much fitter, and improves strength and hand-eye co-ordination.
“There’s even research which shows that teenagers who are involved in mountain biking develop stronger social and emotional intelligence as a result.
“And the best bit: it’s amazing fun. I can’t wait to get back to Smithfield to ride these trails when they are done.”
Bicycle Queensland is collaborating with Brisbane-based bicycle user groups (BUGs) on a co-ordinated approach to ensuring best outcomes for the Barrambin/Victoria Park precinct, both in the lead-up the Olympics and then into the future.
The Brisbane Games construction authority (GIICA) has released a draft precinct plan, which shows plenty of positive aspects for cycling and walking. However, many of the details around path widths, the separation of bikeways from pedestrian and motorised traffic, and bike parking at the stadium itself, is hard to determine. BQ met with all the local BUGs to workshop the issues and what collectively we should be fighting for.
The North Brisbane Bikeway is now proposed as a separated facility alongside Gregory Terrace and Bowen Bridge Rd, before continuing as it currently does through Bowen Park. BQ and the BUGs are particularly concerned about the width available for a bikeway between Bowen Bridge Rd and the Old Museum, and on the bridge crossing the railway line, along this new alignment.
The Gregory Terrace route should be helpful considering the disruption that stadium construction and the Olympics will cause to the bikeway’s current location through Yorks Hollow and beside Gilchrist Ave. However, cycling advocates are keen to pursue building both routes, to add resilience into the bikeway network, and to also connect with Herston Rd and Aberleigh Rd towards Enoggera Creek.
The draft plan makes no clear reference to bike parking at the new stadium. BQ CEO Dr Matt Burke said: “International best-practice design for a modern stadium includes a secure bike parking facility for at least 500 bikes”.
Paris had bike parking at their main stadiums, so did London. Many of the US World Cup stadiums provided it. It’s an essential part of downtown stadium design in the 21st century.
Other topline areas that BQ and the BUGs will push for include:
Ensuring that bikeways built through these precincts are separated facilities.
Ensuring a quality active transport connection towards Fortitude Valley along Brunswick St or a parallel corridor. The athlete’s village’s placement at the Ekka grounds means that other railway stations, including Fortitude Valley, will need to carry massive numbers of stadium patrons.
The North Brisbane Bikeway’s long-term alignment should move away from the heritage-listed trees of Bowen Park and be re-aligned along the edge of the Ekka grounds, as part of the Athlete’s Village planning.
Dr Burke said: “We will be approaching our advocacy to GIICA as a unified cycling community, speaking as one voice with the Brisbane-area bicycle user groups. We’re all here to work constructively to find good solutions.”
After more than two decades of advocacy, one of Brisbane’s busiest and most important cycling connections is set for a major safety upgrade, with plans confirmed for a continuous, separated bikeway along Sylvan Road in Toowong.
Brisbane City Council has announced the final concept for the Sylvan Road Bikeway, which will create a continuous bi-directional bikeway separated from both car traffic and pedestrians between the Western Freeway Bikeway and Bicentennial Bikeway.
The project will address a long-standing missing link in Brisbane’s western cycling network, providing a safer and more direct connection through Toowong for thousands of people travelling towards the CBD and surrounding suburbs.
Bicycle Queensland CEO Dr Matthew Burke said the announcement was a significant milestone after decades of calls to improve safety along the corridor.
“Bicycle Queensland and local bicycle user groups have been advocating for the Sylvan Road bikeway for at least 25 years. It’s one of the most-used bicycle routes into the city,” Dr Burke said.
“We’re delighted with the proposed designs. There will be much more road safety for everyone in the corridor. Well done to the Council teams involved.”
The final concept follows community consultation, where safety emerged as a key concern, particularly at intersections and on sections of Sylvan Road where bike riders currently travel close to motor vehicles.
The proposed design includes physical separation from traffic along the corridor, upgrades to key intersections and improved connections to surrounding neighbourhoods, parks, public transport and local businesses.
The upgrade will connect the Western Freeway Bikeway directly with the Bicentennial Bikeway, removing one of the most significant gaps on the route between Brisbane’s western suburbs and the CBD.
“For the first time ever, you’ll be able to ride from the Centenary suburbs through the city centre entirely on safe, protected bicycle infrastructure, with little risk from cars,” Dr Burke said.
The bikeway design is now being refined using community feedback and technical requirements, with Brisbane City Council expected to release the final concept design and further consultation findings soon.
The announcement represents an important step towards a better-connected network where protected infrastructure makes riding a realistic transport choice for more Queenslanders.
After 25 years of advocacy, closing the Sylvan Road gap is finally within sight.
Queensland councils have another opportunity to secure funding for safer bike riding and walking infrastructure, with the Federal Government opening applications for the next round of the National Active Transport Fund.
The program will make $90.2 million available for projects in 2026–27 as part of the Federal Government’s $500 million Active Transport Fund. Following overwhelming demand in the inaugural round, councils across the country are expected to once again compete strongly for funding that delivers safer, more connected communities.
We urge Queensland councils to put forward their shovel-ready projects to this granting scheme. The previous funding round attracted more than $430 million in applications for just $100 million in available funding, highlighting the strong demand for investment in projects that make it easier for people to ride and walk for everyday trips, and the fact that there is a long way to go to provide safe active transport infrastructure around the state and country. Projects such as Sylvan Road bikeway in Toowong, an active transport bridge in Dayboro and numerous walking paths have had funding committed so far.
Projects funded through the program focus on the construction or upgrade of bicycle and walking paths associated with public roads, helping create safer routes for transport, recreation and tourism while reducing congestion and supporting healthier communities.
Bicycle Queensland notes that this is a competitive process, and Councils that don’t bid for the funding will simply miss out.
“Bike riding is good for your waistline, for your wallet and it’s simply good for the world,” said Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack.
“Councils across Queensland already know this, and here is an opportunity to provide more safe bike riding for the people of your community. It’s a no brainer.”
Bicycle Queensland welcomes the continued investment in active transport and encourages Queensland councils to put forward planned projects that improve connectivity and remove barriers to riding.
Bicycle Queensland has welcomed three significant funding announcements for mountain bike trail networks across the state, highlighting the growing recognition of cycling infrastructure as an investment in healthier communities, regional tourism and Queensland’s outdoor lifestyle.
The funding includes $355,000 to Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club (GCMTB) for repairs to the Nerang National Park trail network on the Gold Coast as part of the Sport and Recreation Recovery Grants developed by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments. GCMTB President Bryan King said the club’s limited volunteer resources were insufficient to repair the extensive damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred across the trail network.
Source: Rocky Trail Entertainment
“Without funding from the Sport and Recreation Recovery Grant, we would not be able to restore the trails to a safe and sustainable condition, putting the entire network at risk of closure since Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has extremely limited funding which does not stretch to cover all needed mountain bike trail maintenance.”
Other clubs have received funding through other schemes, with $1.1 million for repairs at Douglas Mountain Bike Park in Townsville through the efforts of the Townsville Rockwheelers, and $813,000 for repairs and improvements at First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve in Rockhampton via Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club.
The club has grand plans for further expansion at First Turkey, including an 8km gravity trail from the top of Mount Archer. Given the club has attracted state level gravity events, the further investment would be a bonus for tourism and would help attract state or national level events.
Bicycle Queensland Director of Advocacy, Andrew Demack, said the announcements were an important step towards growing participation in riding across Queensland.
“Formal, sustainable mountain bike facilities provide safe and accessible places for people of all ages and abilities to ride,” Demack said.
“These trail networks are community assets that support physical activity, connect people with nature and create opportunities for families and friends to spend time outdoors together. Continued investment in quality facilities helps more Queenslanders discover the benefits of riding.”
Mountain biking continues to grow in popularity across Australia, with trail networks increasingly recognised as valuable recreational infrastructure that delivers social, health and economic benefits to local communities.
Bicycle Queensland CEO Dr Matthew Burke said investment in mountain bike facilities also aligns with the state’s long-term economic and tourism ambitions.
“Queensland is blessed with incredible landscapes and outdoor destinations. High-quality mountain bike facilities attract visitors, support local businesses and help regional communities diversify their tourism offerings,” Dr Burke said.
“These projects demonstrate how investment in riding infrastructure contributes to healthier communities while supporting the Queensland Government’s vision for a thriving and active state. We congratulate the local clubs, volunteers and councils whose advocacy and hard work have helped secure this funding.”
The continued growth and improvement of formal mountain bike facilities across the state will be essential to supporting the future of bike riding in Queensland and ensuring more people have access to safe, enjoyable places to ride. Or as we like to say, it’s an essential part of having local trails for local kids.
Bicycle Queensland advocates for all types of riders. Membership supports BQ’s advocacy work around the state, while also offering extensive membership benefits.
Queensland’s e-mobility laws have changed significantly in 2026, with new rules covering e-bike power and speed, rider behaviour, age and licensing requirements, and stronger enforcement powers.
The latest changes take effect from 31 August 2026, introducing minimum age and driver licence requirements for people riding e-bikes and other e-mobility devices in public places.
There are exemptions for supervised young riders, people with eligible medical conditions or disabilities, and riding in designated recreational areas.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is a legal e-bike in Queensland?
To be legal to ride in public places in Queensland, an e-bike must:
Have pedals as its primary source of power
Have a motor with a maximum continuous rated power output of 250 watts
Provide motor assistance only up to 25km/h
Stop providing motor assistance once the bike reaches 25km/h
If fitted with throttle control, provide throttle-only assistance only up to 6km/h to help the rider start moving.
Meet the EN 15194 European Standard for electrically power-assisted cycles, subject to transitional arrangements for some existing e-bikes.
Importantly, a high-powered e-bike cannot be made legal simply by electronically restricting or ‘locking’ its output or maximum assisted speed.
If the motor is more powerful than the permitted 250 watts of maximum continuous rated power, it is not a legal e-bike for use on Queensland roads or public paths – even if software has been used to restrict its performance.
The Queensland Government has introduced transitional arrangements for some e-bikes. In general, e-bikes used in public spaces will ultimately need to either meet EN 15194 or be verified as meeting the standard’s core safety requirements through the Queensland Government’s E-Bike Assurance Scheme.
Owners of eligible existing e-bikes will have until 28 February 2027 to have their bike verified and appropriately labelled.
The Assurance Scheme is being developed for e-bikes manufactured before 1 July 2026 that meet the core safety features of EN 15194 but were not certified to the standard. It will also provide a pathway for some non-standard or adaptive e-bikes and e-trikes used by people with a disability or medical condition.
High-powered or high-speed devices that exceed Queensland’s legal e-bike limits are not covered by this transition.
How old do you need to be to ride an e-bike?
From 31 August 2026, the general rule is that you must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver licence to ride an e-bike or other e-mobility device on a road, road-related area or in a public place. The minimum licence is a Learner licence. A valid interstate or overseas driver licence can also satisfy the requirement.
However, there are some important exemptions.
Riders aged 12–15
Children aged 12 to 15 can ride an e-bike without a driver licence when supervised by a parent or caregiver. The supervising adult needs to remain close enough to easily observe and communicate with the young rider and provide immediate instructions.
Riders aged 16–17
Riders aged 16 or 17 can ride independently if they hold a valid driver licence – including a Learner licence. If they don’t have a licence, they can still ride when appropriately supervised by a parent or caregiver.
Children under 12
Children under 12 cannot ride an e-bike in ordinary public areas.
Different age and licensing rules can apply within designated recreational riding areas.
Do adults need a driver licence to ride an e-bike?
Yes.
From 31 August 2026, riders aged 16 and over must hold a valid driver licence to ride an e-bike in public, unless an exemption applies. This can be a Queensland Learner, Provisional or Open licence, or a valid equivalent interstate or overseas licence.
You do not need to register a legal e-bike.
Are there exemptions from the age and licence rules?
Yes. The Queensland Government has introduced exemptions covering three main circumstances:
Supervised riders aged 12–17
People with eligible medical conditions or disabilities
Riding in designated recreational areas, such as certain rail trails, mountain bike trails and private off-road cycling facilities (we will link to this list when it is made available by the Queensland Government)
The exemptions apply to the age and driver licence requirements – they do not turn an otherwise illegal high-powered device into a legal e-bike.
What about rail trails and mountain bike parks?
Age and driver licence exemptions apply in designated recreational areas. These can include certain rail trails, mountain bike trails and private off-road cycling facilities. This means riders may be able to use a legal e-bike in a designated recreational area without meeting the normal age or driver licence requirements.
However, riders should check whether the particular facility or location they intend to ride has been designated for the exemption rather than assuming every rail trail, mountain bike park or recreational facility is covered.
What if I can’t hold a driver licence for medical reasons?
A medical or disability exemption is available for people aged 16 and over who cannot hold a driver licence because of a medical condition or disability but can safely operate an e-mobility device.
An eligible health practitioner can complete an E-Mobility Driver Licence Exemption form with the rider. The exemption can be issued for up to five years and can specify which type of e-mobility device the person can use. Conditions can also be applied where appropriate.
The rider keeps the completed exemption form and must be able to produce it when required, in either digital or hard copy format.A grace period applies until 30 November 2026 to give eligible riders time to obtain their exemption.
What are the speed limits?
E-bike riders must obey the bicycle road rules as well as the specific rules applying to e-bikes.
On footpaths, the maximum speed for an e-bike is 12km/h.
On shared paths, riders must obey the signed speed limit and slow to a maximum of 12km/h when passing pedestrians. You may need to ride more slowly around children, dogs, people with limited mobility or in other busy areas.
The 25km/h figure associated with an e-bike is the speed at which motor assistance must cease. It is not a universal 25km/h speed limit for bicycles.
What counts as a footpath or shared path?
Different speed requirements apply depending on whether infrastructure is legally considered a footpath, shared path, bicycle path or another type of road-related area. It may not be straightforward to determine what exactly you are on. Riders should follow signage and ride to the conditions, particularly where pedestrians are present.
Bicycle Queensland continues to encourage government and councils to ensure cycling infrastructure is clearly designated and signed so riders can readily understand which rules apply.
Can police seize an illegal e-bike?
Yes.
Queensland Police have stronger powers to deal with illegal e-mobility devices, including the power to seize, impound and potentially destroy prohibited devices. This includes high-powered devices that resemble e-bikes but do not meet Queensland’s legal e-bike requirements.
A device with a motor exceeding 250 watts maximum continuous rated power, or one that continues providing motor assistance above 25km/h, is not a legal e-bike for use on public roads and paths.
A high-powered device also does not become a legal e-bike simply because its power or speed has been restricted through software.
Can parents be fined?
Yes.
Parents and guardians can face penalties for allowing children to use illegal e-mobility devices. From 31 August, age and licensing requirements also apply, although children aged 12–17 can ride under the supervision exemption. If you’re buying an e-bike for a young rider, make sure both the bike and the rider comply with the rules.
Can you buy an e-bike if you’re under 16?
No.
From 1 July 2026, it is illegal for commercial or private sellers to sell an e-mobility device to anyone under 16. This includes e-bikes, e-scooters and other e-mobility devices.
A parent can purchase a legal e-bike that will be used by a child under the applicable supervision or recreational-area exemptions, but the e-mobility device cannot be sold directly to someone aged under 16.
What about drink riding?
Queensland’s drink-riding laws also apply to bicycles, e-bikes and personal mobility devices. Police have additional powers to conduct roadside alcohol testing of riders, with a 0.05 blood alcohol concentration limit applying.
What does this mean for riders of safe, legal e-bikes?
For most people already riding a safe, legal e-bike from a recognised bicycle brand, the fundamental definition of an e-bike should look familiar: pedal assistance, a 250W maximum continuous rated motor output and assistance that cuts out at 25km/h.
The biggest changes for riders are the new age and driver licence requirements, the new 12km/h footpath and pedestrian-passing requirements. If you already own an older e-bike and are unsure whether it meets EN 15194, keep an eye on information about the Queensland Government’s E-Bike Assurance Scheme ahead of the 28 February 2027 deadline.
And if you’re buying a new e-bike, make sure it is clearly sold as compliant with EN 15194 and legal for use on Queensland roads and paths.
By becoming a member of Bicycle Queensland, you support BQ’s advocacy for bike riders in Queensland, and have insurance cover for bike riding – full details of membership inclusions can be read here.
BQ’s E-bike rally at Brisbane Botanic Gardens 21-04-2026 to save safe legal e-bikes. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
Brisbane City Council have announced they are adding a much-needed 1.2km section to Brisbane’s growing bikeway network. The new addition will run along Shafston Avenue from Kangaroo Point to East Brisbane. Importantly, the addition will connect with existing bikeways at both Deakin Street and Mowbray park, delivering not just a safer route to the city – but one that is easier to navigate for new and experienced riders alike.
Bicycle Queensland is pleased to see the addition to the network as part of the CycleLink Cycleway commitment, which will be an essential part of moving people around the city for the Brisbane 2032 Games – and every other day of the year.
‘Brisbane has some excellent cycling infrastructure, and the bones of a great network. Projects like this are what’s required to connect existing bikeways to deliver safe, connected routes,’ said BQ’s Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack.
‘This extends the safe bikeways of Elizabeth and Edward Streets in the centre of Brisbane out to the Eastern suburbs for the first time,’ said BQ’s CEO Dr Matthew Burke.
‘Council is now fixing two of the most important missing links in the bikeway network, here at Kangaroo Point, and also at Sylvan Road in the west. With these two projects alone, you’ll now be able to ride safely all the way from Sumner and Jindalee, through to Norman Park. Now the challenge will be to extend the safe, low-risk bicycle networks further east, through Morningside, Seven Hills and Camp Hill.’
Dr Burke said ‘We’re grateful for Shafston Ave, but Bicycle Queensland is not giving up on the completion of the riverside bikeway that remains half-built along the western side of Kangaroo Point. We know completing this through would be incredibly popular, fulfilling the original Council Riverwalk plan that has already benefited Brisbane so much.’
Shaftston Ave is the third phase of the CityLink Cycleway program, following on from the initial stages that include the Kangaroo Point Bridge and connections through the CBD on Edward St and Elizabeth St towards Southbank via Victoria Bridge. The CityLink Cycleway will also be extended along Melbourne Street towards the heart of West End.
Costs for the project haven’t been released, however the project will be funded in the budget via a 50-50 agreement with the state government.
