The announcement earlier this year that the Queensland Government would undertake a 6-month trial of 50c fares for public transport was welcomed by Bicycle Queensland. Making public transportation more affordable is a step in the right direction toward reducing congestion and promoting sustainable travel options.
Whilst public transport use has increased most markedly in the south-east corner, around the state patronage has typically increased between 8-15%. Rail has been the big winner in south east Queensland, with a reported 26.5% increase in patronage after the first month of the initiative.
On the weekend Premier Steven Miles said that the government would keep the 50c fares post-election. Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said that the LNP would keep the commitment for cheaper public transport if his party won at the state election in October. Bicycle Queensland welcomes this bipartisan support for this great public transport initiative.
We understand from media reports that this cost for subsidising public transport 50 cent fares has been estimated to be approximately $300 million a year, although it may end up less if patronage grows.
Bike riding, e-scooter riding and walking typically go hand-in-hand with more public transport use to allow for properly connected routes. At Bicycle Queensland, we would encourage further investment in walking and riding infrastructure so Queenslanders can make the best use of the ongoing subsidies for public transport.
Cycling and micromobility has a very real role in supporting more public transport trips, particularly as part of the “door to door” customer experience. Many park-and-ride facilities on the public transport network are already full or close to capacity, so alternatives need to be considered. Additional investment in secure bike parking, and investing in greater capacity for carrying bikes on trains would help.
‘Having ongoing discounted public transport as a bipartisan promise for the coming state election is a positive step for all Queenslanders,’ stated Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine. ‘We encourage all parties to match this additional $300 million investment in public transport with investment in active transport, to make the best use of the incentives and opportunities.’
Interestingly, the Household Travel Survey data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads shows that there are double the number of people riding bikes compared to using trains in Southeast Queensland, despite the significantly lesser investment in active transport.
Can you imagine the increase in mode share for cycling and micromobility if a similar level of investment to public transport was applied?
With the state election looming, Bicycle Queensland encourages you to engage with the candidates in your area to find out what they are doing to improve cycling in your region.
The Samford to Ferny Grove Cycle Link has had two stages built, connecting Ferny Grove Station to Samford via the old rail line corridor on Lanita Ave and McLean Road South. After crossing Camp Mountain Road, the route connects along McLean Road North and into a shared path before meeting the end of Peterson Road. At this point the rail corridor is now privately owned, and the route then climbs two hills on Peterson Road, before turning left atop a crest back onto Camp Mountain Road, with no continous shoulder to the narrow bridge over Oliver’s Crossing, and into Samford via a path and crossing at the roundabout with Samford-Dayboro Road.
When opened, Bicycle Queensland were disappointed with the final stretch, as it adds distance, hills, and greater exposure with motor vehicles compared to a lot of the route.
Bicycle Queensland’s Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack met with local resident Harry Audus and Brisbane North Bicycle User Group (BUG) President Andrew Methorst to promote the action that is possible for TMR or MBCC.
‘When this was opened, we thought the first 80% was brilliant, but the last bit into Samford could do with some work,’ said Demack.
‘This is such a fantastic bike way, but Peterson Road as it stands is terrible for anybody except the most fit cyclist, and it is unsafe as the sight lines are poor and the main road further on is not really safe to cycle on,’ Harry Audus told BQ. ‘So this is great, the property is for sale, council could buy it and main roads could use the property to extend the bike way.’
The property leads all the way to Samford Road at the bottom of the range, so a crossing would be required in the 60km/h zone, with access over the bridge and onto Cash Avenue, which leads to the heart of Samford.
At the time of the original project, property resumptions were suggested but justifiably shelved. But this sale presents an excellent opportunity. The current route on Peterson and Camp Mountain road is not a safe route for families, young riders or less experienced riders. A proper bike link would reduce congestion in Samford and solve a missing link in this network. Alternative plans have been suggested around carrying on over Peterson Road to Wights Mountain Road (as on the Principle Cycle Network) or making a separated path all the way along Camp Mountain Road from the end of McLean Road South. However, the direct link to Samford should be the priority route, while these other bikeways can work with the main route to offer better access to Wights Mountain, Samford Valley and Highvale – along with safe connections for Samford State School and Samford Steiner School.
‘On behalf of Brisbane North BUG, Bicycle Queensland members who live in Samford and Bicycle Queensland’s perspective, we would really love to see this link upgraded. The first bit is brilliant, but from Peterson Road to Camp Mountain Road through to Samford is substandard, it is not a good bike way,’ Demack stated.
‘We really need this to be finished, to become a proper cycle link. It would link into Cash Avenue which takes you right into the heart of Samford Village.
‘One of the benefits of following a rail alignment… is that they are flat, more or less,’ added Andrew Methorst. ‘It is a win for everyone who can ride, even if they aren’t as confident they don’t need to ride with traffic, so the old railway alignments are fantastic bike ways.’
Bicycle Queensland encourages both the City of Moreton Bay and Transport and Main Roads to consider completing the Samford Cycle Link, to promote better connectivity within this community and towards Ferny Grove.
Throughout August, Bicycle Queensland has been visiting our members and bike riding communities around Queensland. During this tour of regional Queensland, Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine and Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack have worked to understand the issues around cycling in all corners of the state, while listening for feedback around changes and opportunities in each area. Our team have also met with councils and elected officials, to advocate for safer cycling and scooter riding in all parts of Queensland.
This tour has taken us from the bikeways along the Esplanade in Cairns, to the trails and back roads of the Atheron Tablelands, and the rocky trails of Mt Douglas in Townsville. We have ridden to the Northern Beaches in Mackay, discussed rail trails in Yeppoon and checked out the trail-side swimming holes in Rockhampton. We have also heard about the opportunities with the National Trail for bike riders, seen the success of the Mary to Bay Rail Trail, and listened to concerns of bike riders around Bribie Island.
“There are lots of exciting developments for bike riding across Queensland. But for our members, the bread-and-butter issues are connecting the missing links in the bikeway network, and making sure that what is provided is well maintained and easy to access,” said Demack.
The next two meetings where you can visit are on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane:
We’d like to hear from you, whether you are a Bicycle Queensland member or not, to help us make Queensland a better and safer place to ride bikes and e-scooters.
You can join Bicycle Queensland to support our advocacy work, and be covered by public liability and accident insurance.
On August 1, Bicycle Queensland met with the major stakeholders for the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail. This included staff from South Burnett Regional Council, Gympie Regional Council, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and members of several users associations involved with rail trails across Queensland. The meeting was facilitated by Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine.
Bicycle Queensland set up this meeting to discuss how the user experience across the length of the rail trail can be improved. Within the South Burnett region, where that section is known as the South Burnett Rail Trail, the trail has removed the need to open gates, and implemented a bitumen surface. Within the Gympie region, gates remain on the trail and the surface is more akin to the original rail corridor, and shows sign of weathering after recent major rain events in the region.
With the popularity of bike riding growing, the potential for increased visitation in both regions are immense with an improved end to end experience. Cycling tourism is valued at approximately $2 billion nation wide, yet only around $200 million of that lands in Queensland.
Who uses the southern end of the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail?
Data from the southern end of the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail (also known as the South Burnett Rail Trail) shows that the trail has a wide variety of users. The South Burnett Rail Trail users association have recorded an increase in overnight stays in the region, regular events who use the trail and attract external visitors, and noted that the sealed surface also attracts adaptive and disabled users, who are unable to experience the majority of off-road rail trails.
This success has come around over time, with diverse grant funding to invest in infrastructure that doesn’t have the same ongoing costs. The trail also connects to other tourism and cycling products – from mountain bike parks to wineries. As such it has diversified the user groups and created greater involvement from the local community and businesses.
The challenges for the northern end of the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail
From within the working group, the challenges can be summarised into a few areas. Firstly, the condition of the trail isn’t as appealing compared to the southern end. While few users would expect bitumen, a surface that can be ridden in entirety is important. There are a few safety concerns on the northern section due to damage from major rain events. While repair is one element, so is ongoing maintenance.
Being a user-friendly experience is also of concern, with numerous gates and steep gullies to navigate, the experience is distinctly different to the southern end. The addition of facilities, and costs involved, is also an issue, with the need for toilets and potentially showers at a key location on the route.
Lastly – the group was concerned about how best to promote the trail, given how well it can connect to other rail trail infrastructure in time, a long-term approach around branding and promotion was highlighted as another priority.
Stakeholder feedback from the meeting
‘This was an excellent day,’ stated Alton Twine, BQ’s CEO. ‘We brought together people from different councils, the community to look at what we can actually achieve with this rail trail now and in the future. If you want outcomes, you have to bring people together, you need to establish a common voice and agree on common goals. And I think we have reached that today. I’m really positive about where this is going to go in the future. It is really good to have passionate people around the table with a clear vision.’
Jason Wyeth, from the South Burnett Rail Trail, was very happy with the meeting.
‘Today has been really powerful, being able to get everyone together to chat about the future of the KKRT. This is a little gold mine at this end of the trail. It is great to see Gympie Regional Council here and have both councils talking to each other. We have a few short term things to fix, and if we can get them fixed as soon as possible, then the future is very bright.’
Andrea Ferris (Kilkivan) was at the meeting representing the Kilkivan and District Community Care Association.
‘It is great that people have finally come together to talk about the trail. A great willingness and enthusiasm towards the future has been shown, with some great ideas.’
Andrea is also an avid horse rider and bike rider, but the benefits for the whole community are the most important.
‘As a community member I see so many benefits for the community and for other rail trails in Queensland too. If we can make a good model here for governance and strategy that can be replicated, maybe more people will develop rail trails as it will be easier to govern and manage it.’
Robyn Davies from the Department of Transport and Main Roads also attended, given their investment in the Queensland Cycling Strategy and the benefit of cycling to the economy.
Perhaps most exciting for a lot of attendees was the future potential, not just for other disused rail corridors, but connectivity in Queensland. There is scope for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail to use the Link Trail to connect through to Kingaroy, then to Kilkivan, Theebine, and potentiall using back roads and stock routes to get to Gympie.
Connecting Wulkuraka to Gympie on one, signposted route? Sign us up!
‘Clearly there are a lot of people in the room today who can see that opportunity. But there are very few of those long, off-road, safe and give a cultural experience of going through small communities in Queensland countryside. Developing something like that, joining the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) to Gympie and connecting via train would be an incredible experience, something that people would come for not just nationally but internationally, if it is a good enough experience.’
The Mary Valley Rail Trail sits south of Gympie, running from Brooloo to Gympie, withy stages to Kandanga and then Amamoor proposed. Chrissy Thompson and Craig Thompson from the Mary Valley Rail Trail were in the meeting. While the rail trail they advocate for isn’t connected to the KKRT, it falls within the Gympie Regional Council region, and a rising tide lifts all boats.
‘Hopefully the Mary Valley Rail Trail will be a 21-22km trail in the future, which makes it a point of difference to the KKRT or BVRT. However, if we can loop up with a major project in south east Queensland around connecting the BVRT to the KKRT and to Gympie, then I think that’s a win for everybody,’ said Craig.
‘It looks like our trail will get to Amamoor,’ Chrissy added, ‘and then there could be potential for it to get from Amamoor to Gympie, which is huge potential for the trail and the region in the future.’
There are key points to action from various stakeholders after the meeting, but with a very positive tone for the day, Bicycle Queensland feels like the future is bright not just for the KKRT, but for rail trails and off-road bike infrastructure throughout Queensland.
By joining Bicycle Queensland, you can support initiatives like this, plus enjoy many membership beenfits.
Bicycle Queensland welcomes the recent announcement by the Queensland government for a commitment of over $6.5 million in local council grants. The grants are aimed at improving bike riding and walking networks across Queensland. The funding is expected to support 31 new cycling projects and 16 new walking initiatives over the next two years. Earlier this year Bicycle Queensland asked local governments to increase funding to cycling infrastructure and programs. This announcement from the state certainly helps local governments across Queensland achieve this aim with co-investment under this program.
These grants, allocated through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants and Walking Local Government Grants programs, are part of the record $37.4 billion Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) for 2024-25 to 2027-28.
The funding will facilitate the development of priority bike routes and walking network plans, addressing key locations such as schools, public transport hub, and town centres. From the Gold Coast to Torres Shire, these projects will include the creation of shared paths, crossings, and comprehensive planning efforts.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish also highlighted the benefits of this funding: “Queenslanders deserve world-class active transport facilities. Every person who rides a bike or walks to work, school, or leisure reduces traffic congestion, cuts pollution, and saves on transport costs. This round of funding will support the delivery of new cycling and walking projects statewide, ensuring more Queenslanders can safely and efficiently reach their destinations.”
Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine praised the announcement, stating, “This investment will help Queensland become a leader in active transport. Enhanced cycling and walking infrastructure not only improves connectivity but also promotes healthier lifestyles and a more sustainable environment. We are thrilled to see such progressive support for our vision of more people riding more often.”
Grants in action
Eligable projects in the grant submissions included off-road exclusive use bikeways, aeparated bikeways, off-road shared paths, bicycle streets, mid or end of trip facilities and on-road facilities such as bike lans, line marking or shoulder widening.
Notable projects – Active transport lighting – Fig Tree Point Park (Brisbane) – Separated bikeway- Sylvan Rd: Miskin-Land St (Brisbane) – Design shared path – Opal st to Botanic Gardens (Central Highlands) – Construct shared path – Boat Harbour Drive to Old Mayrborough Rd (Fraser Coast) – Construct shared path – Parksville Drive to Kahler Close (Gladstone) – Construct shared path – Short St to Riddle St (Goondiwindi)
It’s great to see that Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) has completed a pathway link from Sugarmill Road along Lomandra Drive, linking to Viola Place and Da Vinci Boulevard. This path will be a great benefit to people getting around the Brisbane Airport precinct by cycling or walking.
BAC has also announced some further active transport projects, including a secure bike parking facility at the Domestic Terminal, and plans for a corridor study at the airport to work out the best active transport routes.
These are actions from BAC’s Active Transport Strategy and Action Plan, which BAC has emailed us to say is complete. Sadly, that document is not available to the public, which makes it difficult for Bicycle Queensland and the Airport Bicycle Users Group to really engage collaboratively with BAC. From our perspective, transparency is as important as providing the infrastructure, and our message to all agencies and governments is that making your plans available to the public builds trust and respect with the community.
From September 1, 2024, Bicycle Queensland will be updating our membership offering and insurance, meaning all members will now be covered with accident insurance and public liability insurance, whether they use an e-scooter or a bike. This means as a Bicycle Queensland member you will be covered when riding a legal e-scooter with your Individual, Concession or Household membership. We’re excited to introduce this change, meaning you’re covered no matter what method you choose to ride more often. This coverage does not extend to BQ Supporter memberships.
Coverage starts from September 1, 2024. For the Bicycle Queensland members who have only taken out an e-scooter membership, you will have a slight price increase when it is time for your membership to renew, be it annual or monthly. Your membership will now become an Individual membership. You still have the same coverage with your e-scooter use, but also for using a bicycle. . If you currently have paid for an e-scooter add on, this additional cost will not be added when your membership is up for renewal.
Not yet a member of Bicycle Queensland? Sign up here.
Membership type
Current inclusions
Price ($) annual/monthly
New inclusions from 1/9/24
Price ($) annual/monthly from 1/9/24
Individual
Bike riding insurance only
$134/$12.99
Bike and e-scooter riding insurance
$134/$12.99
Concession
Bike riding insurance only
$99/$9.99
Bike and e-scooter riding insurance
$99/$9.99
Household of 2
Bike riding insurance only
$172/$15.99
Bike and e-scooter riding insurance
$172/$15.99
Household of 3 Plus
Bike riding insurance only
$198/$17.99
Bike and e-scooter riding insurance
$198/$17.99
E-scooter
E-scooter riding insurance only
$113/$10.99
Transition to Individual membership
$134/$12.99
BQ is excited to introduce this change as the updated membership and insurance structure offers a far more inclusive policy for all our members, ensuring they are covered whether they choose to get around via a bike or an e-scooter. If you have questions regarding the updates, please email bqinfo@bq.org.au or call 07 3844 1144 between 8:30am – 4:00pm Monday-Friday.
When you think of the world’s best cities for cycling, you probably think of Amsterdam, Copenhagen and, these days, Paris. However outside of the glamour of these world-renown bastions of cycling, there is a new wave of lesser-known cities embracing cycling and changing urban culture for the better. One of these cities is Ghent in Belgium.
The annual world cycling summit, Velo-city 2024, took place between 18-21 June 2024, in Ghent, a beautiful city that has grown up in the shadow of its more famous sister Bruges. As described on the European Cycling Federation website, Velo-city is where advocates, cities, policy makers, researchers and industry leaders meet to discuss success and experiences around cycling and sustainable urban development across a global stage.
Velo-city began in 1980 in Bremen. Since then, conferences have been held in cities all over the world, including Adelaide in 2014. This year’s event brought together community representatives, business, government, research and education partners under the theme “Connecting Through Cycling.”
The event included a lineup of speakers from the world’s top cycling experts, government officials, advocates, retailers and community representatives, accompanied by a technical Expo featuring innovative cycling-related technology, exhibits and programs.
A feature of this year’s conference was the keynote address from former Transport Commissioner for New York, Janette Sadik-Khan. Janette literally transformed significant areas of New York during the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, clearly illustrating to conference delegates what can be achieved through good planning persistence and strong leadership.
With over 80 separate conference presentations across multiple themes, Velo-city had a lot to offer delegates no matter what their interest in cycling, however the overarching theme was: here are things we have introduced to our communities and this is what has worked and what hasn’t – and here is the data and what success actually looks like.
Important messages for Queensland from Velo-City
There are many, many things to bring back to Queensland, not the least of which is that persistence pays off. Partnerships are vital to success, particularly where cycling advocacy and urban planning and design is concerned.
A contingent of urban planners from Paris told the compelling story of the transformation of Paris streets from car domination to a city where cycling is now at 11% compared to car journeys at 4%. Supporting the view of Janette Sadik-Khan, great infrastructure, programs such as bike hire schemes and policies that favour active transport modes have created this cycling revolution in a timely manner for this year’s Olympic Games.
Ghent itself is an example of what can be achieved. Progressive policies by the city over the last 20 years to restrict car access and invest in high quality cycling infrastructure throughout the City has seen cycling mode share increase to 30%. As in many European cities “cycle streets” are common in residential areas, where priority is clearly given to cyclists over cars, as denoted by large symbols on the pavement. Urban speed limits are typically 30 km/h in these areas also.
A community ride and discussion with Ghent town planners reveals that it wasn’t always this way, with the historic town centre dominated by car parks and traffic congestion only a few years ago. Today bike paths, an expanding light rail system and large public squares and buildings abound, supporting a better lifestyle for residents and allowing the city to be experienced at a more human pace.
You can support the advocacy efforts of Bicycle Queensland, plus enjoy extensive insurance and membership benefits, by signing up today.
