Bicycle Queensland (BQ) has released a new position statement calling for stronger regulation of high-powered e-bikes, which do not comply with Australian standards and pose significant safety risks on shared pathways and roads around Queensland and Australia.
The rapid rise of these illegal devices—capable of speeds up to 60km/h and beyond purely via throttle—has sparked public concern across the state, with residents and authorities alarmed by their presence in shared-use environments. By law, e-bikes must stick to the EN19154 standard, which mandates a 250W maximum for continuous power, along with pedal assist limited to a maximum of 25km/h, amongst other inclusions. Brush up on Queensland’s e-bike regulations.
BQ CEO Alton Twine emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue:
“Safety must come first. High-powered e-bikes that exceed legal limits create unnecessary risks for both riders and the wider community. We need clear regulations and enforcement to ensure that only safe, compliant devices are on our streets and pathways.”
BQ is calling for restrictions on the import and sale of non-compliant e-bikes, better public education on legal e-bike use, and greater enforcement measures to curb the misuse of high-powered devices which are only legal to be used on private property.
At the same time, BQ remains a strong advocate for legal pedal-assist e-bikes, which meet the Australian standard and offer a sustainable transport alternative. Advocacy Director Andrew Demack highlighted their benefits:
“Pedal-assist e-bikes are an incredible transport solution. They help more people ride further, reduce congestion, and improve public health. We must ensure that the future of e-mobility is built on safe and legal technology. The rapid uptake by Queenslanders of the e-bike and e-scooter rebates in late 2024 show just how popular legal e-bikes and e-scooters are.”
Bicycle Queensland will continue working with government, industry, and community stakeholders to push for reforms that promote safe and sustainable transport choices.
Earlier in February it was revealed that Brisbane City Council had decided on the final route for Stage 5 of the North Brisbane Bikeway. This is an important link connecting the CBD with Brisbane’s northern suburbs. The consultation process has taken many years, and Bicycle Queensland has been involved throughout the consultation, along with the Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) in the area.
A concept design was released in 2021, connecting Kedron Brook bikeway via Dickson and Jackson streets.
‘Bicycle Queensland and the Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) have always been keen for the route to continue along Dickson Street and cross through Eagle Junction before going down Jackson Street to Kedron Brook bike way,’ explained Andrew Demack, BQ’s Director of Advocacy. The Community Working Group and local councillor, Cr Julia Dixon, did raise concerns about the Price Street to Kedron Brook route. There were also two petitions from the community, opposing a safe and direct active transport link on the proposed route. The Kent road concept from 2018 has been chosen as the preferred option.
‘The new plan that has been announced goes via Price Street, Kent Street, Park Road and on to Brooke Road,’ said Andrew Demack once the news was announced. ‘So it zig-zags towards Kedron Brook bikeway. It’s really good because it goes past a school, so this link enables more kids to ride to school. It is not as direct as the original alignment that BQ and the Bicycle User Groups have been calling for. We really think that the direct alignment is the most useful transport alignment.’
As it stands, Dickson street is a direct connection – but not suitable for all users as it stands.
‘A very confident rider could ride along Dickson street as it is, but it is a door zone and unpleasant for most people. The fact that the separated bike way stops 500m before Eagle Junction is a real barrier for people.’
‘The newly announced changes are good for school transport, but this isn’t the best transport outcome,’ Andrew Demack continued. ‘Bicycle Queensland would like to see the best transport outcome to be what is finally built. This proposed link remains a good link from the high-quality North Brisbane bikeway to the Kedron Brook bikeway that includes access to a school. However this is not the solution that delivers a high-quality link through Eagle Junction to Kedron Brook bikeway.’
Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine wrote to Cr Ryan Murphy to express how Bicycle Queensland, the Bicycle User Groups, and over 12000 BQ members felt about the decision.
Cr Murphy acknowledged the difficulties for the 5th stage of the North Brisbane bikeway – from concept through to construction.
‘As Transport Chair, I carefully reviewed each of the proposed alignments and found that they had their own technical strengths and weaknesses, as well as differing levels of support within the community. No option was perfect.’
It seems that despite the results of the community consultation, at the end of the day the decision has been made according to “broader concerns” raised by Local State MP Tim Nicholls and local Councillor Dixon, as noted in the response to petitioners provided by BCC. We are not sure what these concerns actually are.
‘I understand that some of your members will likely be disappointed in this outcome. However, it’s important that Council listens to community stakeholders, and makes adjustments when required, as we have here.’
‘This alignment will strike a balance that will allow cyclists to traverse the North Brisbane Bikeway in its entirety, while minimising negative impacts on the local community.’
If you have feedback, we encourage you to write to the local councillor, Cr Julia Dixon: hamilton.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au
Lots has been going on in 2025 so far, including Bicycle Queensland’s first meeting with both the Regional Bicycle User Groups, and the Brisbane Metropolitan area Bicycle User Groups.
As part of the Queensland Government’s Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games 100 Day Review, Bicycle Queensland has made a submission with the support of We Ride and AusCycling.
Bicycle Queensland have outlined the primary goal of improved connectivity and integration for active transport as a top priority outcome from the Games, creating a sustainable transport legacy.
The benefits of an improved active transport system are many. Riding and walking are ideal for the mass movement of people for the Games and any other major event, providing a carbon-neutral, accessible, healthy and affordable means of transport. It also requires less infrastructure investment and drives economic growth.
Bicycle Queensland proposes a target of 90% of all spectator trips to be made by public or active transport, with a legacy of 20% of all journeys in Brisbane to be made by active transport post-Games.
To achieve this, Bicycle Queensland recommends developing Smart Spines: tree-lined, digitally enabled active transport corridors that link event venues, accommodation and key city landmarks. Event venues must be active and public transport friendly, with ample parking for bikes or scooters and increased availability of hire bikes and scooters during the Games. We encourage the completion of missing links in the active transport network, and the funding of existing Principal Cycle Network Plans for improved access in areas of Regional Queensland.
‘The Games present a unique opportunity for Queensland to take our active transport network to a global standard,’ said Alton Twine, CEO of Bicycle Queensland. ‘Just last year, Paris showed us what is possible when it comes to effecting change of modality not just in the Games, but as a legacy. Queensland has a lot of the planning in place, and we need to seize this opportunity to deliver a great outcome for the Games, and for Queenslanders.’
Bicycle Queensland has started a new partnership with See.Sense, a cycling technology and data company, aimed at enhancing riding safety across the state. This collaboration combines high quality lights with the ability to report incidents and conditions on your bike routes.
See.Sense’s bike lights are equipped with advanced sensors and connectivity features, designed to help riders stay visible and safe in all conditions. The lights use patented technology to react to their environment, flashing brighter and faster at riskier moments. See.Sense lights are also daylight visible and help riders stay seen by motorists, pedestrians, and other riders whether riding day or night.
But what sets these lights apart is their ability to connect with the See.Sense app, enabling riders to report incidents or hazards they encounter on their rides, as well as access connected features like crash and theft alerts and personal stats. The app provides a platform for riders to make reports about any issues encountered on their ride such as a close pass, potholes, obstruction, or other factors that may impact safety.
In time, this feedback will be shown on a data dashboard on the BQ website and will contribute to better-informed advocacy and decision-making when it comes to improving cycling infrastructure, offering a unique opportunity for riders to directly shape their environment. Aggregated and depersonalised data insights will also be accessible to other partners such as TMR and local councils to help improve conditions for cycling. The data sharing is private, and riders can choose whether or not to opt in. Even if you don’t own See.Sense lights, you can use the See.Sense app to report any issues and record your rides.
This partnership is a natural progression for Bicycle Queensland. By collaborating with See.Sense, BQ is taking a proactive role in improving cycling safety through innovation and technology and using our member base to gain input as to conditions faced by people riding, and what facilities need maintenance. It offers a chance for riders to be individual advocates for infrastructure in their local area.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do,” said Bicycle Queensland CEO, Alton Twine. “By working with See.Sense, we’re not only providing our members with great pricing fora practical tool to improve their safety, but we’re also contributing to a larger effort to gather data that can help shape safer roads and cycling infrastructure for everyone. This partnership will make riding more secure, connected, and enjoyable.”
“At See.Sense we want to enable more people to cycle more often. Through this partnership with BQ, we’re excited to provide insights that will shape safer, smarter roads for everyone. Together, we can create a better cycling experience for Queensland”, says See.Sense CEO, Philip McAleese.
As part of the partnership, BQ members will receive an exclusive 30% discount on See.Sense’s innovative range of smart bike lights, designed to enhance visibility, provide incident reporting, and tailor lighting output to suit varying conditions. These lights are not just about brightening the road ahead and being visible – they are part of a larger effort to make riding safer and smarter. Log in to the BQ Portal to access the discount code.
Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
Bicycle Queensland are set to host a thrilling line-up of riding events in 2025, catering to riders of all abilities, from families to seasoned riders alike. The 2025 calendar promises a diverse range of experiences, from scenic, leisurely rides to challenging gravel trails, all designed to foster a sense of community, adventure, and active lifestyles across Queensland.
Event Summary:
Park Pedal & Scoot Family Events: February – June 2025, Minnippi Parklands
Weekend in Wondai: April 25-27, 2025
Her Ride Sunshine Coast: Starting May 25, 2025
Y2W (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail): July 4-6, 2025
Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend: October 3-6, 2025
Park Pedal & Scoot Family Events: February to June 2025
Kicking off the year, Bicycle Queensland presents a series of six Park Pedal and Scoot events at Minnippi Parklands, running from February 2 to June 29. These events are designed with families in mind, offering a fun and supportive environment for bike and scooter riders of all ages.
Whether you’re introducing your kids to riding or enjoying a leisurely ride through picturesque parklands, Park Pedal and Scoot events provide an opportunity for everyone to get on their bikes, socialise, and enjoy the outdoors. You can expect a range of activities and support, with a focus on creating lasting memories and promoting active lifestyles.
From April 25-27, 2025, the Weekend in Wondai promises to be an unforgettable 3-day riding experience. Set against the backdrop of the charming South Burnett region, this event celebrates both the spirit of ANZAC Day and the joys of bike riding. Combining family-friendly rides with more challenging routes for experienced riders, participants will explore scenic attractions, local history, and the natural beauty of the area on and around the South Burnett Rail Trail.
Event entry includes all catering, ride guides, camping, amenities and evening entertainment. The Weekend in Wondai will be an ideal getaway for riding enthusiasts of all levels, ready to ride the gravel roads and rail trails in the South Burnett region.
Her Ride Sunshine Coast: Empowering Women Cyclists
Starting on May 25, 2025, Her Ride Sunshine Coast will offer a series of nine sessions aimed at building cycling skills, safety, and social interactions for women who ride. The sessions are run on Wednesday and Sunday mornings.
These sessions are designed to empower women cyclists by offering a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can improve their confidence, learn valuable skills, and connect with other women who share a passion for cycling. The program focuses on everything from bike handling to group riding techniques, with a strong emphasis on fun and camaraderie.
From July 4-6, 2025, Y2W will take participants on a 3-day, point-to-point adventure along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. This fully catered and supported event offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Queensland’s most scenic gravel riding routes, starting in Yarraman and finishing in Wulkuraka.
Descending the range to Linville on the BVRT
Riders will pass through charming towns, enjoy spectacular rural landscapes, and experience the thrill of long-distance gravel riding. Overnight stays in Linville and Esk will host evening entertainment, with equipped camp villages providing well-deserved rest after each day’s adventure. This event is a must for gravel enthusiasts and gravel-curious riders alike.
The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend is back in 2025, moving to Mundubbera for October 3-6, 2025. The event offers a 4-day riding experience along parts of the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail and other surrounding areas. Participants will enjoy a mix of diverse rides, from relaxed routes to more challenging adventure trails, all set in the historically rich and visually stunning landscape of the region.
Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
With plenty of opportunities to explore the local sights, history, and wildlife, this event promises to be a memorable ride for all involved. The diverse terrain, full-service campsites, evening entertainment and catering makes this an event that riders won’t want to miss.
With events that cater to families, women, and seasoned cyclists, Bicycle Queensland’s 2025 event calendar offers something for everyone.
‘Bicycle Queensland has a long history of delivering great value, fun events throughout Queensland, and I’m proud that we are delivering such an extensive calendar for 2025,’ said Alton Twine, CEO of Bicycle Queensland. ‘The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail event in May 2024 was our first multi-day event in years, and the response was really positive. So while we’ll be going back to Central Queensland in 2025, we are also expanding our events to include more for young families and gravel riders alike.’
‘This event line up is an important step for Bicycle Queensland, and it is a precursor to bringing more great events to many regions of Queensland in the coming years.’
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely weekend getaway or an epic multi-day gravel ride, these events provide the perfect mix of adventure, community, and outdoor exploration. Get ready to saddle up and enjoy the best of Queensland cycling in 2025!
Park Pedal and Scoot, Weekend in Wondai, Her Ride and the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend are all made possible thanks to support from the Queensland Government.
The Sono Lumo lights festival at Star Casino is causing an issue for bike and scooter riders who use the Bicentennial Bikeway. The event organisers had required that riders must dismount from 4-11pm to travel through the Festival area at Queen’s Wharf.
Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine said: “It is unacceptable to require bike riders to dismount on their commute home on Brisbane’s busiest bikeway. The timing applied to date is simply too restrictive. We’ve heard from plenty of members who are having to find other routes to bypass this event.”
There has been also significant protest about this blockage from Brisbane CBD BUG and Space4Cycling.
BQ had earlier spoken to Destination Brisbane Consortium before the festival began, and had offered a solution that would enable commuters to continue to ride through the space (Queen’s Wharf Plaza) which bisects the Bicentennial Bikeway at the new casino, until the end of the evening peak.
Today BQ spoke with organisers of the event and let them know of the concerns of the cycling community, asking for a push-back on the timing that will at least allow for the evening commute to occur without interruption. Star Casino have agreed to not enforce the dismount until it is necessary for safety reasons, and have asked all bike riders to please ride slowly through the event zone. BQ’s understanding is that the requirement to dismount will now be after the evening peak. We remain concerned about this situation and will continue to monitor it until we have an outcome that allows people using this space for active transport to do so safely and conveniently.
At the heart of the issue is the poor design choices made in this area when part of this transport corridor was surrendered to become part of this precinct. The State could have kept the bikeway separate to the multi-use area, but have compromised both the integrity of the corridor and the safety of all users by choosing not to. When an event like Sono Lumo comes along, this failure becomes all too evident.
BQ has also raised with Destination Brisbane Consortium our concern over the rumble strips placed on the bikeway near Queens Wharf Plaza without consultation with any bike groups. We believe that these strips are unnecessary, and a safety concern especially for e-scooter riders. This is an on-going concern and we have no news to report on that matter.
It is clear that Queens Wharf Plaza must have an uninterrupted path for bike riders that can be ridden safely and conveniently 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It is part of the Bicentennial Bikeway, the most popular bike route into Brisbane’s CBD.
On January 1 2025, Bicycle Queensland memberships will have a minor price increase. All annual memberships will have a total price increase of $4, and any monthly memberships will have an increase of 50c per month.
Annual Individual
$138
Annual Household of 2
$176
Annual Household of 3+
$202
Annual Concession
$103
Annual BQ Supporter
$53
Monthly Inidividual
$13.49
Monthly Household of 2
$16.49
Monthly Household of 3+
$18.49
Monthly Concession
$10.49
Monthly BQ Supporter
$5.50
We were pleased to hold pricing steady through 2024 but have needed to introduce this minor price increase in line with CPI. For more details, email bqinfo@bq.org.au or call our office on 07 3844 1144.
