In good news, the CityLink Cycleway is set to expand from East Brisbane to West End, resulting in a four-kilometre link using two Brisbane River crossings. The Schrinner Council announced the third stage of the CityLink Cycleway today. This will add two new projects, the first involving a new 1.2-kilometre shared path from Deakin Street at Kangaroo Point to Shafston Avenue at East Brisbane. The Shafston Avenue bikeway will connect to the existing CityLink Cycleway at Kangaroo Point.
This connection will link to the 460-metre Kangaroo Point Bridge, which is due to open on 15 December, and the 200-metre Main and Deakin Street Story Bridge underpass. There is a a second project planned that will also extend the CityLink Cycleway further south to West End.
Brisbane City Council confirmed that works are already underway to construct a bikeway along Melbourne Street between the Victoria Bridge and Cordelia Street as part of the Brisbane Metro project, with completion expected next financial year. Council will further extend this bikeway along Melbourne Street to Boundary Street in West End.
All up, the CityLink Cycleway will provide a four-kilometre cross-town scooter and cycling link once finished, connecting five suburbs and two major crossings of the Brisbane River.
‘CityLink Cycleway was always about creating an inner-city cycling and scooting spine, that we could build out into the suburbs to make it more attractive for residents and visitors to use active transport in Brisbane,’ said Ryan Murphy. ‘The delivery of this project will ensure residents of the eastern suburbs and West End can look forward to using a safe and separated connection to the CBD and beyond.’
‘We know it’s important to grow our active transport network in the lead up to the 2032 Games to ensure residents and visitors can safely and conveniently move between venues and attractions.’
‘This is a very welcome addition to the network of cycleways in Brisbane, allowing better access from West End to East Brisbane,’ said Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine. ‘The excellent connections that the Kangaroo Point Bridge will provide, are supported by these new links. The new link down Melbourne Street will be particularly useful into West End and the link to Shafston Avenue sets up future improvements for cycling and scooting into the eastern suburbs. The realisation of safe links to the eastern suburbs continues to be a significant aim for the network.’
The bridge is expected to reduce cycling commute times by up to 50 per cent, cutting travel between Brisbane’s eastern suburbs and the CBD by up to 15 minutes, and by up to 30 minutes for pedestrians.
Bike ways along the Brisbane River between Toowong and New Farm are an essential part of the transport network in Queensland’s capital city. The routes are flat, easy to ride and have had significant upgrades in previous years, with more to come from existing and planned projects.
With construction of another phase of the updated Queen’s Wharf area nearing completion, Queensland’s bike and e-scooter riders have been able to ride the updated amenities along this stretch to Gardens Point.
Coming from Milton, the new area opens up right as the segregated bikeway and walkway end at the ferry stop. A larger shared space expands, with an end of trip facility and café on your left, with access via stairs or a lift to Queen’s Wharf Road. Alternatively, you can keep riding in the shared use area and turn left to ride up Queen’s Wharf Road, which doesn’t have private vehicle access. From here the shared use space goes to a separated bikeway and walkway until just before the Goodwill Bridge.
Approaching the shared use zone.
Bicycle Queensland caught up with Graham Witherspoon from the Destination Brisbane Consortium, on the afternoon before the updated section of the Bicentennial Bikeway opened.
‘It has been years of work and planning, but we have the final stage of the Bicentennial Bikeway open. There is a lot of segregation between pedestrians and cyclists along the kilometre of riverfront. What we have tried to do is make it a place where people are comfortable being.’
This has involved creating very long sight lines, and also extensive plantings and even artworks. The impact resonates, as it is a much friendlier place to be than before, which changes the dynamic from a dark corridor to a shared space for bikes, e-scooters, pedestrians.
‘As you can see there are families and commuters coming through here quite comfortably. We’ve created about 6000sqm of new green public space.’
Some elements still need to be finalised, including the community spaces along the waterfront, and finding a business to setup in the end of trip facilities with a café that sits right on the shared use area. Suggested speed limits may still change as well, once the final construction of the community spaces are finished.
‘By November we will open the Finger Wharves and the terraced seating along the river front, so the whole area should be complete by then.’
Rolling through
During our walk through, we did wonder if the painted bike and pedestrian sections could be extended further through the shared space for additional awareness, especially in peak times.
As of today, signs are still posted suggesting 10km/h, as construction is still ongoing right at the edge of the river. But in the separated bikeway signage suggest 20km/h. Given the sightlines are very good, we expect the area to suit 20km/h, but the shared space will need common sense from users, just as any shared space does.
Our take
Some people have called for a continual bikeway through the public space, however doing so would cut off access to the public space along the river front or remove the permeability of the bikeway at this area. There is very limited room along the waterfront, and Bicycle Queensland welcomes the addition of public space in the area. We do feel that a few amendments to signage may be warranted in the initial period as pedestrians and riders get used to how the space works and where people flow to and from.
‘The Queen’s Wharf upgrade to the Bicentennial Bikeway has delivered an outstanding addition of public space on the Brisbane River,’ said Alton Twine, CEO of Bicycle Queensland. ‘The inclusion of bike parking, rideable access and end of trip facilities means that this is not just a commuting route for avid riders, but a place people can choose to visit easily by bike, e-scooter, on foot or via a ferry trip.’
On a drizzly afternoon, commuters we spoke to were happy with the upgrades, although some suggested a bit more signage may be of use. Bicycle Queensland will be interested to see the public response as the area continues to be finalised. If you have feedback, do be in touch via bqinfo@bq.org.au.
There is great news for bike riders and scooter riders – any Queenslander buying a new approved e-bike or e-scooter from Monday September 23, 2024 will get a $500 rebate on their e-bike, or $200 rebate on their e-scooter.
After almost two years of advocating with the department of Transport and Main Roads on this issue, Bicycle Queensland are happy to share the exciting news that the Queensland Government have updated their Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy, introducing the rebate for e-mobility devices: e-bikes and e-scooters.
The Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy has provided rebates for electric cars, which, whilst helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, do little to reduce traffic congestion on Queensland’s roads. Bicycle Queensland welcomes the inclusion of these modes into the policy.
E-Bikes and E-Scooters make mobility easy. Making them more affordable will help boost these modes, making it easier for more Queenslanders to ride more often. We constantly hear from our members that these devices are a “game changer” for many, allowing people to extend their rides, deal with difficult hills, and get to and from work more comfortably. For many older riders, they allow people to ride longer and with less stress on ageing bodies.
The $1 million rebate scheme will deliver $500 and $200 rebates for approved e-bikes and e-scooters for Queenslanders, sold via a retailer or eligible online stores. You can find your local BQ Link store via our Store Locator. As of Monday September 30 – another $1 million has been added to the rebate fund.
Understanding the rebate scheme
The Queensland Government have published a thorough outline of the e-bike and e-scooter rebate scheme, which can be read online.
To be eligible, you need to purchase your e-bike or e-scooter on or after September 23, 2024 – this cannot be a retrospective rebate. You need to be an individual – this isn’t for sole traders or businesses. You must also be a Queensland resident and 18 or over. The purchase needs to be from an eligible retailer. That means any retail business in Queensland, or an Australian online business operating under an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
What e-bikes and e-scooters are eligible?
Not every e-bike or e-scooter is eligible. It must be new – not second hand or reconditioned. It must also comply with the definition of an e-scooter or e-bike (see below). The motorised speed must be limited to 25km/h via either software or hardware, and include a battery management system. And lastly, the supplied charger needs to have a regulatory compliance mark and be registered on the Electrical Equipment Safety System national database.
For an e-scooter to be eligable, it needs to be designed for just one person to use, with either a wheel fore and aft, or two wheels at the front and one at the back or vice versa. The electric motor cannot propel the scooter beyonod 25km/h, and steering must be via handlebars (not a wheel). There needs to be a footboard (not a seat) and the total length cannot exceed 1250mm. The e-scooter must be no more than 700mm wide and 1350mm high. It cannot weigh more than 60kg.
The scheme primarily suits the most common e-bikes that have a maximum continuous rated power of 250W, where the output is progressively reduced as speed goes from 6km/h to 25 km/h. This is the standard performance of e-bike systems from Yamaha, Shimano, Brose, Specialized, SRAM, Bosch, TQ and Ananda systems, amongst some lesser known systems.
They can also be power-assisted bikes that have one (or more) electric auxiliary motors with a maximum output (or combined output) of no more than 200W. They cannot go faster than 6km/h under motor only, and need to cut motor assistance at 25km/h when being pedalled. They cannot include an internal combustion engine.
The rebate scheme is not valid for e-bike conversion kits.
Eligible applicants can only receive one rebate, and a maximum of three people per household can receive a rebate.
Bicycle Queensland is pleased to announce a comprehensive regional tour scheduled for August. The tour, led by Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine and Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack, aims to engage with local Bicycle Queensland members, bike riders, the bike industry, tourism bodies, schools, universities and regional councils across Queensland.
The Regional Forum 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.
August 5, 7pm: Cairns – Cairns Library Meeting Rooms, 151 Abbott Road August 6, noon: Atherton – Atherton Community Centre, 16A Robert Road August 6, 6pm: Innisfail – Community Support Centre, 13-17 Donald Street August 7, 6pm: Townsville – Franks Pizza Napoli, 3 Ross River Road 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.”
Bicycle Queensland would like to thank the Queensland government for their support in running this tour, so we can understand the trends and challenges facing bike riding and micromobility. Bicycle Queensland aims to work with the Department of Transport and Main Road to communicate the investment opportunities around bike infrastructure and actions to best serve BQ members, stakeholders and communities.
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.’
E-bikes have opened up all sorts of adventures for riders. 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:
