Category: Events

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Events

BQ Bike Park proves fans are ready to ride to the Gabba

Bicycle Queensland’s first free Bike Park at the Gabba has successfully demonstrated that secure bike parking can become part of the game-day experience for Queenslanders, with the inaugural trial proving the concept works for Brisbane sports fans.

The Bike Park, delivered in partnership with Microbility, welcomed riders attending the Brisbane Lions’ home game on Sunday 12 July, providing free, supervised parking just 100 metres from the stadium.

The successful first event is the beginning of a trial that will continue across the remaining Brisbane Lions home games this season, giving more fans the confidence to leave the car at home and ride to the football.

The Bike Park operated smoothly through the afternoon and evening, with riders checking bikes in and out through a simple valet-style process while volunteers monitored the facility for the duration of the match.

Bicycle Queensland CEO Dr Matthew Burke said the trial addresses one of the biggest barriers preventing more people riding to major events. Around 20 riders took advantage of the free Bike Park during the soft launch, providing an encouraging start to the trial.

“Griffith University research found only three privately-owned bikes parked round the Gabba at a sold-out AFL game in 2024, despite there being over 30,000 fans in attendance. Yet many of Brisbane’s best bikeways flow nearby. People don’t ride because there is nowhere safe to park and they are afraid their bike will get nicked. Our partnership with Microbility fixes that. It’s exactly the kind of practical initiative that will get more people onto bikes and reduce the State Government’s costs in providing special event buses.”

“With only limited promotion ahead of our first Bike Park, seeing around 20 riders use the free service during the soft launch is a really encouraging result. It shows there are people who want to ride to major events when they know their bike will be safe.”

The trial is also an opportunity to demonstrate how active transport can play a greater role in moving people to and from major venues ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bike valet parking is already common at major sporting events across Europe and North America, with similar services operating successfully during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The demand has always been there – riders just haven’t had a reason to trust that their bike would be safe at a big game or event,” said Microbility Director Derek Mollison. “Bike Park gives them that convenience and trust. The Gabba is the right venue to start, and in partnering with BQ we have the credibility and the community reach to make this work. 2032 is a key vision, but the habits we build now are the legacy.”

Bicycle Queensland hopes the successful first trial is the start of a broader conversation about making secure bike parking a standard feature at major venues across Queensland.

The free BQ Bike Park will return for the remaining Brisbane Lions home games at the Gabba this season:

• Sunday 26 July – Brisbane Lions vs Port Adelaide
• Friday 7 August – Brisbane Lions vs Hawthorn
• Saturday 15 August – Brisbane Lions vs Gold Coast Suns (subject to AFL confirmation)

Located beside the Woolloongabba Substation at 45 Logan Road, the Bike Park opens one hour before matches start and remains staffed until one hour after the match.

Bicycle Queensland encourages anyone attending the remaining games to give riding a go and experience just how easy travelling to the Gabba by bike can be.

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BQ’s Party in Pomona

Bicycle Queensland’s first major gravel and adventure weekend of 2026 proved that riders are hungry for challenging routes, good company and a relaxed event format that puts the riding experience first.

Held across May 16–17 in the Noosa Hinterland, BQ’s Weekend at Pomona brought around 150 riders together for two days of off-road adventure riding through some of South East Queensland’s most scenic backroads, forest trails and hinterland climbs. Based out of the Pomona Showgrounds, the event adopted the same “base camp” style that proved popular at Weekend at Wondai in April 2025, where riders could settle into one location and choose from a range of supported ride options across the weekend.

The format was designed to make the event more accessible and affordable while still delivering a premium riding experience. Riders had the flexibility to camp at the showgrounds, bring a caravan, or organise their own accommodation nearby, while meals were left up to individuals and local businesses. Instead of structured dinners and bundled accommodation packages, BQ focused on what mattered most: the riding itself.

Each of the four planned routes delivered a distinctly hinterland flavour, combining gravel roads, dirt trails, quiet sealed roads and plenty of climbing. Ride leaders guided groups across all four courses, with support crews positioned throughout the routes providing water, snacks, mechanical assistance and medical support where needed.

While rain showers in the lead-up had many riders nervously watching forecasts, the weather ultimately delivered near-perfect riding conditions. Damp trails and lingering puddles added a layer of adventure without dampening spirits, and many riders embraced the occasional mud pit as part of the experience.

For first-time participants, the supported nature of the weekend proved to be one of the event’s biggest drawcards.

“The confidence of having ride support made it a very exciting adventure as first timers, with plenty of laughs and beautiful landscapes,” one rider said after the weekend.

Another participant praised both the atmosphere and the organisation behind the event.

“We absolutely loved it, one of the most exciting things we have ever done and we have travelled a lot, just really well done event & we can tell that the BQ leadership and team worked well together to make it a success,” another said.

The relaxed base-camp model also encouraged a more social atmosphere away from the bike. Riders returned to Pomona throughout the afternoon to swap stories, clean their bikes and compare route highlights from the day’s adventures. Unlike point-to-point events that often see riders disperse immediately after finishing, the showgrounds became a communal hub for the weekend – as did the town’s cafes, pub and distillery.

Pomona itself proved an ideal host town. Nestled in the heart of the Noosa Hinterland, the township offered riders easy access to cafes, bakeries and accommodation options while serving as a gateway to the extensive network of gravel roads and forest routes surrounding the region. The nearby Noosa Trail Network and hinterland climbs showcased a different side of the Sunshine Coast area, one far removed from the busy beachfronts more commonly associated with the region.

The success of Weekend at Pomona also reflects the growing popularity of gravel and adventure riding in Queensland. Riders are increasingly seeking out events that prioritise exploration, scenery and camaraderie over racing and competition. By combining challenging riding with a low-cost, flexible structure, we think we have found a format that appeals to both experienced gravel riders wanting to find new places to ride and those looking to try supported off-road riding for the first time.

Importantly, the event maintained a strong safety and support presence throughout the weekend despite its more relaxed structure. Ride leaders, course support, water points, mechanics and medics were all positioned to ensure riders could tackle the challenging routes with confidence.

Following the success of both Weekend at Wondai and Weekend at Pomona, the base-camp adventure format appears likely to become an important part of BQ’s future event calendar. The combination of affordable participation, regional tourism opportunities and supported adventure riding has clearly resonated with members and riders alike.

For many participants, the appeal went beyond simply completing the routes. The weekend offered a chance to experience Queensland’s regional landscapes at a slower pace, challenge themselves on unfamiliar terrain and connect with a broader community of riders.

And while many bikes and riders returned home carrying a healthy coating of hinterland loam, the overwhelming feeling at the end of the weekend was simple: riders were already asking when the next one would be.

BQ Event Calendar
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Events

BQ Bike Park: Ride to the Gabba 

Bicycle Queensland have partnered with Microbility to deliver a new free, secure bike parking service at three remaining Brisbane Lions home games this home-and-away season. This is the first time valet-style bike parking will be offered to Lions fans. The trial service will showcase how free bike and scooter parking can work at Queensland stadiums in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The professionally-managed, fully-supervised Bike Park service is free to use. It will give AFL fans a safe and convenient place close to the stadium to leave their bike or scooter, and know it will be there when they return. Fans can use a simple booking and check-in process, drop their bike with staff, and have it returned after the game. 

The Bike Park model is used around the world. At the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, bike valet services operated across 75 locations in 17 cities, guarding more than 90,000 bikes and scooters and recording zero theft or damage incidents. The current World Cup has similar services running in Canadian and US cities, including a large facility in Seattle.  

Where is it? 

The Bike Park team will be set up next to the Woolloongabba Substation, 45 Logan Road, Woolloongabba, only one hundred metres from the stadium itself. That’s the corner of Jurgen St and Logan Road. Please follow the signs and walk your bike up the ramp on the Logan Road side of the facility.

The Bike Park opens one-hour before the game starts and will be available for the following AFL games:

  • Round 18, Lions vs. Essendon, Sunday 12th July 2026, open from 3.30pm
  • Round 20, Lions vs. Port Adelaide, Sunday 26th July 2026, open from midday
  • Round 22, Lions vs. Hawthorn, Friday 7th August 2026, open from 6.40pm   
  • Round 23, Lions vs. The Suns, (date to be finalised) Saturday 15th August 2026, open from midday

Check out the specifics on the BQ Event Calendar.

“Griffith University research found only three privately-owned bikes parked round the Gabba at a sold-out AFL game in 2024, despite there being over 30,000 fans in attendance,” Bicycle Queensland CEO Matt Burke said. “Yet many of Brisbane’s best bikeways flow nearby. People don’t ride because there is nowhere safe to park and they are afraid their bike will get nicked. Our partnership with Microbility fixes that. It’s exactly the kind of practical initiative that will get more people onto bikes and reduce the State Government’s costs in providing special event buses.” 

Building Toward Brisbane 2032 

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games have set ambitious targets for sustainable travel – with active and public transport expected to carry the majority of spectator journeys. Early transport modelling suggested the Brisbane Games will only work if lots more people walk and cycle to the key venues. The Bike Park trial is all about changing the culture in how people get to a game, in advance of 2032. If it proves popular, the case will be made for commercial operators to continue to provide such services in future, including well beyond the Olympics. 

Bicycle Queensland is looking to expand to other Queensland stadiums next year, including for NRL fans and at major concerts. The long-term goal is that similar bike parking services are embedded as a standard requirement of major event traffic management plans in Queensland, just like they are in much of Asia, Europe and North America.  

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Everything you need to know for BQ’s Weekend at Pomona

BQ’s Weekend at Pomona is closing in fast, with our latest ride event taking place from May 16-17 – although we will be on-site at Pomona Showgrounds from the afternoon of May 15.

We have a complete rider sheet with timings, essential phone numbers and a suggested pack list prepared.

read the rider sheet


All the main rides have been outlined in a Ride with GPS event. Riders need to download the routes to their phones or GPS devices for safe route navigation on the rides. You will need to sign up for a free Ride with GPS account to download the routes.

head to ride with gps


There is a ride briefing online now, for details on the event and how it will run. BQ will have short rider briefings on the morning of each ride, as listed in the event sheet.

We also have a range of advice around what bike you should bring to BQ’s Weekend at Pomona, to make sure you enjoy the weekend away:

If you have more questions, don’t forget to reach out to the BQ team: info@BQ.org.au.

Camping at Pomona Showgrounds

If you want to camp, ensure you contact the showgrounds to book your tent or caravan space. We’ve had the below maps provided for an idea on the layout.

not entered? enter now!
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Lions Brisbane West Ipswich Scenic 100 2026 wrap up 

Mass-participation rides are a big part of what makes Bicycle Queensland tick. We were honoured to partner with Lions Brisbane West on the Ipswich Scenic 100 ride event for 2026. Over 700 riders took part on a glorious early autumn day riding out and back from Ipswich. Bicycle Queensland helped out with registrations and marketing of the event, and with insurance for riders. 
 
With four different routes to choose from, there was a challenge for every rider. The ‘Metric’ 100km loop and the ‘Imperial’ 160km loop were the most popular categories. Local Lions club members handed out refreshments, ensuring riders were very well looked after on-route. 

‘It was a celebration of cycling and community,’ said BQ’s CEO Dr. Matthew Burke. ‘Lions Brisbane West should be proud they grew their event so significantly, with hundreds more riders this year. We’re so pleased we were a small part in making that happen.’  

Community bike events are really important to what Bicycle Queensland does. Congratulations to all the riders who joined us in Ipswich this year.  

Our next event is BQ’s Weekend at Pomona on 16-17 May. Details are on the event page. We hope to see you there! 

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Thousands ride the 2025 Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer 

Almost 4,000 cyclists took to the road on a humid Sunday, 12 October, for one of Queensland’s most iconic charity rides – the Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer. Riders rolled out in waves from Brisbane’s South Bank before making their way along the 100-kilometre route to Southport, cheered on by supporters and volunteers the whole way. 

The event, delivered by the Mater Foundation in partnership with Bicycle Queensland, continues to unite the riding community while raising funds to support cancer research, treatment, and care. This year’s event was one for the record books, with participants raising close to $700,000 to support the Mater’s life-changing work. 

Rowan Foster from Mater Foundation said the generosity of the community was what made the event so special. 

“Nearly 4,000 people out there today riding from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, this is an incredible result. A lot of people are doing it with purpose, supporting or honouring a loved one affected by cancer. We’ve raised a record result this year, close to $700,000. It’s been a fantastic day.” 

For the riders who tackled the B2GC the event is both a personal challenge and a celebration of cycling in Queensland. We saw a host of jerseys on the road and at Southport from many B2GC events over the years – and a few from our previous Cycle Queensland events as well. Neopro were even on site at the finish to measure up riders who were looking to order their own jersey as a memento. 

The course offered an unforgettable experience, including almost 20 kilometres of traffic-free riding on the South East Busway, giving participants the rare thrill of cruising along one of Brisbane’s busiest commuter corridors with nothing but bikes in sight. 

This year also saw strong participation from regional Queenslanders and interstate visitors alike – a sign of the event’s growing appeal and reputation for quality organisation, community spirit, and on-road safety. A team from Yeppoon was even one of the top fundraisers! 

Bicycle Queensland’s partnership with the Mater Foundation continues to play a vital role in supporting this major event. From rider communications and advocacy to event operations and marshalling, BQ’s involvement helps ensure thousands of Queenslanders can safely enjoy this signature ride each year. 

A huge thank you goes out to the event marshals, volunteers, Queensland Police, and traffic controllers who worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe on the day. And a special thanks to all BQ members, supporters, and friends who not only took on the B2GC challenge but also stopped by the BQ tent at Southport to say hello and share their stories from the ride. 

Bicycle Queensland CEO Professor Matt Burke congratulated the Mater Foundation on delivering another outstanding event, saying it perfectly showcased the joy, health, and community benefits of cycling. 

“The Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer is a wonderful example of what mass bike rides bring to Queensland. Thousands of people, smiling faces, meeting other cyclists, riding together, raising funds for a good cause. Congratulations to the good folks at the Mater for another hugely successful event. The police and marshals did a great job making the route safer.” 

Prof Burke noted that safe cycling between the cities shouldn’t require such events. “I hope that one day soon anyone can ride directly from Brisbane to the Gold Coast on any day of the year on a safe route. We have gaps that need fixing to make that possible.” 

Bicycle Queensland is proud to support the Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer and the thousands of riders who take on the challenge each year – see you in 2026! 

Looking for your next challenge? BQ have partnered with Lions Brisbane West for the Ipswich Scenic 100 on March 2026 – entries are open now!

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Y2W 2025 heralded a great success!

The dust has settled on the 2025 Y2W (Yarraman to Wulkuraka) ride, and Bicycle Queensland is thrilled with how the three-day adventure unfolded. Held from July 4–6 in partnership with the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association (BVRTUA), the fully supported event along the length of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail gave over 100 riders the chance to experience the iconic trail in all its winter glory.

With overnight stops at Linville and Esk, the event wasn’t just a ride, it was a rolling community. Riders came from across Queensland and beyond, covering over 160km of traffic-free rail trail, soaking in the region’s rich scenery, and enjoying the simple pleasure of travelling by bike. From the rugged terrain and forests of the northern section on day 1, through to rolling farmland on day 2 and 3, all riders experienced the stunning landscapes of the Brisbane River Valley.

Bicycle Queensland’s Event Director for Y2W, Andrew Demack, was buoyed by the feedback.

“This event is a great example of what Bicycle Queensland is all about, helping more people get out on bikes and experience the beauty and joy of riding in Queensland,” he said. “We were especially proud to see such a wide range of riders taking part. From gravel riders and e-MTBers through to infrequent riders and seasoned rail trail regulars, Y2W brought everyone together.”

That inclusivity was reflected in the survey responses, where over 93% of participants rated their overall experience as either “very satisfied” or “satisfied.” More than 85% were happy with the ride route itself, and an overwhelming 95% praised the Bicycle Queensland staff and BQ/BVRTUA volunteer support throughout the event.

The good vibes didn’t stop on the trail. Campsites were lively social hubs, with hot meals, great company, and a few shared tales from the day’s ride. As one participant put it, “This was my first organised cycling event and I loved every minute. Well done on a fabulous three days. It was a real escape!”

Others echoed the praise:

  • “Organisation, logistics and support were all excellent.”
  • “Great people, great trail, great food!”
  • “The community spirit and camaraderie were the highlights for me.”

It wasn’t just about the ride either. The Y2W event had a real impact on the region, with more than half of participants spending over $400 during their visit, supporting local accommodation, cafes, and pubs. And 90% of riders said they were likely or very likely to return to towns along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail route as a result of the ride.

For BQ, the success of the event is another step in showing how accessible and rewarding bike riding can be for people of all backgrounds and ages — and how powerful it is in connecting communities and individuals.

Thanks to everyone who came along for the 2025 Y2W – we hope to see you at a BQ event in the future.

Thank you to the support of all volunteers, Pedal Inn Bicycle Garage, Ground Effect Cycling, PieProof Helmets and the Rail Trail Refuige – Linville, for making the Y2W event what it was.

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Everything you need to know about riding the Y2W 2025 event

Descending the range to Linville on the BVRT

Bicycle Queensland’s return to multi-day events on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is here! From July 4-6, riders will be joining Bicycle Queensland and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association for a 3-day, 161km ride from Yarraman to Wulkuraka. Here are the essential details for those who have signed up – you’ll also find this in your inbox, and via the Y2W 2025 Rider Sheet.

Y2W rider briefing

You can download the Y2w packlist here, or watch the outline online.

Make sure your bike is ready to go – serviced before the event, and you have your basic spares packed and ready. If you have a shed of lovely bikes to rbing and are on the fence with what to take – here’s some advice from Mike.

If you have any further questions, please contact BQinfo@BQ.org.au.