Category: Advocacy

Categories
Advocacy

Mt Coot-tha Draft Vision reveals potential wins  

Source: Visit Brisbane

Changes to road riding conditions, improvements to mountain bike trails and better connections to surrounding suburbs are among the opportunities identified in Brisbane City Council’s Draft Mt Coot-tha Vision 2026–2046. 

The 20-year Vision, developed by Brisbane Sustainability Agency on behalf of Council, outlines a long-term approach to protecting and enhancing one of Brisbane’s most popular outdoor recreation destinations. The document was developed using extensive community consultation, including with BQ. 

Several proposals stand out for bike riders. 

Could Mt Coot-tha become safer for road cyclists? 

One of the most interesting proposals is looking at improvements to cycling safety on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, one of Brisbane’s best-known riding routes. 

The draft specifically identifies the section between Simpsons Road and the Paramount site (Network 10). Commonly known as Coot-tha back, this area will have further investigation including the possibility of introducing one-way vehicle sections which could provide safer separation for riders while maintaining vehicular access. Bicycle Queensland has been in favour of this idea for more than a decade, but the presence on the mountain of workplaces (the TV stations) has blocked its introduction. 

Better mountain bike trails and connections 

Mt Coot-tha and Gap Creek already offers around 25km of mountain bike trails, and the draft Vision supports continued improvements to the trail network. 

This includes building on the existing Mt Coot-tha Reserve Mountain Bike Concept Plan, improving the trail experience and exploring opportunities for better connections. 

Source: Visit Brisbane

The Vision also identifies a potential long-distance trail connection towards D’Aguilar National Park, creating opportunities to link recreational experiences across Brisbane’s western bushland areas. This is something BQ is really excited about – there are a lot of opportunities to have nationally significant riding experiences launching from Brisbane. 

Making it easier to ride to Mt Coot-tha 

The draft recognises that reaching Mt Coot-tha without a car can be challenging. But should it be expected that we can drive to the top of a mountain? 

Proposals include improving walking and cycling connections to surrounding neighbourhoods and Brisbane’s existing active transport network, particularly through Toowong and the Sylvan Road corridor. If the bridge from West End eventuates in the future, proper active transport connections to green spaces like Mt Coot-tha must be prioritised. 

Better wayfinding and cycling infrastructure between destinations, trailheads and arrival points are also identified.  

Bike shuttles and new recreational destinations 

The Vision raises the possibility of dedicated bike shuttle services to destinations including Gap Creek, as well as future low-emission shuttles capable of carrying bicycles where practical. That means riders visiting could park near the front side, with a shuttle to the main trails. However, BQ believes this cannot be at the expense of bikeway and trail connections for those who want to ride to the trails. 

Meanwhile, the proposed transformation of the 26-hectare Mt Coot-tha Quarry into parklands could create new opportunities for outdoor recreation – right next to a large capital city. 

A proposed Arrival Hub between the Botanic Gardens and future Quarry Parklands would also incorporate cycling connections and help visitors move between destinations without relying on a car. 

What does BQ think? 

BQ welcomes the recognition of riding within the draft Vision, particularly the opportunities to improve road safety, trail access and connections to surrounding communities.  

But riding needs to be considered as part of a connected network for the surrounding areas, rather than a series of individual projects. 

“We are all for making the back of the Mt Coot-tha loop safer for bike riders,” said CEO Dr Matthew Burke. “Something needs to be done and BQ will seek to be part of the investigations proposed in this plan.” 

“Mt Coot-tha has been a premier riding location for both mountain bikers and road cyclists for decades, so it’s great to see that BCC is taking these needs seriously in its vision document,” added Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack. 

“The provision of both a capital budget for trail and infrastructure builds, and a well-resourced maintenance budget, would go a long way to turning this vision into facilities that make Brisbane a better place to live.” 

The Draft Mt Coot-tha Vision is a long-term planning document, and the proposed initiatives will require further investigation, consultation and, where appropriate, funding and approvals before delivery. 

read the draft vision
have your say on the draft vision

Categories
Advocacy Events

Hallowheelin takes over Brisbane

Costumes, creepy surprises, a mobile DJ and a pumping disco made Bicycle Queensland’s first Hallowheelin ride with Pedal Party a Halloween to remember!

Brisbane’s riverside bikeways came alive with ghosts, skeletons, monsters and plenty of laughter on Saturday 31 October, as BQ and Pedal Party Magandjin joined forces for the first-ever Hallowheelin ride.

The free, family-friendly event was a sell-out, bringing together kids of all ages, parents and riders keen to celebrate Halloween on two wheels – and have a party by bike. And if the smiles, laughter and impromptu dance moves were anything to go by, it certainly won’t be the last!

The incredible energy and enthusiasm of Pedal Party Magandjin made the evening what it was. The team brought their unique blend of bikes, music and community spirit to the event. Leading the festivities was a custom-built dual tandem spider bike, complete with a mobile DJ pumping out tunes as the colourful procession rolled from South Bank to the Botanic Gardens and back again.

A little spooky, a lot of fun

The fun started at South Bank as riders arrived and checked in. Face painting helped transform young riders (and older riders) into their Halloween alter egos before everyone set off on a riverside adventure.

From South Bank, the costumed crew crossed the Goodwill Bridge with the mobile souns system cranking out the tunes and turning heads. The rolling party made its into the City Botanic Gardens, where a particularly gruesome surprise awaited.

The challenge? Reach into a monster’s mouth, and dig out some treats from its guts!

With plenty of squeals and laughter, the spaghetti monster proved a highlight of the evening.

As the sun waned, the ride continued through Queen’s Wharf before returning to South Bank. Pedal Party kicked it up a notch with their Halloween disco!

With the sun down, portable lights set up and the music pumping, riders were led through dance moves as the celebrations kicked into another gear. The energy was so infectious that even bystanders couldn’t resist joining in.

For one evening, Hallowheelin reminded those out on the town that bikes aren’t just a way to get from A to B. Bikes can be part of just about anything, and on this night bikes were the centre of a rolling celebration, bringing families, friends and complete strangers together to let their hair down, dress up and have a boogie.

For BQ, Hallowheelin was a wonderful reminder of something that can sometimes get lost in conversations about transport, infrastructure and road safety: riding a bike is fun!

BQ CEO Dr Matthew Burke, who swapped his usual attire for a skeleton onesie to become ‘Dr Bones’ for the evening, said the event demonstrated what happens when families have the opportunity to enjoy riding together in a welcoming environment.

“Halloween is now the most dangerous night of the year to be a child on American streets. Not because of monsters; because of motor vehicles and their dangerous speeds. Australia’s suburbs have similar problems emerging. So, we created a great fun and safe alternative to enjoy Halloween and everyone loved it.”

The event was designed to highlight the importance of making streets and public spaces safer and more welcoming for children and families. When riding feels safe, accessible and enjoyable, more people are willing to give it a go. And when the experience is this much fun, they’re far more likely to come back for more.

“Our small neighbourhood streets should be safe enough for families to ride a bike with their children. That’s a no-brainer. But our street speeds are way too high in Australia, and especially in Queensland. Governments around the world are adopting 30km/h or 20miles/h laws for small local streets to make them safe for children, not just for Halloween, but for every night of the year. 

A huge part of Hallowheelin’s success was the creativity, passion and infectious enthusiasm of Pedal Party Magandjin.

From the extraordinary, custom-built mobile DJ bike to the games, music and disco, their commitment to making riding a shared celebration helped turn a simple family ride into something truly memorable.

“We had so much fun on the inaugural Hallowheelin ride and we can’t wait for next year,” said Pedal Party’s Kathryn Good. “Getting people to have fun and take over the streets on their bikes is our favourite activity!”

Bicycle Queensland extends a huge thank you to Pedal Party Magandjin, everyone who helped bring the event to life, and of course all the families and riders who dressed up, decorated their bikes and joined the fun.

Although Hallowheelin was a Halloween celebration, it’s a reminder that by creating a safe environment for families and friends to use bikes to get around only has positive implications.

And besides, who doesn’t love a bike ride that ends with a disco?

Categories
Advocacy

Nominate for the 2026 Bicycle Queensland Awards

Great things happen for bike riding when passionate people, community groups and decision-makers get behind it. Bicycle Queensland wants to recognise those making a difference, and we’re calling for nominations for our 2026 Bicycle Queensland Awards.

Across Queensland, individuals and organisations are working to make bike riding safer, more accessible and more enjoyable. From grassroots community initiatives and local advocacy to the people shaping policy and delivering better infrastructure, their efforts deserve recognition.

Following the success of our 2025 awards, Bicycle Queensland is expanding the program to four categories in 2026, recognising contributions from individuals, community groups, elected officials and public servants.

Four opportunities to recognise great work

  • Individual Award: Recognising someone who has made an outstanding contribution to bike riding, whether through advocacy, volunteering, leadership or community involvement.
  • Community Group Award: Celebrating a group or organisation making a positive difference to bike riding in its community.
  • Elected Official Award: Recognising an elected representative who has demonstrated leadership and commitment to improving conditions for people who ride.
  • Public Servant Award: Acknowledging someone working within government who has helped deliver better outcomes for bike riding through planning, policy, programs or infrastructure.

Whether it’s a volunteer championing local trails, a community group encouraging more people to ride, or someone working behind the scenes to deliver safer cycling infrastructure, we want to hear about them.

Nominate someone making a difference

Nominations are open to the Queensland riding community, and you can nominate across one or more categories.

Simply tell us who you’re nominating, their role or organisation, and why you believe they deserve recognition.

nominate now!

Award recipients will be recognised at Bicycle Queensland’s end-of-year function in December 2026.

Help us celebrate the people helping make Queensland a better place to ride.

Categories
Advocacy

Carol’s Law: Mandatory vision checks for safer Queensland roads

Should regular eyesight checks be mandatory for Queensland drivers? Bicycle Queensland is supporting a parliamentary e-petition calling for mandatory vision assessments to help prevent avoidable tragedies on our roads.

Queensland drivers must meet minimum eyesight standards to hold a licence. However, for most drivers under 75, there is no requirement to undergo regular vision assessments when renewing their licence unless they declare a relevant medical condition.

That means the system relies heavily on drivers recognising and reporting changes to their own eyesight, even when those changes could make them unsafe behind the wheel.

Carol’s Law seeks to change that.

The proposed legislation would introduce mandatory vision assessments for Queensland drivers at key milestones:

  • When first applying for a driver’s licence
  • At ages 50 and 60
  • Every five years thereafter until age 75
  • Annually from age 75

The proposal draws on an existing vision assessment framework used in the ACT and aims to ensure drivers continue to meet the eyesight standards required to safely operate a vehicle.

A tragedy that should never have happened

Carol’s Law is named in memory of Carol Ismail, who was killed while riding her bicycle with her husband Adam on a Queensland country road in August 2020.

The driver who struck them had significant vision impairment and had repeatedly been advised by eye-care professionals that he was medically unfit to drive. Despite those warnings, he continued driving.

Carol died from her injuries, while Adam sustained serious injuries. While the driver did stop, he wasn’t able to clearly see his phone screen to call emergency services. The driver was subsequently convicted of dangerous driving causing death.

Carol’s family, including her husband Adam and their daughter, an optometrist, are now campaigning for mandatory vision assessments to reduce the risk of another family experiencing a similar tragedy.

Better vision checks mean safer roads

Good vision is essential for identifying hazards, judging distances and responding to other road users.

For people walking and riding bikes, who have little physical protection in a collision, the consequences of a driver failing to see them can be devastating.

Mandatory vision assessments would provide an opportunity to identify deteriorating eyesight, encourage earlier treatment where possible, and help ensure people driving on Queensland roads meet the required vision standards.

Road safety and the lives of other road users shouldn’t depend solely on drivers voluntarily reporting that they can no longer see well enough to drive.

Add your name to the petition

There is an official Queensland Parliamentary e-petition calling for Carol’s Law.

The petition asks the Queensland Government to introduce mandatory, ongoing vision assessments for drivers, replacing reliance on voluntary disclosure alone.

Sign the Queensland Parliamentary e-petition for Carol’s Law

Categories
Advocacy

Queensland’s new e-bike assurance scheme

The Queensland Government has released the rules for its new Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle (EPAC) Assurance Scheme, which is expected to commence on 2 November 2026. Bicycle Queensland is calling on governments to cover the costs of verification, rather than passing them on to riders.

The new scheme forms part of the Queensland Government’s changes to e-mobility legislation and introduces a process for verifying whether an e-bike complies with the relevant requirements.

The Queensland Government has now published its EPAC Verification Rules, outlining how the scheme will operate and the requirements for businesses and individuals seeking to become authorised verifiers.

What will it cost e-bike owners?

Under the scheme, riders seeking verification of their e-bike can expect the following costs:

  • Free initial pre-screening ($0): A basic inspection checking features such as pedals, obvious battery damage and whether the bike already has an EN15194 compliance plate.
  • Formal assessment ($50): A more detailed assessment or testing to determine whether the e-bike meets the relevant requirements.
  • Compliance label and registration ($20): If the e-bike passes verification, this covers the compliance label and recording the verification details.

The total cost for a successful verification will be $70.

BQ believes this cost should not fall on riders who have purchased and use legal e-bikes.

We will continue to advocate for the Queensland and/or Commonwealth Governments to cover verification fees. The requirement for additional inspections and compliance labels has arisen from government legislative changes, and riders must not be left paying the bill.

Where can you have your e-bike verified?

The Queensland Government haspublished a list of Authorised Verifiers .

Further information, including the list of verifiers once available, on the Queensland Government’s EPAC Assurance Scheme website.

Information for Queensland bike businesses

Bike retailers, mechanics and other eligible industry participants interested in becoming Authorised Verifiers can contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads at epacassurance@tmr.qld.gov.au.

BQ will continue to fight for riders

Bicycle Queensland has consistently argued for a clear distinction between safe, legal e-bikes s and,high-powered, non-pedal assist devices.

While verification may provide a pathway for establishing compliance, it must not create unnecessary financial or administrative barriers for people who choose to ride safe, legal e-bikes.

BQ will continue to engage with the Queensland Government as the scheme is implemented, advocating for fair treatment of riders, clarity for the bicycle industry and measures that genuinely improve safety.

Further information:

Queensland Government – EPAC Assurance Scheme

Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle (EPAC) Verification Rules

Categories
Advocacy

100 days on from Queensland’s new e-mobility laws

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.

Queensland’s new e-mobility laws have now been in place for around 100 days. Throughout the debate over the legislation, Bicycle Queensland stood up for the rights of people who ride.

catch up on our e-mobility campaign


Now we’d like to know how the changes have impacted you.

BQ fought for laws that targeted genuinely dangerous behaviour and illegal devices without creating unnecessary barriers for people riding safe, legal e-bikes. We argued for practical rules that would improve safety while recognising the enormous potential of e-bikes to help Queenslanders ride more often.

Legislation was introduced with a range of new measures around devices and their use.

We want to know, have the changes made you safer? Are the rules clear and easy to understand? Are you riding more or less?

BQ is launching a 100-day review of Queensland’s e-mobility laws, and we need Queenslanders to tell us what has changed.

We want to hear from all riders, whether you use an e-bike or e-scooter or not, to get your feedback on the changes and their impact. For people who don’t use e-mobility, the survey should take around three minutes. For e-bike and e-mobility users, allow up to eight minutes.

complete the e-mobility survey


BQ stood up for Queensland’s cycling community when these laws were proposed, and we’ll continue holding decision-makers accountable to ensure the rules are fair, practical and genuinely make our streets safer.

Your voice helps strengthen our advocacy, and your membership makes it possible. By joining or renewing with Bicycle Queensland, you’re supporting an independent voice that fights for the rights, safety and future of everyone who rides.

Together, we can make Queensland a better place to ride.

join bicycle queensland
Categories
Advocacy

Innisfail gets biggest project in State bikeway grants

Bicycle Queensland welcomes more than $15 million in Queensland Government funding for ten active transport projects across the state.

The 2026-27 Active Transport Grants Program provides $15,038,855 to councils for projects from Cairns to the Sunshine Coast. The program supports infrastructure designed to provide safe, attractive, direct and continuous connections for people walking and riding bikes, including links to schools, hospitals, public transport and other key destinations.

Investment in projects in Greater Brisbane are notably absent, despite the need for completed or new active transport connections across the region.

Eligible projects must contribute to an identified strategic network: a principal route in the Queensland Principal Cycle Network, a route in an endorsed Walking Network Plan, or an approved alternative alignment delivering the same strategic outcome.

For most councils, the Queensland Government provides up to 50 per cent of project funding, with councils expected to match that contribution.

The successful 2026-27 projects

Cairns Regional Council – $3,000,000

The project will add a dedicated connection for people walking and riding in Cairns, by construcing a shared path from Ryan Weare Park at Kamerunga Road to Redlynch Striker United Football Club at Brinsmead Road.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council – $5,916,530

At almost $5.92 million, this is the largest grant in the 2026-27 round and will improve an existing active transport connection, by improving the shared path along McGowan Drive and Fitzgerald Esplanade to Owen Street.

Central Highlands Regional Council – $818,250

Funding will construct a shared path connecting Egerton Street, Max Gorlick Drive, the Capricorn Highway and Opal Street to the Nogoa River, adding to the active transport network in Emerald.

Ipswich City Council – $692,000

This project will construct a shared path on Bremer Street between Bell Street and Ellenborough Street, improving active transport connectivity in central Ipswich.

Logan City Council – $3,000,000

The project will improve provision for walking and bike riding. Funding covers the design and construction for active transport improvements along Armstrong Road between Loganlea Road and Evans Road.

Longreach Regional Council – $27,967

Design and construct a pathway along Galah Street between the Landsborough Highway and the Longreach bus stop, providing an active transport connection to public transport.

Mackay Regional Council – $420,039

Design and construct a shared path along Milton and Henman streets between Pratt Street and Black Street.

Noosa Shire Council – $215,000

Design and construct active transport facilities on Goodchap Road, from near Heritage Drive towards Noosa Hospital, improving active transport provision to a key community destination.

Rockhampton Regional Council – $333,359

Design and construct a shared path along Graham Acton Way between Hall Street and the Rocky Sports Club.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council – $615,710

Design and construct pathways along Palm Drive, Ocean View Avenue and Meta Street between Goonawarra Drive and Douglas Street.

This investment will help make it safer and easier for Queenslanders to walk and ride. Completing missing links and creating connected routes can make bike riding a more practical option for everyday trips as well as recreation.

However, the scale of this investment is small when considered against Queensland’s overall transport infrastructure program.

The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2026-27 to 2029-30 contains $55.9 billion in planned road and transport infrastructure investment over four years.

QTRIP lists investment by mode as $34.3 billion for roads, $19.25 billion for railways, $1.6 billion for bus infrastructure and $312 million for active transport, alongside maritime and multimodal investment. On those QTRIP figures, active transport represents approximately 0.56 per cent of the total four-year investment program.

The Active Transport Grants Program is one component of that broader active transport investment, rather than an additional amount outside the $312 million.

Bicycle Queensland believes the benefits of safe, connected walking and bike riding networks warrant a substantially greater investment. With Queensland’s population growing and Brisbane 2032 approaching, active transport needs to be treated as an integral part of the transport system.

These ten projects are welcome additions to Queensland’s network. The challenge now is to accelerate delivery so that more Queenslanders have safe, connected and practical options to walk and ride.

Categories
Advocacy

Gympie Council commits to rail trails

Bicycle Queensland has welcomed new funding to improve the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail and extend the Mary Valley Rail Trail into Imbil.

Gympie Regional Council, with funding from the Queensland Government, will repair and improve a nine-kilometre section of the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail (KKRT) between Goomeri and Murgon.

The works will restore important links along the trail, with new culverts, concrete riverbed crossings and erosion repairs, along with the replacement of 10 pedestrian gates with cattle grids to improve access. These changes will drastically improve the rider experience on the trail, and aid in rider safety.

BQ Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack said improving these sections would help realise the potential of a much bigger regional cycling route.

“The Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail has the potential to form part of a nationally significant riding route stretching from Kilkivan all the way to Wulkuraka, by using the popular Link Trail and Brisbane Valley Rail Trail” Demack said. 

“The experience at the Gympie end of the KKRT has not matched what riders find in the South Burnett, so this investment is very welcome. Improving the surface, crossings and access will make the trail more inviting to a much wider range of riders and help communities along the route benefit from cycle tourism.”

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig said the investment would improve the trail while supporting regional tourism.

“The Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail draws visitors from across Queensland and supporting local businesses along the way,” Mayor Hartwig said.

“This investment will restore sections of the trail that have deteriorated over time, making it safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for everyone who uses it.”

The funding will also support an approximately 500-metre extension of the existing Imbil to Brooloo section of the Mary Valley Rail Trail into Imbil town centre. This trail is popular with local residents and families, and the extension delivers a direct connection from the trail to Imbil’s shops, hospitality businesses, accommodation, community facilities and other attractions.

Bicycle Queensland sees both projects as examples of how targeted investment in existing trails can improve the riding experience while delivering wider benefits for regional communities.