Happy Father and son riding their bicycles by the lake. Father and son having fun together on their bikes in the park. Happy family, outdoors activities, childhood and parenting concept.
Bicycle Queensland welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of a $100 million Active Transport Fund, but BQ and the other bike advocacy groups have met and assert that a more substantial commitment is needed to create meaningful change. The $100 million is a step in the right direction, but insufficient for any impact nationwide.
Working with other state bodies, Bicycle Queensland are preparing a submission to highlight our key concerns. These revolve around:
– a lack of specific deliverables and a framework for delivery. – a need to scale up investment for meaningful impact. – recognition of e-bikes and e-scooters as light EVs, as part of a lower emissions solution. – promotion of, and investment in active transport networks, including strategic cycling networks in all major cities.
Bicycle Queensland and the other state bodies appreciate the government’s efforts to promote active travel through the net-zero roadmap, however we urge a more ambitious and holistic approach so Australia can realise the full potential of active travel. We will be working on our submission, but you can read the details about the policy and have provide your own feedback via the portal right now.
Bicycle Queensland was pleased to take the opportunity to participate in Brisbane City Council’s community working group for the next and final stage of the North Brisbane Bikeway: between Price Street to Kedron Brook.
This 500 metre section of bikeway will unlock a direct connection from Sandgate and even Redcliffe, all the way to Brisbane’s CBD. As a missing link which makes a difference to every bike rider, e-bike rider and e-scooter rider on the north side of Brisbane, it is hard to understate the significance of the NBB project.
We’ve been working closely with Brisbane North Bicycle Users Group as we look for the best way to help BCC see that even with some local opposition, this project is one which benefits almost everyone, through reducing congestion and enabling safe active transport.
Making public transportation more affordable is a step in the right direction toward reducing congestion and promoting sustainable travel options. As advocates for active transport, particularly cycling, we feel it’s important to address some key areas in support of this initiative, to ensure that all commuters, including cyclists, can benefit fully from these changes.
Cycling and micromobility has a very real role in supporting more public transport trips, particularly on rail trips where the journey to and from stations needs to be considered as part of the “door to door” customer experience. Many park and ride facilities on the rail network are already full or close to capacity, so the journey to and from the station by bike needs to become a focus.
Room for bikes on trains
Currently there is limited space for bicycles on trains, for those who need to ride at each end of a rail journey. To encourage multi-modal trips where heavy or light rail doesn’t start or finish exactly where someone needs to go, bikes really help create a missing link. But if there isn’t room on trains for a bike to be stored, fewer people will be able to capitalise on the incentive.
Bike parking at stations
There is limited availability of bike parking at train stations. As more people turn to multi-modal transportation, it’s essential to prioritise secure bicycle parking facilities. By providing convenient and safe places to store bikes, we can encourage more people to choose cycling as a mode of transport for their daily commute.
Missing links in active transport networks
Seamless connections between public transport and active transport infrastructure are key. Integrating cycling routes with bus and train networks through well-planned infrastructure projects can significantly enhance the accessibility and attractiveness of multi-modal transportation options. While some routes have excellent integration, including signage, separated bike ways and secure bike parking – other areas need a lot more attention.
Capacity and facilities at train stations
Access to rail station platforms needs to be considered, looking at their use for those with luggage, the elderly, people with a disability, or those taking a bike or scooter to their final journey.
Bicycle Queensland welcomes the reduction in public transport fares, and we urge policymakers to address the above concerns to ensure that bike riders and other public transport users can fully benefit from these changes.
By prioritising investments in active transport infrastructure and addressing these issues, we can create a more sustainable and inclusive transportation system for all Queenslanders – something that is imperative with the population growth in Queensland, and the major events coming to our state in the future.
By joining Bicycle Queensland, you can get excellent insurance coverage while riding a bike or e-scooter, receive member benefits and helps the advocacy work we do.Learn more here.
On May 22, 2024 We Ride submitted a crucial proposal to the Climate Change Authority, co-authored with Bicycle Queensland and other state advocacy bodies. Our aim is clear: to ensure that the vital role of active transport, including bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters, is recognised and prioritised in discussions surrounding climate action in Australia.
“Bicycle Queensland is proud to be part of this multi-jurisdictional approach to recognising the vital role that cycling plays in helping to decarbonise our transport sector.” said Alton Twine, CEO of Bicycle Queensland. “Its not just about a transition to EV cars – Climate Change policy needs to consider the significant potential to reduce emissions that active transport modes can play if appropriate investment is made by government to support meaningful mode shift in Australian Cities.”
“Everyone who rides a bike for their daily transport and recreational purposes is contributing to a cleaner, greener and healthier planet. If Australia is to achieve its emissions targets, every sector needs to help and cycling needs to be formally considered as part of this.”
At the heart of our concern lies the omission of active transport in the Climate Change Authority’s proposal. With the urgent need to transition towards low-emission alternatives, promoting the use of bicycles and small electric vehicles emerges as a readily accessible, equitable, and affordable solution.
Currently, Australia’s investment in active transport infrastructure lags far behind international recommendations, constituting a mere 2% of expenditure compared to the suggested 20% outlined by the United Nations. This discrepancy underscores the pressing need for increased support and funding in this area.
Bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters offer a swift transition towards sustainable transportation, particularly for short trips. By prioritising incentives and infrastructure for these modes of transport, we can avoid exacerbating emissions through the rapid uptake of electric cars and the subsequent need for extensive infrastructure updates around EV charging.
As highlighted in We Ride’s submission, there is a strong public interest in active transport. However, concerns about safety persist, with two-thirds of individuals surveyed expressing reservations about the suitability of current infrastructure designed primarily for internal combustion vehicles.
We fully endorse the points raised by We Ride, including the health benefits and economic advantages associated with widespread adoption of active transport networks. In preparation for the upcoming state election in October, Bicycle Queensland urges our members to engage with local representatives to understand their stance on active transport.
Together, let’s pedal towards a greener, healthier future!
A letter to Bicycle Queensland members from CEO Alton Twine
Dear Bicycle Queensland Member
This weekend’s local government elections are an opportunity to voice your support for better cycling facilities and programs in your community.
As many of you know, over the last month new CEO Alton Twine and Advocacy Director Andrew Demack have conducted an extensive local government pre-election campaign, travelled thousands of kilometres, connecting with our members and communities across Queensland, visiting and speaking with Councils and candidates.
Whilst a more detailed account of their findings will be presented to members in the not-too-distant future (we have collected a lot of information!), we can report a summary of concerns that resonate across the State that form the basis of our call for 7 key things that can be done to improve cycling in our communities:
1. Close the gaps in the network
Whilst cycling and using scooters are increasingly popular for transport and recreation, people who use bikes and scooters require safe and effective infrastructure to be provided in a consistent way where they live. A major issue for riders is the “missing links” that dominate cycle networks across the State, making a journey from A to B a difficult proposition for many. Some of these missing links are mere metres in length, some are caused by a lack of transition between roads to bikeways and some are caused by a lack of directional signage that would allow a route to be clearly identified.
Bicycle Queensland is asking Councils to close these gaps, so getting somewhere safely by bike or scooter is easy.
2. Maintain what is there already
Maintenance of existing facilities needs to be improved. Many riders have complained about obstructions along paths, such as overgrowing vegetation, potholes and inappropriate barriers. Debris such as broken glass and rocks are common along on-road bike lanes and verges. These problems can be addressed by more frequent inspections of paths and more street sweeping along on-road routes.
3. Improve signage for safety and wayfinding
There is an overall lack of signage across cycling networks — both wayfinding and directional signage or safety signage. In many places, on-road markings are faded or sometimes non-existent. Signage is a cheap and effective way of assisting all road and path users and is greatly appreciated by all. Applying more pathway signage and on-road “signs and lines” will help all users.
4. Look for cycle tourism opportunities
Cycling tourism is on the rise. The “Australian and Cycling E-Scooter Economy in 2022” report notes that cycling-related tourism resulted in $1.88 billion in direct output across Australian States and Territories. In Queensland, the rise of cycling tourism around mountain biking opportunities continues to occur across the State, with more and more projects underway. In many areas, the re-purposing of closed railway lines as “rail trails” is bringing new life into communities, as ably demonstrated by the success of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
Councils can consider what opportunities exist to attract this growing leisure and recreation market and look to invest in facilities that will attract tourists to ride bikes in their communities.
5. Engage with users
People who ride bikes and use scooters in their local communities are keen to engage with local governments to assist the efforts of Councils to improve all aspects of cycling. Engaging with users of the network around future plans and particular projects will help ensure the best outcomes for everyone. Councils can engage with local Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) and/or reach out to Bicycle Queensland directly to assist.
6. Build more shared paths and bikeways
There is still a need to provide safe connections for bikes, e-scooters, and pedestrians in many areas. We have heard this from our members and the community where providing these facilities will make it attractive for people to ride.
The best facilities are off-road shared paths. Riding along on-road bike lanes in busy areas, next to high speed traffic lanes and parking, is for experienced riders only. To attract more people to ride, including children, recreational riders and the increasing number of elderly who are discovering the joys of mobility on an electric bike, we call for more off-road pathways to be constructed.
7. Aim for 10% of trips by active transport by 2032 and commit 10% of the transport budget to making it happen
Cycling and active transport (including the fast-growing area of e-scooters) are the healthiest and most sustainable form of transport. Taking short trips by active transport is the best thing councils can do to address ill health in their communities and to meet the sustainability targets now rolling out across Queensland ahead of the 2032 Games.
At present, only a few councils have active transport targets, committing a clear percentage of the overall transport budget to getting people moving sustainably.
We call on councils across the state to commit to 10% active transport journeys by 2032, to develop plans and to contribute a meaningful 10% of council transport budgets to making it happen.
Bicycle Queensland commends those Councils who do great work in their local communities to support cycling.
By addressing these 7 areas of concern that have been raised by members and communities across the State, more people will ride safely in our communities, making them better places for all to enjoy.
Many of these 7 key areas are “low-hanging fruit” that are relatively cheap to implement. These investments are modest in comparison to road budgets and have a genuine advantage in not only reducing traffic congestion (every extra cyclist on the network is one less car trip) but also providing appropriate and safe facilities for recreation and sport.
As we head into local government elections this weekend, please let your candidates know that cycling is important to you and to the community you live in.
Our advocacy with Councils does not end with the elections on the weekend! We have opened channels with many Councils across the State and we are committed to formally noting and prosecuting the many areas of concern that you as members have raised in our discussions.
We intend to hold Councils and successful candidates to account on the basis of these issues and any others that may emerge, in an ongoing campaign to improve facilities, training, education and co-operation between Councils and our members.
As many of you know all too well, success is a matter of persistence. BQ has been around for 44 years and by working with state and local governments has improved the lot of those who ride bikes and scooters across the State. We are in it for the long haul.
A big thank you to all those who could make the time to talk with us over the last few weeks. It was great to talk with you, listen and understand your frustrations and experiences, and be guided by your local wisdom on how we can best address our efforts on your behalf. For all of you, including those who weren’t able to make our meetings, please continue to let us know the concerns that you have and ideas on how to improve riding in your communities.
We are looking forward to continuing our conversations with you, and with our newly-elected Councils as they head into their first local government budget meetings. 😊
Brisbane, QLD (February13, 2024) – Bicycle Queensland (BQ) is taking to the road across Queensland this month, introducing their new CEO, Alton Twine, and connecting with communities from Coolangatta to Cairns.
Joined by Advocacy Director Andrew Demack, Twine’s mission is clear: to listen, collaborate, and advocate for a brighter future where cycling where cycling is integrated into local government thinking and planning across Queensland.
An experienced deliverer of cycling infrastructure and sustainable transport across government, Alton Twine brings experience and enthusiasm. He’s eager to meet community members and Bicycle Queensland members across the State to understand their priorities and lead the organisation in its mission to create a state where cycling is embraced and accessible.
Mr Twine wants this road trip to be about more than handshakes. Twine and Demack will listen to members’ concerns, from safer infrastructure and better connectivity to the shared joy of cycling.
Meeting with local council officials and local government election candidates, the team will champion the benefits of bike riding. “It’s not only about infrastructure – it’s about promoting fitness, regional tourism opportunities and offering an affordable transportation option in these times of rising costs”.
Twine and Demack will highlight how investing in cycling programs and infrastructure can benefit the community by reducing traffic congestion and emissions and boosting regional economies through tourism.
Bicycle Queensland encourages all interested cyclists and community members to connect with them during the road trip. Follow BQ on social media for updates and event details, or visit https://bq.org.au/ to learn more. Or phone 07 3844 1144
To catch up with Alton Twine and Andrew Demack, here’s where they’ll be and when:
Redlands, Logan, and Ipswich: February 15-16
Sunshine Coast, Moreton, and Noosa: February 22-23
South East Queensland Councils: February 26-28 (Gold Coast, Brisbane, Somerset, Scenic Rim, Toowoomba)
North and Central Queensland: March 4-8 (Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Townsville, Whitsunday, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast).
Bicycle Queensland is the peak body representing cyclists in Queensland. We advocate for safe, connected cycling infrastructure, provide member services and benefits like insurance, and work to create a healthier, happier Queensland through cycling.
Contact: To organise interviews or photo opportunities, please phone:
The Board of Bicycle Queensland is pleased to advise members and key stakeholders that the new Chief Executive Officer of the organisation is Alton Twine.
Mr Twine is a highly experienced former public servant with a long record of passionate and effective advocacy for cycling and sustainable transport.
Most recently he was Director of Lifestyle and Community and for 8 years previously, Director of Transport and Infrastructure at Gold Coast City Council. He has also led cycling infrastructure and active transport planning and activation at Brisbane City Council as well as with the Queensland Government, where he managed the Active Transport team and had a critical role in TravelSmart, the world’s largest active transport program.
Alton was a member of the Australian Bicycle Council for many years and has had substantial input into strategy, planning and implementation of cycling facilities and behaviour change programs at all levels of government, successfully proposing and delivering significantly- increased capital works programs delivering more bikeways, facilities and active travel programs. In 2009 he was awarded Cycling Professional of the Year by the Cycling Promotion Fund.
He first joined Bicycle Queensland as a member in 2003. He grew up in Townsville where he started his cycling career on a bright green Malvern Star, and, with still too many bikes in the shed, has recently bought his first E-bike.
Alton’s vision for BQ is to position the organisation at the forefront of advocacy for cycling, particularly as we head into a year of elections at the local and state government level. Alton also wants to improve the offering for members across the State, reinvigorating membership, insurance and events, as well has having meaningful input on behalf of members into proposals and projects that benefit cyclists. He is already planning improvements to the website, social media and participation opportunities for members.
Chair of the Board Rachel Nolan said she was very pleased to have secured Mr Twine’s services and was optimistic about the future of the organisation and of the important cause of sustainable transport.
Last year, the Board promised members we would undertake a thoughtful and thorough search for a new CEO and over the final months of 2023, we did that. The position was advertised widely and we received 49 applications.
“Alton was the stand out candidate. He is a capable and committed person who is very well known in cycling and sustainable cities circles for making a difference to the urban form. He “gets it” about BQ and has the skills to deliver on providing services to members and making an impact that matters.
“The time is right for the cycling revolution. We live in a carbon constrained world, the cost of living is high and people are literally dying for want of opportunity to move their bodies. Cycling and active transport are the solution to all of these things – but we need to make it easy for people to ride and get governments thinking about cities beyond cars.
“Bicycle Queensland is ambitious in its vision. We intend to make change.
Ms Nolan said BQ had undergone significant reform in recent times, changing the legal structure, renewing the board and governance, returning to surplus after 5 years and now undertaking a highly competitive recruitment for a new CEO.
She especially thanked outgoing CEO Lisa Davies Jones, the longest standing BQ Director who stepped into the role in May and led the organisation with professionalism and grace.
“We have been ably led by Lisa, who we will nominate for life membership at next AGM.”
Ms Davies Jones said it had been a privilege to step into the Interim CEO role through such an important time of transition for Bicycle Queensland.
“I wish the Board and Alton every success in delivering on the Board’s inspiring and important vision,” Ms Davies Jones said.
The new CEO will commence in the role on February 12.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Hon Mark Bailey MP, has stepped aside from the ministry, as a new Premier and a new Cabinet will be named this week (14 December 2023).
Bicycle Queensland takes this opportunity to thank the outgoing Minister for being the cycling champion we needed.
Minister Bailey (centre) and BQ’s 2023 end of year event, with Tracey Price (left) and BQ chair Rachel Nolan (right).
While we believe there is still a long way to go in building both the infrastructure and the social environment that will transform Queensland towards a healthier, zero emissions transport future, Mark Bailey has done more towards this than any recent Transport Minister.
And from Bicycle Queensland’s perspective, we always knew we had a person in the top job who regularly faced the cycling conditions that we all face, who used his bicycle for transport, and for fitness, and for recreation.
It was a truism of Mark Bailey’s time as Transport Minister that any time there was a new bikeway or bike bridge funded by TMR, that he would be there to open it, and be the first to ride it.
Under his leadership, Transport and Main Roads has spent more than previously on building the Principal Cycle Network, but has also made great use of including provision for bikes and walking into larger projects such as motorways and railway upgrades.
Bailey has also led the way in encouraging partnership between State Government and local government, and particularly urged the large SEQ councils to step up in provision of active transport facilities.
Queensland has had some excellent Transport Ministers in the past … Bicycle Queensland’s chair Rachel Nolan was another who made great strides towards changing the way we move.
One of Mark Bailey’s real achievement in this space is that expectations of the Transport Minister have now been reset. The new person who takes on this role has big shoes to fill.
