Transport and Main Roads (TMR) recently opened a new bridge on the Veloway. removing a dangerous intersection on this critical piece of cylcling infrastructure. The bridge was opened by the Hon Bart Mellish, alongside Mark Bailey, Joe Kelly and other dignitaries.
Andrew Demack, our Director of Advocacy, was at the bridge opening and was enthusiastic about the impacts it will have.
‘This bridge takes out a really dangerous crossing on O’Keefe street and the crossing with Carl street. Morning peak hour on Carl street was horrendous, and this new bridge takes all of that out.’
Instead, when you approach the city you now come in on a long loop under the main road, with a gentle gradient taking you onto the bridge and along the pre-existing parts of the V1 as you head north to the city.
‘East-west also has a connection, so if you are coming along from the Princess Alexandra Hospital you can come in from the northern side of the road, which you couldn’t in earlier designs. I’m so glad that the Queensland state government and TMR allowed that link to be part of the overall project. Of course, the next missing link is at Birdwood road, but they are working on a bridge for that as well.’
The Miles Government is investing a total of $315 million over the next four years, aiming to expand the cycling and walking paths in Queensland. This is a part of the $37.4 billion Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2024-25 to 2027-28. Projects included in this investment include the velobridge in Greenslopes and a Riverwalk expandsion at Kangaroo Point.
‘Every person who rides a bike or walks to work, school, to socialise or to go to the shops means less traffic and less pollution, and can also mean savings on transport costs,’ explained Minister Mellish. ‘It’s not only cheaper than using a car but it’s much better for your health and we think Queenslanders deserve world class active transport facilities.’
This new bridge represents an investment of $22.03 million, and we’re certain it has improved efficiency of the network and the safety for all users.
The world of cycling advocacy and active transport have descended on Ghent, Belgium this week. This university town is known as the home for a number of professional cyclists, the base for the Gent-Wevelgem semi-classic, and of course the Gent 6-day track race. And it’s in that short, tight and historic velodrome where the conference is taking place. This week the Derny Racing and Euro Disco is replaced instead by keynote speakers, handshaking, networking and elevator music. Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine is at the Velo-City conference to meet with his contemporaries, and bring back global insights and learnings to improve bike riding and active transport in Queensland.
Ok, there was still a bike race for the opening ceremony.
‘Day 1 of the Velo-City conference here in Ghent underscored just how strong the global cycling movement is and how great it is to be part of this. Velo-City 2024 is the largest such conference held to date, with 1650 cycling practitioners from all over the world coming together to share their experiences and discuss what works to create more cycle friendly communities.’
‘The opening keynote address was by the ex-Transport Commissioner for New York, Janette Sadik-Khan . The changes that this amazing transport practitioner has brought to the Big Apple is nothing short of amazing, transforming key places to become bicycle and human-friendly. In a revealing presentation, Ms Sadik-Khan illustrated how a great many cities across the globe are embracing cycling and making decisions in favour of better infrastructure and programs. It’s no easy feat as there is still plenty of “bikelash” driven by those not willing to listen to their communities or to believe the data from the transformation that occurs when, as she says, you put people first.’
‘Of particular note today has been the story of transformation in Paris, with more people now riding than driving. There have been many factors in this success, driven by the need to keep Paris moving during the forthcoming Olympics, but also creating a lasting by legacy for the City. Progressive installation of high quality bike lanes in the City over the last 25 years is a key to their success, with cycling rates jumping markedly since 2019 on the back of initiatives such as allowing contra flow bike lanes in one-way streets and widening bike lanes to safely accommodate more cyclists.’
‘There have also been some interesting points on how to leverage more funding from the private sector for bike programs, with great examples from across the world.’
‘Cities like Ghent have transformed their transport systems in recent times by adopting policies that favour active transport, reducing congestion, improving safety for all road users and in the process building more liveable communities. There is a lot to be learned here.’
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:
