Category: Events

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Events Press releases

Bicycle Queensland go big with events in 2025

Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.

Bicycle Queensland are set to host a thrilling line-up of riding events in 2025, catering to riders of all abilities, from families to seasoned riders alike. The 2025 calendar promises a diverse range of experiences, from scenic, leisurely rides to challenging gravel trails, all designed to foster a sense of community, adventure, and active lifestyles across Queensland.

Event Summary:

  • Park Pedal & Scoot Family Events: February – June 2025, Minnippi Parklands
  • Weekend in Wondai: April 25-27, 2025
  • Her Ride Sunshine Coast: Starting May 25, 2025
  • Y2W (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail): July 4-6, 2025
  • Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend: October 3-6, 2025

Park Pedal & Scoot Family Events: February to June 2025

Kicking off the year, Bicycle Queensland presents a series of six Park Pedal and Scoot events at Minnippi Parklands, running from February 2 to June 29. These events are designed with families in mind, offering a fun and supportive environment for bike and scooter riders of all ages.

Whether you’re introducing your kids to riding or enjoying a leisurely ride through picturesque parklands, Park Pedal and Scoot events provide an opportunity for everyone to get on their bikes, socialise, and enjoy the outdoors. You can expect a range of activities and support, with a focus on creating lasting memories and promoting active lifestyles.

register your interest

Weekend in Wondai: ANZAC Day Weekend

From April 25-27, 2025, the Weekend in Wondai promises to be an unforgettable 3-day riding experience. Set against the backdrop of the charming South Burnett region, this event celebrates both the spirit of ANZAC Day and the joys of bike riding. Combining family-friendly rides with more challenging routes for experienced riders, participants will explore scenic attractions, local history, and the natural beauty of the area on and around the South Burnett Rail Trail.

Event entry includes all catering, ride guides, camping, amenities and evening entertainment.  The Weekend in Wondai will be an ideal getaway for riding enthusiasts of all levels, ready to ride the gravel roads and rail trails in the South Burnett region.

register your interest

Her Ride Sunshine Coast: Empowering Women Cyclists

Starting on May 25, 2025, Her Ride Sunshine Coast will offer a series of nine sessions aimed at building cycling skills, safety, and social interactions for women who ride. The sessions are run on Wednesday and Sunday mornings.

These sessions are designed to empower women cyclists by offering a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can improve their confidence, learn valuable skills, and connect with other women who share a passion for cycling. The program focuses on everything from bike handling to group riding techniques, with a strong emphasis on fun and camaraderie.

register your interest

Y2W: The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Adventure

From July 4-6, 2025, Y2W will take participants on a 3-day, point-to-point adventure along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. This fully catered and supported event offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Queensland’s most scenic gravel riding routes, starting in Yarraman and finishing in Wulkuraka.

Descending the range to Linville on the BVRT

Riders will pass through charming towns, enjoy spectacular rural landscapes, and experience the thrill of long-distance gravel riding. Overnight stays in Linville and Esk will host evening entertainment, with equipped camp villages providing well-deserved rest after each day’s adventure. This event is a must for gravel enthusiasts and gravel-curious riders alike.

register your interest

Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend: Mundubbera

The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend is back in 2025, moving to Mundubbera for October 3-6, 2025. The event offers a 4-day riding experience along parts of the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail and other surrounding areas. Participants will enjoy a mix of diverse rides, from relaxed routes to more challenging adventure trails, all set in the historically rich and visually stunning landscape of the region.

Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.

With plenty of opportunities to explore the local sights, history, and wildlife, this event promises to be a memorable ride for all involved. The diverse terrain, full-service campsites, evening entertainment and catering makes this an event that riders won’t want to miss.

register your interest

A Year of Adventure, Community, and Cycling

With events that cater to families, women, and seasoned cyclists, Bicycle Queensland’s 2025 event calendar offers something for everyone.

‘Bicycle Queensland has a long history of delivering great value, fun events throughout Queensland, and I’m proud that we are delivering such an extensive calendar for 2025,’ said Alton Twine, CEO of Bicycle Queensland. ‘The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail event in May 2024 was our first multi-day event in years, and the response was really positive. So while we’ll be going back to Central Queensland in 2025, we are also expanding our events to include more for young families and gravel riders alike.’

‘This event line up is an important step for Bicycle Queensland, and it is a precursor to bringing more great events to many regions of Queensland in the coming years.’

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely weekend getaway or an epic multi-day gravel ride, these events provide the perfect mix of adventure, community, and outdoor exploration. Get ready to saddle up and enjoy the best of Queensland cycling in 2025!

For more information and to register for events, head to our Event Registration page.

Park Pedal and Scoot, Weekend in Wondai, Her Ride and the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend are all made possible thanks to support from the Queensland Government.

register your interest
Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
Categories
Events

Ipswich 100 returns for March 2025

Get ready to mark your calendars! The Ipswich 100 is returning on Sunday, March 30, 2025, and we’re excited to invite you to take part in this thrilling fundraising event. The Ipswich 100 is one of Queensland’s premier cycling challenges, offering participants a chance to experience the region’s scenic roads, picturesque countryside, and vibrant community atmosphere. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking to test your endurance or a casual rider seeking a fun day out, the Ipswich 100 has something for everyone.

The event is an important fundraiser run by Lions Brisbane West and Ipswich Hospital Foundation, and it was originally created by Lions Brisbane West. 2025 will be their 26th event, with three distances where riders can challenge themselves and each other.

Ipswich 100 event details

  • Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
  • Routes: Choose from multiple route options, ranging from the challenging 100 km course to the shorter 50km distance – or even the Imperial 100 mile route
  • Location: Start and finish in Ipswich, with beautiful views and exciting challenges along the way.

Why Participate?

  • Scenic Ride: Explore the picturesque roads around Ipswich and into the Scenic Rim region, showcasing Queensland’s beautiful countryside.
  • Support & Safety: Well-stocked rest stops, experienced marshals, and mechanical support to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
  • Community Event: Join fellow riding enthusiasts, local riders, and families in a supportive, inclusive atmosphere.

Registration is now open, so check out all the details on the event website, including route maps, registration information, and event updates.

We look forward to seeing you at the Ipswich 100 on March 30, 2025 – it’s going to be an event you won’t want to miss!

More details and event registration are available at the Ipswich 100 website.

Categories
Events Press releases

Bicycle Queensland celebrate 2024

Bicycle Queensland (BQ) held a memorable end-of-year function at Queensland’s Parliament House, bringing together key figures from local and state government, industry partners, BQ’s Board of Directors and Chair, staff, Bicycle User Groups (BUGs), and long-time members to celebrate the achievements of the past year and to set the stage for future advocacy for bike and scooter riding in Queensland.

The event, which took place on the evening of 21 November, was a vibrant gathering of passionate riders, policy makers and industry leaders, all united by their shared commitment to making riding safer, more accessible, and more integrated into Queensland’s transport landscape.

A Night of Reflection and Forward Momentum

BQ’s CEO Alton Twine kicked off the evening thanking attendees for their support and outlining the significant strides made in riding infrastructure, policy, and community engagement over the past year. From expanding safe cycling routes to advocating for stronger local government partnerships, Twine praised the collective efforts that have seen cycling continue to grow as a sustainable and healthy transport option across the state.

“We’ve achieved a lot together this year,” Alton Twine said. “But there’s still more work to be done. We are just getting started, and with the support of all our partners here tonight, I have no doubt we’ll continue to make Queensland a safer and more connected place for riding.”

Bicycle Queensland’s Chair, Rachel Nolan, spoke to attendees about how essential the work that BQ does is for future proofing Queensland’s cities and regions. Of key importance, Nolan said, the fact that active transport needs to be the basis for connection for Brisbane 2032 – not an add on.

BQ also acknowledged the role of local and state governments in advancing the cause of cycling. With several elected officials in attendance, including Brisbane City Council’s Ryan Murphy, the event served as an opportunity to further strengthen relationships and discuss future initiatives aimed at improving riding infrastructure and safety.

Graham Turner of the Flight Centre Group was also in attendance, and spoke to the guests about his concerns in the e-mobility space, specifically around the high-powered e-bikes and scooters that are well beyond the legislated limits. “These are actually electric motor bikes,” Turner said, with suggestions to change the retailing and use of the bikes for improved safety in Queensland. Bicycle Queensland are working on a position statement to put forward in this regard.

A Lifetime of Advocacy

The event was also a chance to award Life Memberships. Ben Wilson and Lisa Davies-Jones were both awarded Bicycle Queensland Life Memberships for their service to Bicycle Queensland. Ben Wilson was on hand to receive his from Rachel Nolan.

As the evening continued, attendees shared ideas and made connections through an informal networking session. The evening left a sense of optimism and shared purpose as those involved in the riding movement look forward to another year of progress.

You can read through Bicycle Queensland’s Annual Report and Strategy document in our Governance section.

Categories
Education Events

Rail Trails and Tourism 2024 Conference Launched

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Bicycle Queensland

Bicycle Queensland are partnering with Somerset Regional Council to host the Rail Trails and Tourism Conference 2024. The conference will take place at the Somerset Civic Centre, Esk across November 6-7, with the two days offering input around building rail trail tourism, and building rail trails themselves. The conference is possible thanks to the support of Somerset Regional Council and the Department of Main Roads.

Day one, hosted by Somerset Regional Council, will focus on tourism and how businesses along rail trails can yield maximum benefits. Industry experts, academics, elite cyclists, community champions and tourism operators will come together to learn and share ideas. After the first day’s conference, a complementary social event will provide fantastic networking opportunities. If you are interested in the business opportunities and tourism market around rail trails – this is going to be a very useful day to attend.

On Thursday November 7, Bicycle Queensland will be delivering sessions about building a rail trail. This day will start with an optional early social ride followed by presentations and discussions with rail trail gurus in a collective effort to build a new “Rail Trail Development Toolkit”. This will be a practical guide for rail trail advocates to help transform ‘that line on the map’ into a tangible trail for all to enjoy. While Queensland has a few successful rail trails, there are more decommissioned rail corridors around the state, and the country, than there are rideable rail trails. The scope for more rail trails is immense.

This day will cover the need to have a vision and drive for the project, how to manage stakeholder relationships, working on planning and funding, and looking at partnerships and events to help make sure the rail trail is marketed appropriately, and maintenance is funded in the long-term.

‘Rail trails are an integral part of the cycling infrastructure around Queensland, Australia and the world,’ said Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine, on the importance of the Rail Trails and Tourism 2024 conference. ‘Rail trail projects have shown to give an extra life to existing transport corridors, serving communities in an economic, social and health and wellbeing space.’

‘I encourage anybody interested in developing a rail trail to come to this conference in Esk. You can hear first hand from the businesses who have made a success of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, and access expertise around managing stakeholder relationships, funding, events and partnerships.’

You can sign up to the free conference via the Somerset Regional Council event page.

For those outside of south-east Queensland who may need assistance with transfers from the train station at Ipswich to Esk, please contact Paul Dalitz (p.dalitz@bq.org.au).

The event program is available via this link.

The Rails Trails and Tourism Conference is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.

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Events

Pedalling Progress: Queensland’s Leaders Unite for a Bike-Friendly Future 

Minister-for-Transport-and-Main-Roads-and-Minister-for-Digital-Services-The-Hon.-Mark-Bailey-BQ-Chair-and-board-members-BQ-staff

In a recent event that marked a strength of purpose in creating a more bike-friendly Queensland, leaders, supporters and advocates of bike riding and active transport gathered for a Bicycle Queensland event.  

The event, which included the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services, The Hon. Mark Bailey, and the Shadow Minister for Customer Service and Shadow Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Steve Minnikin, were joined by Bicycle User Groups, the BQ board, councillors, industry representatives, peak associations, and devoted members of the cycling community and the state and local government. 

Hosted by the Chair of BQ, Rachel Nolan, the event was a celebration of the sheer joy that riding a bike brings and a shared desire to enhance the cycling experience across Queensland. In her address, Rachel Nolan, as the Chair of the state’s premier industry body, underscored Bicycle Queensland’s commitment to supporting micro-mobility users and their dedication to creating an environment where people of all ages, abilities, and locations can safely experience the joy of riding or scootering. 

“As the state’s premier industry body, representing the bicycle and e-scooter community, Bicycle Queensland reaffirms its dedication to supporting micro-mobility users, and we commit to working towards creating a state where everyone, regardless of age, ability, or location, can revel in the joy of riding or scootering safely,” expressed Rachel Nolan. 

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services, The Hon. Mark Bailey, addressed the growing challenges posed by the surge in traffic over the past four decades. He emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to establish cycling networks that span across various levels of government. Minister Bailey stressed the pivotal role of local government in actively participating and committing to retrofitting active transport solutions in communities, including the development of separate bike lanes. 

“There’s three times the traffic there was from forty years ago, it’s a lot faster and it’s dangerous. How do we solve that? We work together as a community to get cycling networks up and running. That means local government is to work with other levels of government to achieve that. The majority of roadways are owned by councils, and we need more councils actively involved and committed to retrofitting active transport in communities to develop separate bike ways. We know that having the right infrastructure will make a huge difference in encouraging people to buy and ride bikes or e-bikes,” stated The Hon. Mark Bailey. 

Both The Hon. Mark Bailey and Shadow Minister Steve Minnikin reiterated their commitment to collaborative efforts with Bicycle Queensland in reshaping the Queensland landscape. The shared vision revolves around implementing tangible solutions such as dedicated bike lanes and enhanced cycling networks to create a safer and more accessible environment for cyclists and micro-mobility users across the state and supporting behaviour change and community activation.  

This event stands as a testament to the passion and determination of all involved parties to pave the way for a future where active transport is not just a mode of commuting but an integral part of Queensland’s identity – a state where the joy of riding is accessible to all, irrespective of age, ability, or location. 

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Events

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Our Membership Coordinator, Amanda Hernandez, faced her fears head on! Read on to find out how.

Over the past 6 or so months, I’ve been sharing some experiences from my annual goals list; Sunshine Coast 70.3 bike/run, running the Brisbane River Loop and learning how to swim as an adult.

Why do I have a list? Someone once asked me how many kilometres I was aiming to ride the next year. It’s something I’d never thought about. I ride my bike for fun and fitness, and while I find numbers fascinating to look back over the course of a year, like how far or how much elevation I’ve ridden, I don’t set out to achieve a goal distance, elevation or fastest time. I feel it takes the enjoyment out of riding.

However, there were a few things I had always wanted to do but I never seemed to get around to doing. That’s when I started having a goals list. I found if I put something on a list it forced me to plan and make time to accomplish it. It started out with riding each section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) and grew from there. Running 6 km non-stop to running each section of the BVRT, riding 100 miles to riding 200 km and so forth.

It’s not just about a list of things to do. It’s also about challenging myself to step outside of my comfort zone and grow; to achieve things I never thought I could, because I didn’t think I had the ability, fitness, stamina or because I was too scared to try. Like riding up Mt Coot-tha – I met some great people through Brisbane Chicks Who Ride Bikes, and with their help, me and a few others rode our first loop of Mt Coot-tha. I went from being scared of giving it a go, to riding back segment repeats and looping around it for 100km. It now feels like my second home.

I have always been scared of heights, especially when I’m not standing on solid ground. I’m generally okay climbing up something but coming down is a whole other story. I am not agile and my legs turn to jelly!

I’ve ridden over the Story Bridge many times, plus on the boardwalks and bikeways around it. It’s certainly an icon of the Brisbane skyline, especially at night. I knew you could climb the bridge, but I had never seen anyone climbing it. This year it made my goals list. Was I scared? Absolutely, but I was going to give it a crack!

It’s always fun to impose my goals on others when I can, so I recruited my husband and teenage boys who are also scared of heights. The promise of lunch afterwards helped. I booked a day climb and was able to take advantage of the kids climb free with an adult offer. Love a good bonus! Before climb day I happened to ride over the bridge one afternoon and, for the first time, saw climbers! They were at a standstill on some steep steps, and I started having second thoughts – I don’t want to stop while climbing, I need to keep moving! Too late because it was booked and paid so I couldn’t wimp out now!

Climb day arrived and we stepped into our harnesses and bridge climb outfits – grey and blue to match the bridge and sky so drivers aren’t distracted. “Who’s scared of heights?” the climb leader asked. My hand was quickest to rise. She was an awesome climb leader, giving clear instructions and allaying most of my fears. In particular, it was good to know how far underground the bridge was supported. I can confirm it’s a very solid structure; no wobbling or vibrating.

We started our climb up those steep steps I had seen the climbers on a few weeks before. Everyone is clipped into the railing at that point, hence the standstill while the final climbers are clipped in. If you’re scared of heights, go towards the back of the group, but not last. The steepness of the steps lessens further up, but as we ascended, I wasn’t looking forward to climbing down face-forward.

The climb leader kept checking in with me, so I shot back a thumbs up to confirm all was okay. The view from the top is amazing and well worth the fear of the climb. We were educated on all things to do with the bridge. I won’t give too much away because I thoroughly recommend you do the climb, but it was very interesting to know that of the over 1.25 million rivets, inserted by hand, only 1 has had to be replaced since it was built around 85 years ago. If that doesn’t give you confidence the bridge is not going to collapse while you’re climbing it, nothing will.

I enjoyed it so much I will head back one day for the twilight climb. I might leave the kids home though. There’s only so much “Mum, are your shoelaces tied up?” jokes I can take in their attempt to make me look down through the gaps in the steel at the traffic passing underneath.

As always, don’t stand still – keep challenging yourself and step outside of your comfort zone. Find others to support, encourage and join you on your journey. There’s still a lot more on my list this year, what about yours?

For more information about riding Mt Coot-tha, along with other great places to ride throughout Queensland head to on our Where to Ride page.

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to cover yourself with a value packed BQ membership.

JOIN BQ TODAY
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Events

BRISBANE TO GOLD COAST CYCLE CHALLENGE ENTRIES ARE OPEN!

Bicycle Queensland is pleased to announce it has entered into an exciting partnership with Mater Foundation to propel the iconic Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge into the future.

The flagship cycling event returns in 2024 on Sunday 13 October and will be known as the “Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer ”. It will continue as a highly credible, respected and safe bicycle ride from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, utilising the Brisbane busway for a traffic-free rider experience.

In addition to benefitting cyclists, the new partnership will improve the health of communities across Queensland by supporting Mater’s world-class cancer research and patient care initiatives across an extensive network of hospitals.

Under the partnership, Mater Foundation will be the primary organiser of the event, backed by its considerable experience and existing resources delivering major community events and cycling activities, including International Women’s Day Fun Run and Mater Smiling for Smiddy.

Bicycle Queensland will remain an active contributor to the continued success of the event by delivering cycling safety and education initiatives, along with maintaining exclusive benefits for BQ’s 15,000+ members.

This partnership is committed to delivering on Bicycle Queensland’s vision of strengthening cycling participation to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities, while also supporting Mater’s mission to improve the lives of people fighting cancer.

Bicycle Queensland members can enter now: visit the Brisbane to Gold Coast website.

B2GC BRIDGE START
Categories
Events

Learning to swim as an adult

Our Membership Coordinator, Amanda, decided to add learning how to swim to her goals list! Her recap is below.

Learning how to swim as an adult is probably the second hardest thing behind parenting (in my opinion). There’s so much to concentrate on – the right action, how fast or slow should I kick my legs and move my arms, staying afloat, and most importantly, taking in air and not water.

My first memory of swimming is of a four year old me, wearing floaties in my neighbour’s pool. I would hang out at the shallow end, although I do remember feeling like a big girl when I made it to the deep end. My formal swimming training growing up consisted of five hours once a year in primary school. I learnt to tread water and tried all the different strokes. Everything was ticked as satisfactory so maybe the instructors had some confidence I could keep afloat.

Fast forward a few decades to 2017, and I entered the Brisbane Triathlon Pink – the ultra distance because it had the longest bike ride – 16km! Apart from raising money for a good cause, you swim in a pool, can use a noodle, and walk as much of the run as you want! I couldn’t swim freestyle, but I had my version of breaststroke. I was last out of the pool and got a big cheer from the next wave of entrants. Maybe they were encouraging me; maybe they were excited they could finally start their race!

For my 2022 goals list, I added three swimming lessons. After contacting a few places without luck, I was about to give up when I was given the details of a coach. I started weekly lessons one night after work and in addition committed to two sessions of ‘homework’ each week.

My poor coach. Had he known what he was in for, he probably wouldn’t have taken me on. I turned up in a long-sleeved rashie and gym shorts, couldn’t swim 25m freestyle with flippers and probably consumed more than 8 glasses of chlorinated water each swim. While I consider myself to be fit, swimming fitness is another level – I was so out of breath!

Coach quickly identified I needed a nose clip and I changed the terminology from swimming to ‘not drowning’ lessons. He was very patient and tried to teach me gradually. I couldn’t get the hang of turning my head to get air, so I learnt how to corkscrew down the pool – two freestyle, two backstroke. The light bulb moment was when he said “imagine you’re taking a nap on your arm”. I was terrible at kickboard drills, in particular one arm drills because I had to figure out which side to breathe on, and anything that involved counting. I learnt many things, like elegant fingers, trying to breathe on both sides and imagining I was swimming through a field of flowers! We gave somersaults a go, but they were not for me.

Eventually I went from having to stop three times in a 25m lane with flippers to no stopping – still gasping for air at the end. It took quite a while to achieve this, but the next big milestone was 25m without flippers. I never thought I would see the day I could make it 50m without flippers, but the morning I did, I was super proud. Apparently you’re supposed to ‘feel the water’. I’m still trying to figure out what this means, because I certainly have felt the water – going down my throat and up my nose.

I tried open water swimming in October in the mates and family wave of the Noosa 1000 Ocean Swim. It was super choppy but there I was with my flippers and nose piece giving it a go. I was so out breath swimming to the first buoy that I didn’t have the confidence to freestyle, which I was disappointed about, but swimming with an encouraging person got me through. I have another open water swim on my list this year – let me know if you have any suggestions about which one! I have also thought about a long distance triathlon next year where first timers can use flippers, but I’m not committing – yet.

There have been so many times I wanted to stop learning how to swim. Slow progress and constant overthinking about why am I doing it, I don’t have to do it, it’s too hard, I’ll never get the hang of it. However, I’ve realised that I don’t have to be good at it, and it’s okay if progress is slow and to keep using swimming aids. Maybe my purpose has now changed from learning how to swim to swimming as best I can with the ability and tools I have. At the end of the day, swimming is a good cross-training activity for bike riders, providing low impact, whole-body exercise while maintaining endurance for riding.

During February I’m taking part in the Starlight Super Swim, raising money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation to put a smile on the faces of sick kids. My target is to swim 7km and raise $500. You can track my progress or donate here!

As always, keep challenging yourself and never give up – unless you hit your head on the pool wall doing backstroke. Then it’s time to get out for the day and try again later.

If swimming is not your thing, you might like to try other cross-training activities that will benefit your bike riding such as running, hiking, strength training, yoga or pilates. Depending on the activity, these will help build your core, overall strength and fitness and bone density!

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to cover yourself with a value packed BQ membership.

JOIN bq TODAY