Category: Press releases

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Advocacy Press releases

BQ HITS THE ROAD:  NEW CEO CONNECTS WITH CYCLISTS AND CANDIDATES FOR QUEENSLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

 

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:

Bicycle Qld: 07 3844 1144

Or email: bqinfo@bq.org.au

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Advocacy Partner News Press releases

The new BQ CEO is Alton Twine

The Board of Bicycle Queensland is pleased to advise members and key stakeholders that the new Chief Executive Officer of the organisation is Alton Twine.

Mr Twine is a highly experienced former public servant with a long record of passionate and effective advocacy for cycling and sustainable transport.  

Most recently he was Director of Lifestyle and Community and for 8 years previously, Director of Transport and Infrastructure at Gold Coast City Council. He has also led cycling infrastructure and active transport planning and activation at Brisbane City Council as well as with the Queensland Government, where he managed the Active Transport team and had a critical role in TravelSmart, the world’s largest active transport program.

Alton was a member of the Australian Bicycle Council for many years and has had substantial input into strategy, planning and implementation of cycling facilities and behaviour change programs at all levels of government, successfully proposing and delivering significantly- increased capital works programs delivering more bikeways, facilities and active travel programs. In 2009 he was awarded Cycling Professional of the Year by the Cycling Promotion Fund.

He first joined Bicycle Queensland as a member in 2003.  He grew up in Townsville where he started his cycling career on a bright green Malvern Star, and, with still too many bikes in the shed, has recently bought his first E-bike.

Alton’s vision for BQ is to position the organisation at the forefront of advocacy for cycling, particularly as we head into a year of elections at the local and state government level. Alton also wants to improve the offering for members across the State, reinvigorating membership, insurance and events, as well has having meaningful input on behalf of members into proposals and projects that benefit cyclists. He is already planning improvements to the website, social media and participation opportunities for members.

Chair of the Board Rachel Nolan said she was very pleased to have secured Mr Twine’s services and was optimistic about the future of the organisation and of the important cause of sustainable transport.

Last year, the Board promised members we would undertake a thoughtful and thorough search for a new CEO and over the final months of 2023, we did that.  The position was advertised widely and we received 49 applications.

“Alton was the stand out candidate.  He is a capable and committed person who is very well known in cycling and sustainable cities circles for making a difference to the urban form.  He “gets it” about BQ and has the skills to deliver on providing services to members and making an impact that matters.

 “The time is right for the cycling revolution.  We live in a carbon constrained world, the cost of living is high and people are literally dying for want of opportunity to move their bodies.  Cycling and active transport are the solution to all of these things – but we need to make it easy for people to ride and get governments thinking about cities beyond cars.

“Bicycle Queensland is ambitious in its vision.  We intend to make change.

Ms Nolan said BQ had undergone significant reform in recent times, changing the legal structure, renewing the board and governance, returning to surplus after 5 years and now undertaking a highly competitive recruitment for a new CEO.

She especially thanked outgoing CEO Lisa Davies Jones, the longest standing BQ Director who stepped into the role in May and led the organisation with professionalism and grace. 

“We have been ably led by Lisa, who we will nominate for life membership at next AGM.”

Ms Davies Jones said it had been a privilege to step into the Interim CEO role through such an important time of transition for Bicycle Queensland.

“I wish the Board and Alton every success in delivering on the Board’s inspiring and important vision,” Ms Davies Jones said.

The new CEO will commence in the role on February 12.

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Press releases Uncategorised

Tragedy on Bicentennial Bikeway Sparks Call for Urgent Safety Upgrade on Bicentennial Bikeway in Brisbane CBD   

Bicycle Queensland and Queensland Walks call for urgent safety upgrades to the Bicentennial Bikeway at North Quay following a tragic incident in which a 72 year old pedestrian died after a collision with a cyclist on October 16.

Both organisations extend their condolences to the family of the pedestrian who died. The crash is now understood to be being investigated.

On 20 October, just days after the crash, Bicycle Queensland and Queensland Walks conducted a joint site inspection in which the crash had occurred.  The inspection revealed a poorly managed and unsafe environment.  In particular –

  • The bikeway has various forms of line and pavement markings with crossing points between people walking or riding being confusing for all users.
  • Construction fencing running along the sides of the bikeway limit users’ line of sight, and
  • 10km per hour bike speed zones appear to have been erected after the accident, a speed which most bike riders and e-scooter riders find impossibly slow to ride at.   

Bicycle Queensland Interim CEO Lisa Davies Jones said the various treatments on the bikeway were clearly confusing, “While we were carrying out our site inspections, it was clear that pedestrians were nervous crossing and that cyclists were confused by the line marking.”

“In the time we were there, we observed a near-hit between a cyclist and a pram and a grandmother approached us to say it was a dangerous location and alerted us to the sad death.”

The Bicentennial Bikeway, which opened in 1988 is critical piece of infrastructure, with an average daily use of 5,284 people – 3,461 bike riders and 1,823 walkers, and many more people accessing the ferry, making it one of the country’s busiest pathways. 40% of path users are commuters, 40% use it for recreation and the remaining 20% use it for errands, shopping and social visits.  

Together, Bicycle Queensland and Queensland Walks have written to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Brisbane City Council and Minister Mark Bailey, Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services, calling for:

1. Adoption of ‘The Safe Systems Approach’ on all bike and pedestrian infrastructure: the approach, which is standard on road infrastructure is based on the principle that people can make mistakes without facing a serious risk of injury or death. 

2. Comprehensive Review of Construction Standards: Brisbane City Council and Transport Main Roads are urged to undertake a thorough review of construction standards for bike and pedestrian infrastructure, aligning them with the same stringent standards applied to roads. 

The organisations also call for an urgent review of safety and markings on the Bicentennial Bikeway. 

Anna Campbell, Executive Officer for Queensland Walks, adds: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the victim’s family, and we are committed to working towards a safer Bicentennial Bikeway. Walkers and riders should not have to navigate an environment where confusion and risks persist. We call upon the Brisbane City Council and the State Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads to prioritise the safety of people who walk and ride by implementing improved standards and ensuring that safety is paramount.” 

The pedestrian death on the Bicentennial Bikeway came just four days after the release of the coronial report into the 2020 death of cyclist Carolyn Lister near the Royal Brisbane Hospital.  She was hit by a truck after construction blocking her usual footpath cycling route forced her onto the roadway at the busy intersection of O’Connell Terrace and Bowen Bridge Road.   

“Twice in a week we have been confronted with circumstances in which people have lost their lives in part because construction impacts on bike and pedestrian infrastructure have not been well managed,” Lisa Davies Jones said.

“While every crash involves a complex set of decisions and circumstances, it is the case that these ad hoc treatments would not occur if active transport corridors were taken as seriously as roads.”

“With the Bicentennial Bikeway taking as many as 3,000 cars a day off the roads, it should be treated as a serious piece of transport infrastructure with construction impacts properly managed.

We now call for this change of mindset on the part of the councils and governments who manage active transport infrastructure and the construction contractors whose actions affect it.”

Walkers and riders represent 14% of Queensland road users who lost their lives  (2018 – 2020)* Queensland Road Safety Strategy, and data released in August by the Australian Automobile Association showed the number of cyclists who died on Australian roads increased by 24.3% from 2022 to 2023.

For media enquiries, please contact:  

  

Lisa Davies Jones   

CEO – Bicycle Queensland   

Mb: 0449 520 778   

Email: l.daviesjones@bq.org.au   

  

About Bicycle Queensland (BQ):  

BQ is the state’s peak industry body representing the needs of almost 800,000 Queenslanders who ride a bike for recreation or transport, every week. BQ has a 40-year history of successful advocacy as a leader in the field of bicycle advocacy with local councils, as well as state and federal government bodies. And through our educational (activation) programs encouraging more people, to ride, more often.    

  

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Advocacy Press releases

Bicycle Queensland Mountain Biking in National Parks Position Statement

Media Release – Thursday 28 July 2022.

Bicycle Queensland has released a position statement supporting the further development of sustainable mountain bike trails in National Parks (and other land tenures).

“Bicycle Queensland believes that the key to unlocking the benefits of mountain biking is the access to land on which to build sustainable trail networks,” said Bicycle Queensland CEO Rebecca Randazzo.

“This will need the collaboration of the mountain bike community, First Nations people, State and Local Government agencies, coupled with the development of a robust environmental framework which would guide the planning and construction of sustainable trail networks in National Parks and many other land management tenures,” said Ms Randazzo (a keen mountain bike rider).

Mountain biking as a sport, recreational and adventure tourism activity continues to grow in popularity throughout Australia. A diverse range of people are discovering the freedom and connection to nature mountain biking offers. It can provide a unique antidote to the pressures of modern living and an appreciation of our indigenous heritage.

The social, health and environmental benefits of mountain biking are well documented. Participants get closer to nature, it keeps them fit, healthy and active, improves mental and physical health thereby reducing the future burden on the health system.

Mountain bikers have a strong appreciation for nature, and riding in natural areas has caused them to change their behaviour to take better care of the environment.

“Bicycle Queensland already collaborates with local trail care and mountain biking community groups, especially in south-east Queensland,” Ms Randazzo said.

“Mountain biking is a growth sport, and Bicycle Queensland sees that it has potential benefits not just for the health of those riding their bikes, but also economically through increased eco-tourism,” Ms Randazzo said.

Please direct all enquiries to Andrew Demack at bqinfo@bq.org.au

view the statement here

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Press releases

Bicycle Queensland Update

Amazing Volunteers
Devastated but Determined

We know that many of our members, friends, and neighbours have been impacted by the recent weather events experienced in South-East Queensland, South Burnett, Maryborough and Tweed regions. Our hearts go out to those impacted and who are currently displaced as the clean-up process continues.

Sadly, Bicycle Queensland’s Milton office has also suffered extensive damage. From everyone at BQ we would like to sincerely thank the volunteers who assisted in the clean-up over the last week. The job has been enormous.

With the office being submerged for three days, we have lost almost everything. We were able to salvage a few children’s bikes that are used in our education programs, and some shade marquees. 

Our membership and event systems are all online and will continue to operate without interruption. Given we will be in recovery mode for some time, the Bicycle Queensland team is working remotely.

The best way to keep in touch with us is via email: 

We are full speed ahead on the 2022 Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge, to be held on its new date of Sunday 17 July. We hope you will support us in this year’s event as either a participant or sponsor.  A sold-out event will expedite our recovery and get us “back on the bike” faster.  If you would like to sign up for the 2022 Downer Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge visit our website here https://b2gc.com.au/ or if you would like to sponsor the event contact bqinfo@bq.org.au. 


Also on track is the next round of Her Ride courses to encourage and give more skills to women bike riders. The next course will commence on Sunday 13 March.  To sign up and support our HER RIDE initiative you can secure a spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/266593015887

The road ahead is challenging. We will draw on our Queensland spirit, and remain positive and resilient staying connected to and servicing our members and the state remains our priority.  We are determined to rebuild and continue our work to make Queensland the best place to ride a bike.

Stay safe and happy riding, 

Rebecca Randazzo   

Chief Executive Officer

Rachel Nolan

Vice President

Amazing Volunteers
Aftermath
Amazing Volunteers
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Press releases

Bicycle Queensland Closed

Closed

The Bicycle Queensland office at Lang Parade Milton has been impacted by the recent weather event. The office is closed with arrangements in place to work remotely whilst we wait for the water levels to subside.

The best way to get in touch with us for the next few days is by email. Like many of you, we will be working from home and navigating power outages over the coming days. We will endeavour to respond to your enquiries quickly. 

Please send all membership enquiries to membership@bq.org.au.

Please send all event enquiries to events@bq.org.au.

All other general enquiries to bqinfo@bq.org.au.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to members who have been impacted in recent days.

We know that many of our Brisbane-based members will be keen to help with the clean-up of BQ HQ. But right at the moment, it’s not safe, so please don’t go to Milton.

We would love to have your assistance when the time comes. Stay tuned for when we know more!

Stay safe everyone.

Rebecca,

CEO

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Advocacy Press releases

Bill Loveday- Bicycle Queensland Life Member

Bicycle Queensland’s longest-serving office bearer, Bill Loveday, was elected as a Life Member at a Special General Meeting on 24 February.

Bill was president of Bicycle Queensland for 20 years (1999-2019), and also served as secretary before that.

BQ vice-president Rachel Nolan paid tribute to Bill’s contribution, working closely with BQ’s first CEO Ben Wilson as the organisation experienced rapid growth in membership, capacity and influence during his tenure as President.

“Bill Loveday and Ben Wilson were the people who led this transition from a tiny community group to an organisation with 16,000 members which has a significant influence on Government policy and spending on infrastructure. Bicycle Queensland owes Bill Loveday a great deal,” Ms Nolan said.

Bill Loveday life member
From left – BQ President Rob Van Manen, Life Member Bill Loveday , BQ Vice-President Rachel Nolan.
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Advocacy Press releases

Bikes Permanently on Trains After Successful Trial

Bicycle Queensland’s advocacy in favour of bikes on trains paid off on the weekend with the announcement by Transport Minister Mark Bailey that the trial has become permanent.

Bicycle Queensland wrote to the Minister with the support of metro area bicycle user groups in March 2021, with a request to liberalise the rules around bicycles on CityTrains. At the time, you could not take your bike on peak hour trains in the peak direction of travel. 

BQ’s Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack explains: “The long-standing prohibition of bikes on trains during peak hour made no sense to us, especially in early 2021 when patronage was way down during the pandemic.”

“Even when passenger numbers on our CityTrains return to normal levels, it’s our view that allowing bikes on trains at any time makes both modes more useful for so many people. 

“Multi-moding — riding a short trip to the train station, then taking your bike with you, so that you can ride it another short trip at the other end — just highlights the flexibility of the bike as a transport option, and the usefulness of the train.

“So with the support of all the metro area BUGs, we asked the Minister to make this change. He responded by announcing a trial of the change, and now the policy of allowing bikes on trains at any time has been made permanent. We’re delighted!”

“There is always more to do, and we are keen to develop our partnerships with Queensland Rail, and the Cross River Rail project. Investment in public transport is a win for those of us who are keen on giving options for the way we move around. Public transport and active transport go hand in hand,” Mr Demack said.

Read the Brisbane Times announcement below.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/bikes-scooters-allowed-permanently-on-trains-after-successful-trial-20220121-p59q56.html

Transport Minister Mark Bailey and BQ CEO Rebecca Randazzo