Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
Bicycle Queensland is pleased to announce a comprehensive regional tour scheduled for August, in anticipation of the upcoming Queensland state election this October. The tour, led by Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine and Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack, aims to engage with local Bicycle Queensland members, candidates for local government elections, and regional councils across Queensland.
The regional tour underscores Bicycle Queensland’s commitment to advocating for cycling as a vital component of community health, sustainable transport, and tourism opportunities for the state of Queensland. Throughout the tour, Alton Twine and Andrew Demack will meet with stakeholders to discuss the benefits of cycling, effective transport planning, and the significant impact of cycling on local economies and community well-being.
Dates:
August 5, 6pm: Cairns August 6, noon: Atherton August 6, 6pm: Innisfail August 7, 6pm: Townsville – Franks Pizza, 3 Ross River Rd, Mundingburra August 12, 6pm: Noosaville August 13, 6pm: Redcliffe August 14, 6pm: Toowoomba August 19, 6pm: Mackay August 20, noon: Yeppoon August 20, 6pm: Rockhampton August 21. 6pm: Bundaberg
September 2: Gold Coast September 3: Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan September 4: Redlands September 5: Scenic Rim
(Exact locations are being finalised – email media@BQ.org.au for specific locations)
CEO Alton Twine expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming tour, stating, “This tour provides an excellent opportunity for us to connect directly with our members, local leaders, and candidates. Cycling plays a crucial role in enhancing the liveability of our communities, promoting active lifestyles, and reducing traffic congestion. We look forward to discussing these important issues and advocating for better cycling infrastructure and policies.”
From September 1, 2024, Bicycle Queensland will be updating our membership offering and insurance, meaning all members will now be covered with accident insurance and public liability insurance, whether they use an e-scooter or a bike. This means as a Bicycle Queensland member you will be covered when riding a legal e-scooter with your Individual, Concession or Household membership. We’re excited to introduce this change, meaning you’re covered no matter what method you choose to ride more often. This coverage does not extend to BQ Supporter memberships.
Coverage starts from September 1, 2024. For the Bicycle Queensland members who have only taken out an e-scooter membership, you will have a slight price increase when it is time for your membership to renew, be it annual or monthly. Your membership will now become an Individual membership. You still have the same coverage with your e-scooter use, but also for using a bicycle. . If you currently have paid for an e-scooter add on, this additional cost will not be added when your membership is up for renewal.
Not yet a member of Bicycle Queensland? Sign up here.
Membership type
Current inclusions
Price ($) annual/monthly
New inclusions from 1/9/24
Price ($) annual/monthly from 1/9/24
Individual
Bike riding insurance only
$134/$12.99
Bike and e-scooter riding insurance
$134/$12.99
Concession
Bike riding insurance only
$99/$9.99
Bike and e-scooter riding insurance
$99/$9.99
Household of 2
Bike riding insurance only
$172/$15.99
Bike and e-scooter riding insurance
$172/$15.99
Household of 3 Plus
Bike riding insurance only
$198/$17.99
Bike and e-scooter riding insurance
$198/$17.99
E-scooter
E-scooter riding insurance only
$113/$10.99
Transition to Individual membership
$134/$12.99
BQ is excited to introduce this change as the updated membership and insurance structure offers a far more inclusive policy for all our members, ensuring they are covered whether they choose to get around via a bike or an e-scooter. If you have questions regarding the updates, please email bqinfo@bq.org.au or call 07 3844 1144 between 8:30am – 4:00pm Monday-Friday.
When you think of the world’s best cities for cycling, you probably think of Amsterdam, Copenhagen and, these days, Paris. However outside of the glamour of these world-renown bastions of cycling, there is a new wave of lesser-known cities embracing cycling and changing urban culture for the better. One of these cities is Ghent in Belgium.
The annual world cycling summit, Velo-city 2024, took place between 18-21 June 2024, in Ghent, a beautiful city that has grown up in the shadow of its more famous sister Bruges. As described on the European Cycling Federation website, Velo-city is where advocates, cities, policy makers, researchers and industry leaders meet to discuss success and experiences around cycling and sustainable urban development across a global stage.
Velo-city began in 1980 in Bremen. Since then, conferences have been held in cities all over the world, including Adelaide in 2014. This year’s event brought together community representatives, business, government, research and education partners under the theme “Connecting Through Cycling.”
The event included a lineup of speakers from the world’s top cycling experts, government officials, advocates, retailers and community representatives, accompanied by a technical Expo featuring innovative cycling-related technology, exhibits and programs.
A feature of this year’s conference was the keynote address from former Transport Commissioner for New York, Janette Sadik-Khan. Janette literally transformed significant areas of New York during the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, clearly illustrating to conference delegates what can be achieved through good planning persistence and strong leadership.
With over 80 separate conference presentations across multiple themes, Velo-city had a lot to offer delegates no matter what their interest in cycling, however the overarching theme was: here are things we have introduced to our communities and this is what has worked and what hasn’t – and here is the data and what success actually looks like.
Important messages for Queensland from Velo-City
There are many, many things to bring back to Queensland, not the least of which is that persistence pays off. Partnerships are vital to success, particularly where cycling advocacy and urban planning and design is concerned.
A contingent of urban planners from Paris told the compelling story of the transformation of Paris streets from car domination to a city where cycling is now at 11% compared to car journeys at 4%. Supporting the view of Janette Sadik-Khan, great infrastructure, programs such as bike hire schemes and policies that favour active transport modes have created this cycling revolution in a timely manner for this year’s Olympic Games.
Ghent itself is an example of what can be achieved. Progressive policies by the city over the last 20 years to restrict car access and invest in high quality cycling infrastructure throughout the City has seen cycling mode share increase to 30%. As in many European cities “cycle streets” are common in residential areas, where priority is clearly given to cyclists over cars, as denoted by large symbols on the pavement. Urban speed limits are typically 30 km/h in these areas also.
A community ride and discussion with Ghent town planners reveals that it wasn’t always this way, with the historic town centre dominated by car parks and traffic congestion only a few years ago. Today bike paths, an expanding light rail system and large public squares and buildings abound, supporting a better lifestyle for residents and allowing the city to be experienced at a more human pace.
You can support the advocacy efforts of Bicycle Queensland, plus enjoy extensive insurance and membership benefits, by signing up today.
The Queensland Government has committed $315 millon over the coming four years to expand the network of bikeways and walking paths. Bicycle Queensland applauds this investment, which overshadows the recent announcement of a $100 million Active Transport Fund.
The state government is aiming to encourage more Queenslanders to leave their cars at home, however the $315 million investment is still a fraction of the eye-watering $34.7 billion that is registered in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) following the state budget announcment. So while $315 million seems like a lot, and it is, it’s not even 1% of the total investment in transport. The United Nations suggest 20% of transport infrastructure funding should go towards active transport, but Queensland is falling well short.
‘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,’ stated Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart 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.’
The Queensland government state that for every dollar invested in a bikeway, nearly five dollars are returned in economic benefits to Queensland – however the cost to benefit ratio for many built motorways is as low as 0.24, compared to close to 5.0 for bikeways.
Some other projects of note within this funding include: – $41.5 million for the Cairns Southern Access Cycleway (co-funded with the federal government) – $36.1 milion velobridge over Birdwood Road on the Veloway 1 in Greenslopes – $9.4 million towards the second stage of the New England Highway Bikeway between Highfields and Toowoomba – $10.4 million for improvements to active transport on Moggil oad from the Centenary Motorway to Chapel Hill Road. – $22.5 million to fill gaps on the Riverwalk at Kangaroo Point – which makes an unbroken link between Kangaroo Point and Mowbray Park – $9.6 million to develop a network of bike-friendly streets in South Brisbane, Highgate Hill and West End.
‘Bicycle Queensland members and the 800,000 Queenslanders who regularly ride a bike all welcome this announcement from the Minister,’ said Andrew Demack, Bicycle Queensland’s Director of Advocacy. ‘Building bikeways is great value for money for Queensland towns and cities, and we’re keen to see connected, high-quality bikeways built that give people the chance to get to their destinations safely while building their fitness and reducing congestion and carbon emissions.’
Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
From May 3rd to 6th 2024, Bicycle Queensland, assisted through funding from the Queensland State Government, were proud to assist the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Association (BBIRT) in the successful running of the inaugural Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend. The event saw an impressive turnout of riding enthusiasts from across Queensland and New South Wales, coming together to celebrate their passion for cycling and exploration on the Dawes Range Tunnels section of the BBIRT (Barrimoon to Builyan).
Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail event offered participants an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, scenic vistas, and thrilling challenges. The event had it all, with a dash of rain keeping the temperatures ideal, and adding a challenge element with some wet conditions. Riders embarked on a variety of rides through picturesque landscapes, traversing the diverse terrain of the rail trail -including the iconic Dawes Range tunnels. Evenings were spent being well fed and entertained with live music, all while camping under the wide Queensland night sky.
Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
One participant expressed their delight, stating, “Meeting other like-minded people and riding with others in a group while soaking in the fabulous scenery made this event truly special.”
Another attendee shared their enthusiasm, remarking, “The riding, the challenges of the culverts, the venue, food, and drinks – it was all superb. This event brought together a great mixture of riders and bikes, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”
Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
Each day had planned rides that let riders explore the old rail corridor and the sights it took in, and of course some of the historic infrastructure along the way. With ride leaders on hand, attendees were able to lean on their knowledge of the area and the rail corridor.
The Honourable Glenn Butcher, Member for Gladstone, was in attendance, and clearly impressed by the experience.
“The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail has been one of the pinnacle projects that we have done in the region, utilising an old rail track which was ripped up a number of years ago now, to turn it into what I believe is one of the best rail trails not only here in Queensland, but in Australia.”
“I’m looking forward to what we can do in this part of the world. I’d like to see this end up as Australia’s longest rail trail. From Gladstone all the way through heading south.”
Hon. Glenn Butcher shakes hands with Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
The BQ Team were in attendance for the weekend, comprising CEO Alton Twine, Advocacy Director Andrew Demack and Grants and Sponsorship Officer Paul Dalitz.
“This weekend has been a great success, in no small part due to the hard work from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Association,” said Alton Twine after the weekend. “The weather threw up some extra challenges, but I think the turn out and positive event experience has illustrated just how popular this sort of infrastructure is. I’m certain the enthusiasm around the BBIRT will continue to grow from here.”
Andrew Demack was impressed by the turn out – but not surprised.
“Bike riders love rail trails because they are removed from traffic. Any time a rail trail is developed – riders will come. The bike riders who visit rail trails are committed travellers, they will spend time in the region and visit local businesses. As such, rail trails are an essential tool for economic revitalisation.”
“Bicycle Queensland are thrilled to have partnered with the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Association, and we look forward to working with them again soon.”
Andrew Demack runs a bike maintenance basics workshop during the BBIRT weeekend. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
Gladstone Regional Council Mayor, Matt Burnett, had the honour of opening the event on Friday night and was thoroughly impressed by the overwhelming turnout of participants and the dedication from the volunteers to make the event a success. Mayor Burnett commended the organisers for their efforts in bringing together such a vibrant and inclusive event, emphasising the importance of initiatives like these events in promoting the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail.
Bicycle Queensland extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail event. Their passion and dedication have played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant cycling community and showcasing the beauty of Queensland’s landscapes.
With our eyes now set to 2025, we will carry on working with the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Association to deliver another fantastic event experience on the iconic rail corridor in early May, 2025. Make sure you’re signed up to our newsletters for all updates, or follow us on social media:
Bicycle Queensland welcomes the announcement by the Australian Government of its commitment to invest in active transport infrastructure, fostering more liveable, active, and connected cities and regional centres nationwide.
Catherine King, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, announced $100 million to establish a ground breaking national Active Transport Fund. This fund aims to enhance and develop new bicycle and pedestrian pathways, promoting zero-emission travel, ensuring safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians, and fostering active and vibrant communities.
“The creation of the national Active Transport Fund marks a significant step towards building sustainable and accessible transportation options across Australia,” said Alton Twine, CEO at Bicycle Queensland. “We applaud the government’s recognition of the importance of active transport in promoting social connection, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and creating vibrant urban and regional environments. Bicycle Queensland commends the government for prioritising investments in infrastructure that enable individuals to commute to school, work, and local services safely and sustainably.”
The program guidelines for the Active Transport Fund will be collaboratively developed in consultation with states and territories. These guidelines are set to be unveiled to the public before the fund’s anticipated commencement on July 1, 2025.
Minister King emphasised the government’s commitment to creating thriving communities across urban and regional Australia.
“We want communities to thrive whether they be in cities or in the regions,” stated Minister King. “We are investing to build economic opportunity and also the opportunity for people to enjoy the spaces and places they live in, building connection and improving safety.”
“It’s great to see the federal government on board with providing transport for all users,” stated Andrew Demack, Bicycle Queensland’s Director of Advocacy. “Funding to grow and maintain an active transport network has been missing at both a federal level, and this is a fantastic first step by the government towards progressive transport investment.”
Bicycle Queensland looks forward to collaborating with the Albanese Government and stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the national Active Transport Fund, advancing the vision of healthier, more connected, and sustainable communities nationwide.
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:
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.
