Category: Advocacy

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Advocacy

Minister Mickelberg supports Bicycle Queensland’s illegal e-bike position

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg MP, has supported Bicycle Queensland’s push for stronger regulation of import and sales of illegal high-powered e-bikes. This campaign has gained traction, as Minister Mickelberg acknowledges the seriousness of the issue, offering support for BQ’s position at a national level in his response received on April 29, 2025.

In his reply to Bicycle Queensland’s open letter to the federal government and ongoing advocacy around illegal e-bike imports and sales, Minister Mickelberg confirmed the Crisafulli Government shares BQ’s concerns over the growing presence of non-compliant e-bikes on Queensland’s roads and pathways, and the major safety issue that creates.

“This issue is primarily one of importation and classification and therefore a matter for the Commonwealth Government,” Minister Mickelberg wrote. “I will be pleased to advocate for your position at the national level.”

Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine welcomed the Minister’s support and his willingness to elevate the matter federally.

“We’re encouraged by Minister Mickelberg’s response and his recognition that illegal high-powered e-bikes pose a safety risk to all Queenslanders,” Mr Twine said. “We look forward to working with the Queensland Government to ensure this issue remains on the national agenda.”

BQ’s position calls for immediate action to:

  • Restrict the import and sale of non-compliant e-bikes and throttle-powered PMDs,
  • Enforce compliance with the EN15194 standard,
  • Launch a public awareness campaign to educate riders on the legal status of e-bikes,
  • Enable police and inspectors to test and enforce regulations,
  • Support exemptions for people with disability and private property use.

Minister Mickelberg’s response represents a significant step forward in aligning state and federal perspectives on managing the risks associated with unregulated devices, while promoting the adoption and use of compliant e-devices for active transport and micromobility.

Bicycle Queensland will continue advocating for safe, legal, and sustainable e-mobility—and welcomes the Minister’s willingness to represent Queenslanders on this matter at the Commonwealth level.

You can read our complete position statement here.

You can read BQ’s open letter here.

You can sign BQ’s open letter here.

You can support Bicycle Queensland’s advocacy work to help make Queensland a safer, more connected place to ride by becoming a Bicycle Queensland member, from just $54 a year.

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Advocacy

Responses to Bicycle Queensland’s Federal Election campaign

Bicycle Queensland and our national advocacy partners will continue to press the incoming Federal Government to invest in active transport infrastructure.

In the lead-up to the Saturday’s Federal Election, Bicycle Queensland wrote to all candidates asking for their commitment to support active transport — walking and cycling — at a national level. Our requests included allocating $250 million per year to active transport infrastructure, restricting the importation of non-compliant high-powered e-bikes, removing the 5% tariff on compliant electric bikes, and working with State and local governments to deliver safe school cycling infrastructure.


Neither Labor or the LNP, the parties most likely to form a majority government, have policies that commit to implementing our plans for active transport infrastructure. We did not receive a negative response, more a commitment to investigate further once a Government is formed.

Andrew Demack, BQ’s Director of Advocacy said “ this at least is promising. The federal government has left funding for active transport to the states for far too long . Now is the time for them to act.”

Independents and minor parties across the political spectrum did offer support. The Australian Greens noted that funding cycling infrastructure would be part of their pledge of a $40 billion Sustainable Cities Fund. Personal responses received from candidates for various minor parties including Trumpet of Patriots and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation expressed support for better cycling infrastructure. 

Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine said “It seems that almost all parties see the need for better active transport, but actually making the required funding  available for cycling is where the rubber hits the road (or better still, separated cycleway)”.

Regardless of the election outcome, Bicycle Queensland is committed to working with elected representatives to ensure that cycling, micromobility and walking are safe, accessible, and a vital part of Australia’s transport future.

Bicycle Queensland membership supports our advocacy to create a safer, more connected Queensland for everyone. Membership starts at just $54 per year.

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Advocacy

Advocacy Update: April 2025

Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine and Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack check in for an update this April. With a federal election coming up, Alton covers what Bicycle Queensland and We Ride are asking for: federal funding for active transport (walking and riding). They also discuss high powered e-bikes, tariffs and more.

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Advocacy

What Brisbane can learn from Cambridge and Sydney

In a dynamic discussion held recently with Roxanne De Beaux, CEO of Camcycle, along with several active transport advocacy groups, Bicycle Queensland joined voices across hemispheres to reflect on the progress and persistent challenges of building safer, more inclusive streets for everyone.

The conversation began with a bold comparison: Sydney — once dubbed “the city that hates bikes” — is transforming its reputation. The opening of a new cycleway in Ultimo on the very day of the discussion marked another step forward, with attendees applauding Fiona Campbell’s leadership as Manager of Cycling Strategy for City of Sydney.

Cambridge’s experience offers powerful lessons in how storytelling can shape public perception. Rather than speaking only to ‘cyclists,’ Camcycle tells stories that resonate more broadly — with parents, workers, students, and communities. This shift from reactive to proactive advocacy has helped them set a compelling vision, making tough but strategic decisions like scaling back the Reach Ride program in order to better allocate resources. Their growing network of influence — including allies in industry and government — is a testament to the power of alignment and clear priorities.

The discussion also touched on the shared growing pains of expanding cities. From Waterbeach in Cambridge to Bradfield in Sydney, and even Brisbane’s own suburban sprawl, the message was clear: advocacy must begin early in the planning process to ensure walking and cycling infrastructure is not an afterthought. With the 2032 Brisbane Olympics on the horizon, many noted this as an “all or nothing” opportunity to embed legacy-defining infrastructure for generations to come.

Another powerful thread was the importance of including the “unusual suspects” — voices often left out of traditional active transport narratives. Culturally and linguistically diverse women in western Sydney were highlighted as powerful advocates for safer walking and cycling, bringing fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of the ‘why’ behind active transport.

As the conversation wrapped up, there was a shared moment of reflection. Advocacy can be tough. It takes stamina, resilience, and compassion. But it also comes with the deep reward of seeing streets transformed and lives changed.

“These conversations show us we’re not alone — our challenges are shared, but so are the solutions,” said Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine after the discussion. “What we’ve seen in Cambridge and Sydney proves that change is not only possible, it’s already happening. It’s a reminder to keep pushing forward, because the streets we imagine are within reach.”

For Brisbane and Queensland’s regional centres, the message is clear: the road ahead may have bumps, but it’s one worth riding.

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Advocacy

Sunshine Coast Bicycle User Group created

The Sunshine Coast has a growing community of bike riders, with social cycling groups popping up across the region. In Bicycle Queensland’s forums with our members last year, it was clear that the Sunshine Coast needed a Bicycle User Group to co-ordinate advocacy efforts, and engage with the Council and the district office of Transport and Main Roads.

BQ members who are also members of the Sunshine Coast Bicycle Touring Club, the Crocs cycling group, the Golden Beach Cycling group, the Maleny Lycra Lizards, Sunny Coast Walkers and Riders and several others gathered at Maroochydore this morning to take the next step in forming the Sunshine Coast Bicycle Users Group.

Our photo shows the enthusiastic and knowledgeable BQ members who gathered with the intention of helping to make the Sunshine Coast the cycling capital of Queensland! 

Want to get on the mailing list for the new BUG? Email webadmin@SCBTC.net with the subject ‘Sunshine Coast Bicycle User Group’.

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Advocacy

Bicycle Queensland welcomes B2032 100 Day Review

Bicycle Queensland welcomes today’s announcement of the results of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games 100 Day Review.

The announcement of the 63,000 seat major venue at Victoria Park gives real impetus to the creation of a wide, well-let and signposted walking and cycling link from the Brisbane CBD to this main stadium. This important connection also needs to link to the Valley, and the announcement of a new $650M aquatic centre at the existing Centenary Pool at Spring Hill in close proximity to the main venue reinforces the need for this vital link that includes both venues. 

The current tired, old, narrow and inadequate path that goes behind the Grammar schools towards Victoria Park has needed significant upgrading for some time now, and the Games should see the creation of a world-class active travel corridor through this space and beyond into the Valley, creating a much-needed connection as a lasting legacy.

The 100 Day Review lists 9 critical transport programs to implement, including active travel and accessibility aligned to the Games Master Plan, acknowledging the need for more sustainable transport options and also acknowledging that existing transport infrastructure is insufficient to meet the Games transport requirements.

Given the regional distribution of Games venues across south-east Queensland  and beyond, it is not surprising  there is a heavy emphasis in the report’s critical transport program on public transport improvements. Nevertheless there are three important elements noted for improving active travel:

1. Expand inner-city and venue active travel corridors
2. Illuminate and shade inner city paths
3. Create bike and micromobility venue parking

Encouragingly, the report notes “A program of active travel infrastructure and facility upgrades needs to be co-ordinated, planned and prioritised across Queensland to ensure all venues, transit hubs and live sites can be adequately serviced by active travel needs”. This is great to hear.

BQ believes that the planned inner-city and venue expansion of active transport corridors should be complemented by an investment program across government of improved cross-city corridors that link to these essential new Games corridors, providing the opportunity for the public to ride all the way from home or hotel to venues. The rise of e-mobility supports this with longer journeys being easily undertaken, and the very welcome announcement of bike and micromobility parking at venues will be a key enabler for these trips.

“It is encouraging to hear that the review has listened to feedback,” said Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine “but now the real work begins to plan and active the critical infrastructure to enable a successful Games and legacy”. 

BQ looks forward to working with the Queensland Government on shaping the outcomes of this 100 Day Review to build great infrastructure for a successful 2032 Games and for the future of all Queenslanders.

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Advocacy

Advocacy Update: March 2025

Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine and Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack check in for an update. With a new Bicycle User Group being put together on the Sunshine Coast, success with the Active Transport Reference Group in Townsville, and a push for federal government active transport funding as part of the requests ahead of the election – there is a lot going on!

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Advocacy

Queensland Government E-bike Rules

The Queensland Government has recently released updated details around the restrictions, rules and penalties for e-bikes. Australia has adopted the Electric Power Assisted Bicycles (EPAC) EN15194 standard, which says that pedals must be the primary source of power, with pedal assistance cutting out after 25km/h. This standard also regulates that the maximum continuous power is limited to 250 Watts.

download the brochure here


Bicycle Queensland has released a position statement on e-bikes and e-motorbikes that do not comply with the Australian standards, and we are calling for a restriction on import and sales of non-compliant devices.