Tag: Bicycle queensland

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Advocacy

Carol’s Law: Mandatory vision checks for safer Queensland roads

Should regular eyesight checks be mandatory for Queensland drivers? Bicycle Queensland is supporting a parliamentary e-petition calling for mandatory vision assessments to help prevent avoidable tragedies on our roads.

Queensland drivers must meet minimum eyesight standards to hold a licence. However, for most drivers under 75, there is no requirement to undergo regular vision assessments when renewing their licence unless they declare a relevant medical condition.

That means the system relies heavily on drivers recognising and reporting changes to their own eyesight, even when those changes could make them unsafe behind the wheel.

Carol’s Law seeks to change that.

The proposed legislation would introduce mandatory vision assessments for Queensland drivers at key milestones:

  • When first applying for a driver’s licence
  • At ages 50 and 60
  • Every five years thereafter until age 75
  • Annually from age 75

The proposal draws on an existing vision assessment framework used in the ACT and aims to ensure drivers continue to meet the eyesight standards required to safely operate a vehicle.

A tragedy that should never have happened

Carol’s Law is named in memory of Carol Ismail, who was killed while riding her bicycle with her husband Adam on a Queensland country road in August 2020.

The driver who struck them had significant vision impairment and had repeatedly been advised by eye-care professionals that he was medically unfit to drive. Despite those warnings, he continued driving.

Carol died from her injuries, while Adam sustained serious injuries. While the driver did stop, he wasn’t able to clearly see his phone screen to call emergency services. The driver was subsequently convicted of dangerous driving causing death.

Carol’s family, including her husband Adam and their daughter, an optometrist, are now campaigning for mandatory vision assessments to reduce the risk of another family experiencing a similar tragedy.

Better vision checks mean safer roads

Good vision is essential for identifying hazards, judging distances and responding to other road users.

For people walking and riding bikes, who have little physical protection in a collision, the consequences of a driver failing to see them can be devastating.

Mandatory vision assessments would provide an opportunity to identify deteriorating eyesight, encourage earlier treatment where possible, and help ensure people driving on Queensland roads meet the required vision standards.

Road safety and the lives of other road users shouldn’t depend solely on drivers voluntarily reporting that they can no longer see well enough to drive.

Add your name to the petition

There is an official Queensland Parliamentary e-petition calling for Carol’s Law.

The petition asks the Queensland Government to introduce mandatory, ongoing vision assessments for drivers, replacing reliance on voluntary disclosure alone.

Sign the Queensland Parliamentary e-petition for Carol’s Law

Categories
Events

Riders come together for National Ride2Work Day

Bicycle Queensland celebrated National Ride2Work Day today as we welcomed riders, members and community partners to the northern end of Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens for a morning of coffee, conversation and cycling advocacy.

The event provided an opportunity for people riding into the city to stop, enjoy a free coffee at Mulga Bills cafe, and connect with Bicycle Queensland (BQ) and organisations working to make riding safer and more accessible across Brisbane and Queensland.

With National Ride2Work Day highlighting the many benefits of riding for transport, the morning was also an opportunity for BQ to share updates on its current advocacy campaigns, upcoming events and projects, while hearing directly from the people who ride Brisbane’s streets and bikeways.

“It was a great event! We had over 120 riders visit, despite the threat of rain. Thanks to all the riders who came along and had a coffee on us. So many smiles. The bike community is awesome,” said BQ CEO Dr Matthew Burke.

BQ was joined by Brisbane City Council, with representatives seeking community feedback on the Shafston Avenue and Sylvan Road projects. Both projects provided valuable talking points about improving Brisbane’s cycling connections and the importance of involving riders in planning better transport infrastructure.

BQ partner CycleLaw was also on hand to answer cycling-related legal questions, while Joe from Project 529 introduced riders to the bike registration and security system designed to help protect bikes and assist with their recovery if stolen.

BQ also used the opportunity to discuss our recent e-mobility survey, as we arm ourselves for the next phase of our campaign to defend legal e-bikes.

“We’ve also had a great response to our survey on the e-mobility laws, which many riders completed at the event today. We have over 700 responses, but are hoping to push past 1,000. Then we’ll really be able to tell government what the Queensland bike community thinks, and what the real-world impacts have been – both good and bad. The government has committed to a twelve-month review. We’ll need that evidence-base to get any changes.”

The event also welcomed the Hon Mark Bailey, who joined riders and representatives for conversations about cycling and active transport.

Bicycle Queensland thanks Brisbane City Council, CycleLaw, Project 529, Mulga Bills cafe and everyone who stopped by to help celebrate National Ride2Work Day.

Whether you ride to work every day, occasionally or are considering making the switch, Bicycle Queensland is working to make every journey by bike safer, easier and more enjoyable.

Find out more about Bicycle Queensland’s advocacy, events and membership via our Membership page.

Categories
Advocacy

Queensland’s new e-bike assurance scheme

The Queensland Government has released the rules for its new Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle (EPAC) Assurance Scheme, which is expected to commence on 2 November 2026. Bicycle Queensland is calling on governments to cover the costs of verification, rather than passing them on to riders.

The new scheme forms part of the Queensland Government’s changes to e-mobility legislation and introduces a process for verifying whether an e-bike complies with the relevant requirements.

The Queensland Government has now published its EPAC Verification Rules, outlining how the scheme will operate and the requirements for businesses and individuals seeking to become authorised verifiers.

What will it cost e-bike owners?

Under the scheme, riders seeking verification of their e-bike can expect the following costs:

  • Free initial pre-screening ($0): A basic inspection checking features such as pedals, obvious battery damage and whether the bike already has an EN15194 compliance plate.
  • Formal assessment ($50): A more detailed assessment or testing to determine whether the e-bike meets the relevant requirements.
  • Compliance label and registration ($20): If the e-bike passes verification, this covers the compliance label and recording the verification details.

The total cost for a successful verification will be $70.

BQ believes this cost should not fall on riders who have purchased and use legal e-bikes.

We will continue to advocate for the Queensland and/or Commonwealth Governments to cover verification fees. The requirement for additional inspections and compliance labels has arisen from government legislative changes, and riders must not be left paying the bill.

Where can you have your e-bike verified?

The Queensland Government is expected to publish a list of Authorised Verifiers when the scheme commences on 2 November 2026.

This will cover the approved individuals and businesses able to carry out assessments and issue compliance labels under the scheme.

Riders will be able to find further information, including the list of verifiers once available, on the Queensland Government’s EPAC Assurance Scheme website.

Information for Queensland bike businesses

Bike retailers, mechanics and other eligible industry participants interested in becoming Authorised Verifiers can contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads at epacassurance@tmr.qld.gov.au.

BQ will continue to fight for riders

Bicycle Queensland has consistently argued for a clear distinction between safe, legal e-bikes s and,high-powered, non-pedal assist devices.

While verification may provide a pathway for establishing compliance, it must not create unnecessary financial or administrative barriers for people who choose to ride safe, legal e-bikes.

BQ will continue to engage with the Queensland Government as the scheme is implemented, advocating for fair treatment of riders, clarity for the bicycle industry and measures that genuinely improve safety.

Further information:

Queensland Government – EPAC Assurance Scheme

Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle (EPAC) Verification Rules

Categories
Advocacy

100 days on from Queensland’s new e-mobility laws

BQ's E-bike rally at Brisbane Botanic Gardens 21-04-2026 to save safe legal e-bikes. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.

Queensland’s new e-mobility laws have now been in place for around 100 days. Throughout the debate over the legislation, Bicycle Queensland stood up for the rights of people who ride.

catch up on our e-mobility campaign


Now we’d like to know how the changes have impacted you.

BQ fought for laws that targeted genuinely dangerous behaviour and illegal devices without creating unnecessary barriers for people riding safe, legal e-bikes. We argued for practical rules that would improve safety while recognising the enormous potential of e-bikes to help Queenslanders ride more often.

Legislation was introduced with a range of new measures around devices and their use.

We want to know, have the changes made you safer? Are the rules clear and easy to understand? Are you riding more or less?

BQ is launching a 100-day review of Queensland’s e-mobility laws, and we need Queenslanders to tell us what has changed.

We want to hear from all riders, whether you use an e-bike or e-scooter or not, to get your feedback on the changes and their impact. For people who don’t use e-mobility, the survey should take around three minutes. For e-bike and e-mobility users, allow up to eight minutes.

complete the e-mobility survey


BQ stood up for Queensland’s cycling community when these laws were proposed, and we’ll continue holding decision-makers accountable to ensure the rules are fair, practical and genuinely make our streets safer.

Your voice helps strengthen our advocacy, and your membership makes it possible. By joining or renewing with Bicycle Queensland, you’re supporting an independent voice that fights for the rights, safety and future of everyone who rides.

Together, we can make Queensland a better place to ride.

join bicycle queensland
Categories
Events

Help shape the future of Her Ride

Bicycle Queensland wants to hear from women across Queensland who have taken part in Her Ride, as well as women who are interested in riding more, building their skills or getting involved in women-focused riding programs.

We’re reviewing Her Ride and looking at how the program can continue to grow. Whether that’s the full Her Ride course including gravel or mountain bike versions, to social rides, short skills sessions, maintenance workshops, Her Ride groups at events and other ways to help more women enjoy riding.

Whether you completed Her Ride years ago, recently, or have never taken part but would be interested in a program like it, we’d love your feedback.

Your feedback will help Bicycle Queensland develop programs that better support women to build skills and confidence, meet other riders and ride more often. What’s your dream Her Ride experience look like?

Plus, complete the survey and leave your details to go in the draw to win one of 10 Her Ride jerseys from Bowy Active.

Have your say and help us shape what comes next for Her Ride.

complete the her ride survey

Survey closes October 26, 2026. Only jerseys sizes in stock can be provided. Prizes are not redeemable for cash. Bicycle Queensland will contact winners for their full address to post out a jersey.

Categories
Advocacy

Innisfail gets biggest project in State bikeway grants

Bicycle Queensland welcomes more than $15 million in Queensland Government funding for ten active transport projects across the state.

The 2026-27 Active Transport Grants Program provides $15,038,855 to councils for projects from Cairns to the Sunshine Coast. The program supports infrastructure designed to provide safe, attractive, direct and continuous connections for people walking and riding bikes, including links to schools, hospitals, public transport and other key destinations.

Investment in projects in Greater Brisbane are notably absent, despite the need for completed or new active transport connections across the region.

Eligible projects must contribute to an identified strategic network: a principal route in the Queensland Principal Cycle Network, a route in an endorsed Walking Network Plan, or an approved alternative alignment delivering the same strategic outcome.

For most councils, the Queensland Government provides up to 50 per cent of project funding, with councils expected to match that contribution.

The successful 2026-27 projects

Cairns Regional Council – $3,000,000

The project will add a dedicated connection for people walking and riding in Cairns, by construcing a shared path from Ryan Weare Park at Kamerunga Road to Redlynch Striker United Football Club at Brinsmead Road.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council – $5,916,530

At almost $5.92 million, this is the largest grant in the 2026-27 round and will improve an existing active transport connection, by improving the shared path along McGowan Drive and Fitzgerald Esplanade to Owen Street.

Central Highlands Regional Council – $818,250

Funding will construct a shared path connecting Egerton Street, Max Gorlick Drive, the Capricorn Highway and Opal Street to the Nogoa River, adding to the active transport network in Emerald.

Ipswich City Council – $692,000

This project will construct a shared path on Bremer Street between Bell Street and Ellenborough Street, improving active transport connectivity in central Ipswich.

Logan City Council – $3,000,000

The project will improve provision for walking and bike riding. Funding covers the design and construction for active transport improvements along Armstrong Road between Loganlea Road and Evans Road.

Longreach Regional Council – $27,967

Design and construct a pathway along Galah Street between the Landsborough Highway and the Longreach bus stop, providing an active transport connection to public transport.

Mackay Regional Council – $420,039

Design and construct a shared path along Milton and Henman streets between Pratt Street and Black Street.

Noosa Shire Council – $215,000

Design and construct active transport facilities on Goodchap Road, from near Heritage Drive towards Noosa Hospital, improving active transport provision to a key community destination.

Rockhampton Regional Council – $333,359

Design and construct a shared path along Graham Acton Way between Hall Street and the Rocky Sports Club.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council – $615,710

Design and construct pathways along Palm Drive, Ocean View Avenue and Meta Street between Goonawarra Drive and Douglas Street.

This investment will help make it safer and easier for Queenslanders to walk and ride. Completing missing links and creating connected routes can make bike riding a more practical option for everyday trips as well as recreation.

However, the scale of this investment is small when considered against Queensland’s overall transport infrastructure program.

The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2026-27 to 2029-30 contains $55.9 billion in planned road and transport infrastructure investment over four years.

QTRIP lists investment by mode as $34.3 billion for roads, $19.25 billion for railways, $1.6 billion for bus infrastructure and $312 million for active transport, alongside maritime and multimodal investment. On those QTRIP figures, active transport represents approximately 0.56 per cent of the total four-year investment program.

The Active Transport Grants Program is one component of that broader active transport investment, rather than an additional amount outside the $312 million.

Bicycle Queensland believes the benefits of safe, connected walking and bike riding networks warrant a substantially greater investment. With Queensland’s population growing and Brisbane 2032 approaching, active transport needs to be treated as an integral part of the transport system.

These ten projects are welcome additions to Queensland’s network. The challenge now is to accelerate delivery so that more Queenslanders have safe, connected and practical options to walk and ride.

Categories
Advocacy

Gympie Council commits to rail trails

Bicycle Queensland has welcomed new funding to improve the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail and extend the Mary Valley Rail Trail into Imbil.

Gympie Regional Council, with funding from the Queensland Government, will repair and improve a nine-kilometre section of the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail (KKRT) between Goomeri and Murgon.

The works will restore important links along the trail, with new culverts, concrete riverbed crossings and erosion repairs, along with the replacement of 10 pedestrian gates with cattle grids to improve access. These changes will drastically improve the rider experience on the trail, and aid in rider safety.

BQ Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack said improving these sections would help realise the potential of a much bigger regional cycling route.

“The Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail has the potential to form part of a nationally significant riding route stretching from Kilkivan all the way to Wulkuraka, by using the popular Link Trail and Brisbane Valley Rail Trail” Demack said. 

“The experience at the Gympie end of the KKRT has not matched what riders find in the South Burnett, so this investment is very welcome. Improving the surface, crossings and access will make the trail more inviting to a much wider range of riders and help communities along the route benefit from cycle tourism.”

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig said the investment would improve the trail while supporting regional tourism.

“The Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail draws visitors from across Queensland and supporting local businesses along the way,” Mayor Hartwig said.

“This investment will restore sections of the trail that have deteriorated over time, making it safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for everyone who uses it.”

The funding will also support an approximately 500-metre extension of the existing Imbil to Brooloo section of the Mary Valley Rail Trail into Imbil town centre. This trail is popular with local residents and families, and the extension delivers a direct connection from the trail to Imbil’s shops, hospitality businesses, accommodation, community facilities and other attractions.

Bicycle Queensland sees both projects as examples of how targeted investment in existing trails can improve the riding experience while delivering wider benefits for regional communities.

Categories
Advocacy

Riding e-bikes offroad in Queensland

There is some good news for Queensland e-bike riders following the introduction of new age and driver licence requirements on 31 August.

Riders of legal e-bikes are exempt from the new licensing and age requirements when riding at qualifying public mountain bike trails, rail trails and private recreational cycling facilities.

Importantly, these exemptions are broader than the list of riding locations currently published by the Queensland Government.

Bicycle Queensland Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack said riders should not assume a trail needs to appear on the Transport and Main Roads website to qualify.

“Many mountain bike trail networks owned by local governments and other Government agencies are not listed on the TMR site, but the legislation is quite clear that you can ride on public trails as long as there is a sign allowing bike use, somewhere on the trail network.”

The legislation specifically states that the places published by the Queensland Government do not limit the places to which the exemption applies.

For mountain bike trails, the legislation defines eligible trails or trail networks as being open to the public, having recreational bicycle riding as one of their main uses, being on relevant government-managed land, and being identified as a mountain bike trail by signage on or at an entrance to the trail, or at least one trail within a network.

Rail trails are also covered by the exemption where they meet the definition contained in the legislation and are identified as a rail trail by signage.

As Andrew explains:

“Riding your EN15194 legal e-mountain bike on recognised public mountain bike trails and rail trails is exempt from the new legislation’s licensing and age requirements.”

The exemption does not mean other e-bike and road rules cease to apply. Riders must still use a legal e-bike and comply with the applicable riding rules, including helmet requirements and rules around riding near pedestrians.

The Queensland Government has published a list of recognised riding areas, but the legislation makes clear that this list is not exhaustive.

View the Queensland Government’s e-mobility riding areas and exemptions