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Advice Advocacy Press releases

SEND A LETTER TO YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLOR

On the back of the COP26 conference in Glasgow, cycling organisations around the world have joined together and rallied for cycling to be a part of the Glasgow Declaration on Accelerating the Transition to 100% Zero Emission Cars and Vans.

Now it’s time to ask the question locally, what are your councillors doing to combat carbon emissions from transport?

If you would like to ask your local councillor what they are doing to combat carbon emissions from transport and emphasis the important role bike riding can play, follow the instructions below.

  • Download the draft letter here
  • Find your local councillor here
  • If you are unsure of your council area, click here 
  • Fill in the details on the draft letter
  • Send to your local councillor

Let’s make bike riding a priority transport method to combat carbon emissions.

Send a letter to your councillor
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Press releases Uncategorised

Meet Ollie – A Brisbane to Gold Coast Superstar

As the dust settles from a fantastic Downer Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge, we reflect on some of the incredible stories of the event and the opportunities bike riding brings to people’s lives.

Ollie and his Father Scott took on the 100km challenge this year and completed it like true champions. Ollie, 14, faces more challenges than most when getting on the bike, he is legally blind and was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye) at birth. He has spent his fair share of time in hospital fighting his battle, but that has never stopped him from getting back on the bike.  

The B2GC event was a massive day for Ollie, completing his longest ride with the added challenge of another 4,300 plus riders in the mix. Scott and Ollie found their rhythm pretty quickly and were on their way to the Gold Coast at a very nice pace. Like normal, Ollie followed Dad’s wheel into rest stop 1 with barely a sweat on, a croissant, mandarin and the boys were back on the bike.

The duo found themselves helping a few other riders along the way by taking the wind in a little pace line that had formed behind them. A quick check-in from Dad received a cheeky “you can go faster if you want”. The pair rolled into the Coomera rest stop in good shape, a quick bite to eat and they were on the home stretch for Ollie’s biggest ride.

Strongly turning the wheels through the last few kilometres of the course, Ollie and Scott hit the finish line just past 9.30 am. Ollie’s Mum had planned to meet her boys at 11.30 am to see them cross the line in Southport. However, Ollie smashed all expectations and was simply too quick for Mum on this occasion.

Scott let us know how proud Ollie was of what he had just achieved, a very impressive milestone to add to his collection. A 100km ride is an incredible achievement for any rider, but to think young 14-year Ollie with Retinoblastoma breezed through this event goes to show no matter what life throws at you, anything is possible!

Thank you to Scott for sending in this wonderful story, we are thrilled to see the happiness bike riding brings to peoples lives and we can’t wait to have Ollie and Scott involved next year.

Scott and Ollie at B2GC finish line festival in Southport
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Advice Education Events Press releases

CEO Update

Dear members

As we move through the spring weather, I wanted to update you all on the work we have been doing to shape our riding agenda and the next phase of our work.

As Queensland’s point of connection for the future of riding, we have been working hard to reach out into regional areas, ensuring all riders, irrespective of where they live, have access to our member benefits and are represented in our advocacy voice. Since my last update, we have welcomed over 300 new members and congratulate Rob van Manen on his appointment as President. Rachel Nolan to Vice president, and Peter Thompson to Secretary at the recent Annual General Meeting. As we come out of a difficult two-year period, I wish to thank members for their ongoing support to Bicycle Queensland (BQ).

BQ continues to flex our advocacy muscle and now represent members on over 20 panels and steering groups across the state. BQ has been recently appointed a member of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Steering Committee. The first meeting was held in Esk and outlined the forward plan of capital works from TMR and the four Councils which the trail runs through; Ipswich, Somerset, Toowoomba and South Burnett. The Steering Committee will give guidance and feedback as the authorities implement the BVRT Strategic Plan. Our top priority in physical terms for the BVRT is a program of tree planting in the exposed sections between Esk and Moore. The trail becomes an unpleasantly hot place to be in summer, and we want to promote its use all year round!

In addition, BQ has a seat at the table at the Sunshine Coast Active Travel Advisory Committee, with the first meeting held in Caloundra. We support the ATAC model, which has been beneficial in Brisbane, with strong support from key political decision-makers, including the Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey. Minister Bailey was present at this initial meeting of the Sunshine Coast committee, which was very helpful.

A stern test of the committee’s mettle will be discussions on a proposed Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade. BQ members at Caloundra have asked for our help in opposing this project in its current form, which puts a four-lane road through a green zone. We will report back on how this goes, but BQ, Qld Walks, and the local active transport advocates from Caloundra have requested an on-site meeting to see if there are alternatives to removing mature shade trees for this project.

Sunday, 17th October saw the community take to the streets for our 16th Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge. A big thank you to Downer group, our principal partner, who, without their support, the day would not be possible. We welcomed over 4,300 riders across a new course with 40km, 60km and 100km challenges offered. It was wonderful to connect with members, volunteers, and partners on what was a beautiful day to ride your bike. I’m proud to announce that our riders have raised over $100,000 for our event charity partner, Stronger For Longer.

Our education services continue to gain momentum and importantly sow the seeds for our ten-year strategy. These services have included the creation of content for new and experienced riders via blog posts, video series and online learning modules. Our impact in schools is growing with curriculum-aligned programs being delivered in pre-schools and primary schools across southeast Queensland. I am excited to announce the work we are undertaking with CARRS-Q to develop an Audio Visual (AV) curriculum which, when completed, provides a connection to secondary schools and workplaces.

I’m very proud of the work we have progressed in the Women’s advocacy space and the considerations we are taking to understand how we can support more women to ride for their health and wellbeing. Our HerRIDE campaigns are proving very popular and encourage members to save the date on 27th November for our HERride MTB day at Gap creek.

Until next time, happy and safe riding.

Rebecca Randazzo

Categories
Advice Advocacy Press releases

Project Introduction – North Brisbane Bikeway

Brisbane City Council has released concept designs for the next stage of the North Brisbane Bikeway. This is an excellent step forward, making a safe, convenient and direct connection all the way to Eagle Junction and beyond.

The below announcement from Brisbane City Council:

Brisbane City Council is pleased to release the proposed concept design for the North Brisbane Bikeway: Price Street to Kedron Brook project between Dickson Street, Wooloowin and Jackson Street, Clayfield.

Attached is a copy of the project newsletter with information about the project, along with an invitation to have your say on proposed design options within the project alignment to finalise the connection between Price Street and the Kedron Brook Bikeway.

You can have your say via an online survey, which can be accessed from the North Brisbane Bikeway: Price Street to Kedron Brook project page on our website. The online survey closes on 19 November 2021.

Alternatively, you can speak with the project team at two community information sessions:

  • Thursday 4 November 2021, 5pm – 7pm at Eagle Junction Train Station
  • Saturday 6 November 2021, 9am – 11am at Kalinga Park (near Jackson Street)

All feedback received from the community will be considered by Council and used to inform the final design for the project.

If you agree with the need for this bikeway, please have your say as part of the public consultations.

Find all the information about the project HERE

Categories
Advocacy Press releases

Bicycle Queensland push for bike shops as an essential service

When government officials started discussing isolation restrictions in the early stages of COVID-19, Bicycle Queensland pro-actively put forward requests to keep bike shops open as essential services.

Bicycle Queensland wrote to the QLD Premier, the Hon Anastacia Palaszczuk, Minister for Health, the Hon Steven Miles MP, the Minister for Small Business, the Hon Shannon Fentiman MP, and the Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeanette Young for assistance in this matter.

Our letter outlined that bike shops are essential services for cyclists and must remain open (with appropriate safeguards) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the full letter here

We quoted Bronwyn Victor, owner of Planet Cycles in Woolloongabba, who said there was no question that bike shops should keep trading.

“Bicycle use is now more than ever essential, for both transport and mental and physical health. It is imperative that bicycle stores remain able to function for both servicing and supply of vital parts and accessories (e.g tyres, tubes, helmets, lights, brake pads) to keep these people moving safely,” Bronwyn said.

We highlighted that bicycle food delivery services and bike courier services provide valuable support to our small businesses, hospitality and logistic industries. For many restaurateurs and small businesses, bicycles are critical in providing home delivery services and is the only way they can continue to trade during the pandemic.

In efforts to validate the need for bike shops, the BQ team encouraged the bike-riding community to support their local bike shop on our social media channels. As an authority on advocacy and education, we also offered guidance on appropriate measures for social distancing to enable bike shops to continue to trade safely. The Facebook campaign encouraging people to tag their local bike shop was very successful, with more than 130 comments from our community showing appreciation for their local bike shop.

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Advocacy Press releases

COVID-19 Guidelines regarding cycling from home

In the last few months, the BQ team have been contributing to some pivotal discussions around COVID-19 lockdown measures. Throughout the lockdown, BQ has been providing updates and guidance on how to cycle safely during COVID-19.

BQ’s CEO, Rebecca Randazzo had meetings with Queensland’s Chief Health Officer and Assistant Police Commissioner to talk about cycling restrictions. Their main concerns were around people travelling too far from home when cycling.

When Bicycle Queensland was first contacted about cycling restrictions, a radius of 5km was suggested. Rebecca successfully lobbied for no distance restrictions when cycling from home during COVID-19. The result of Rebecca’s lobbying enables thousands of Queenslander’s to continue cycling as a form of commuting or exercise.

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Press releases

Membership Price Update

Dear Members,

It has been lovely to engage with many of you via social media, phone, virtual social rides, video calls and email in recent months.  The role cycling plays in supporting our health and wellbeing has been highlighted in recent months whilst we as a nation tackle the impacts of a global health pandemic. The BQ team have been working tirelessly on many fronts to ensure both new and existing members are being supported during these challenging times.  The uptake of cycling during COVID-19 is having a positive impact on membership and has reinforced our strategic approach to position cycling high on the Government’s health, social, planning and transport agendas.

I am proud of what the team has achieved since I arrived just eight months ago.  Whilst there is still much to do, we now have a team in place to better serve you and achieve our mission of getting more people cycling more often. In order to ensure we can continue to provide a comprehensive membership, we’ll be increasing the cost of our membership categories from 1st September, 2020.

New Prices

Individual: $123.00

Household: 2 person $157.00, 3 + person $180.00

Concession: $90.00

This increase will ensure you still retain the best value for money cycling membership in Australia. You will also retain the same level of insurance, which is the best insurance product available.  I thought it was important to share with you what this increase will also allow us to do: 

  • Invest in and develop new staff to increase our advocacy efforts on behalf of our members
  • Engage town planners to support BQ infrastructure campaigns
  • Create new education resources for members to increase members skills and knowledge
  • Develop our Commuter Harmony Alliance stakeholder map and campaigning
  • Invest in new digital platforms to work strategically with regional and metropolitan Bicycle User Groups
  • Develop new events in partnership with like-minded organisations to reach and service members outside south east Queensland
  • Develop and invest in new digital tools to improve communication and the membership process
  • Assist us to meet the rising cost of insurance and operational expenses.

This increase will enable us to continue to provide the quality and breadth of services you love, and expect from us.  If you have any questions about the price increase or membership packages, don’t hesitate contact myself or our membership team.

Yours in cycling,

Rebecca Randazzo,

Bicycle Queensland, CEO

Categories
Advocacy Press releases

Riding a bike is 39 times better than going to the gym, Queenslanders say

78% of Queenslanders who have taken up bike riding for exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic prefer bike riding over going back to the gym.

This is one of the findings in a survey commissioned by Bicycle Queensland, which had more than 3000 responses from new and existing bike riders over the past two weeks.

Bike riding and sales of bicycles have boomed during the home confinement phase of COVID-19 restrictions, as Queenslanders seized the opportunity to get out of the house once a day for exercise. Families with children being home-schooled also were grateful for the chance to be outside, often riding together for the first time.

Bike retailers such as 99 Bikes, and online retailer Pushys, reported item as diverse as indoor trainers and child seats were sold out, and re-stocking is proving to be a challenge.

But overall, bike sales were reported by retailers to be up between 50% and 500%, depending on the category.

Automated counters on Brisbane City Council’s bikeway network have reported a massive increase in the number of bike riders. On Kedron Brook bikeway, numbers are up about 300%. 

Bicycle Queensland CEO Rebecca Randazzo said: “This is an opportunity for all levels of Government to be bold, and to work together.”

“The numbers are irrefutable – Queenslanders want to be active, whether it’s about getting to work or getting some exercise.”

“We need to provide safe spaces for people to ride, and the time to act is now.”

John Reghenzani, who lives at Paddington and works at Newstead, is one such commuter, who is returning to office work after home confinement.

“I’ve determined for myself that riding to work is the way to go. I’m killing two birds with one stone … getting exercise to combat my sedentary lifestyle while getting to work more quickly than if I took the bus.

“I’m not a morning person, so riding to work clears out the cobwebs in the morning, and on the way home it helps to get rid of the workplace angst,” John said.

Respondents to Bicycle Queensland’s survey said they started riding bikes during the pandemic because they couldn’t go to the gym (36%), or because cycling is exercise that is gentler on the body than running or walking (36%), or because cycling is exercise they can do with a partner or the whole family (32%). They didn’t ride before the pandemic because of lack of time (40%) or concerns about personal safety (32%).

Most of these new riders are riding on bike paths (76%) or in bike lanes on roads. They are buying road bikes or hybrid/commuter bikes. About 50% of them spent more than $1000 on their new bike, and also dropped another $150-200 on accessories.

They are finding their fitness is improving (68%), and they are discovering their neighbourhood (32%). Best of all, cycling brings joy into their life (65%)!

And a vast majority believe that bike riding will continue to be a regular activity in their life, even once the pandemic is over (81%). Only 2% would prefer to go back to the gym!

These new riders would like to see better cycling facilities, closer to their homes (57%), better end of trip facilities at work (44%), and education course such as bike maintenance, bike skills and route planning.