Tag: Bicycle queensland

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Advocacy

Mt Coot-tha Draft Vision reveals potential wins  

Source: Visit Brisbane

Changes to road riding conditions, improvements to mountain bike trails and better connections to surrounding suburbs are among the opportunities identified in Brisbane City Council’s Draft Mt Coot-tha Vision 2026–2046. 

The 20-year Vision, developed by Brisbane Sustainability Agency on behalf of Council, outlines a long-term approach to protecting and enhancing one of Brisbane’s most popular outdoor recreation destinations. The document was developed using extensive community consultation, including with BQ. 

Several proposals stand out for bike riders. 

Could Mt Coot-tha become safer for road cyclists? 

One of the most interesting proposals is looking at improvements to cycling safety on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, one of Brisbane’s best-known riding routes. 

The draft specifically identifies the section between Simpsons Road and the Paramount site (Network 10). Commonly known as Coot-tha back, this area will have further investigation including the possibility of introducing one-way vehicle sections which could provide safer separation for riders while maintaining vehicular access. Bicycle Queensland has been in favour of this idea for more than a decade, but the presence on the mountain of workplaces (the TV stations) has blocked its introduction. 

Better mountain bike trails and connections 

Mt Coot-tha and Gap Creek already offers around 25km of mountain bike trails, and the draft Vision supports continued improvements to the trail network. 

This includes building on the existing Mt Coot-tha Reserve Mountain Bike Concept Plan, improving the trail experience and exploring opportunities for better connections. 

Source: Visit Brisbane

The Vision also identifies a potential long-distance trail connection towards D’Aguilar National Park, creating opportunities to link recreational experiences across Brisbane’s western bushland areas. This is something BQ is really excited about – there are a lot of opportunities to have nationally significant riding experiences launching from Brisbane. 

Making it easier to ride to Mt Coot-tha 

The draft recognises that reaching Mt Coot-tha without a car can be challenging. But should it be expected that we can drive to the top of a mountain? 

Proposals include improving walking and cycling connections to surrounding neighbourhoods and Brisbane’s existing active transport network, particularly through Toowong and the Sylvan Road corridor. If the bridge from West End eventuates in the future, proper active transport connections to green spaces like Mt Coot-tha must be prioritised. 

Better wayfinding and cycling infrastructure between destinations, trailheads and arrival points are also identified.  

Bike shuttles and new recreational destinations 

The Vision raises the possibility of dedicated bike shuttle services to destinations including Gap Creek, as well as future low-emission shuttles capable of carrying bicycles where practical. That means riders visiting could park near the front side, with a shuttle to the main trails. However, BQ believes this cannot be at the expense of bikeway and trail connections for those who want to ride to the trails. 

Meanwhile, the proposed transformation of the 26-hectare Mt Coot-tha Quarry into parklands could create new opportunities for outdoor recreation – right next to a large capital city. 

A proposed Arrival Hub between the Botanic Gardens and future Quarry Parklands would also incorporate cycling connections and help visitors move between destinations without relying on a car. 

What does BQ think? 

BQ welcomes the recognition of riding within the draft Vision, particularly the opportunities to improve road safety, trail access and connections to surrounding communities.  

But riding needs to be considered as part of a connected network for the surrounding areas, rather than a series of individual projects. 

“We are all for making the back of the Mt Coot-tha loop safer for bike riders,” said CEO Dr Matthew Burke. “Something needs to be done and BQ will seek to be part of the investigations proposed in this plan.” 

“Mt Coot-tha has been a premier riding location for both mountain bikers and road cyclists for decades, so it’s great to see that BCC is taking these needs seriously in its vision document,” added Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack. 

“The provision of both a capital budget for trail and infrastructure builds, and a well-resourced maintenance budget, would go a long way to turning this vision into facilities that make Brisbane a better place to live.” 

The Draft Mt Coot-tha Vision is a long-term planning document, and the proposed initiatives will require further investigation, consultation and, where appropriate, funding and approvals before delivery. 

read the draft vision
have your say on the draft vision

Categories
Advocacy Events

Hallowheelin takes over Brisbane

Costumes, creepy surprises, a mobile DJ and a pumping disco made Bicycle Queensland’s first Hallowheelin ride with Pedal Party a Halloween to remember!

Brisbane’s riverside bikeways came alive with ghosts, skeletons, monsters and plenty of laughter on Saturday 31 October, as BQ and Pedal Party Magandjin joined forces for the first-ever Hallowheelin ride.

The free, family-friendly event was a sell-out, bringing together kids of all ages, parents and riders keen to celebrate Halloween on two wheels – and have a party by bike. And if the smiles, laughter and impromptu dance moves were anything to go by, it certainly won’t be the last!

The incredible energy and enthusiasm of Pedal Party Magandjin made the evening what it was. The team brought their unique blend of bikes, music and community spirit to the event. Leading the festivities was a custom-built dual tandem spider bike, complete with a mobile DJ pumping out tunes as the colourful procession rolled from South Bank to the Botanic Gardens and back again.

A little spooky, a lot of fun

The fun started at South Bank as riders arrived and checked in. Face painting helped transform young riders (and older riders) into their Halloween alter egos before everyone set off on a riverside adventure.

From South Bank, the costumed crew crossed the Goodwill Bridge with the mobile souns system cranking out the tunes and turning heads. The rolling party made its into the City Botanic Gardens, where a particularly gruesome surprise awaited.

The challenge? Reach into a monster’s mouth, and dig out some treats from its guts!

With plenty of squeals and laughter, the spaghetti monster proved a highlight of the evening.

As the sun waned, the ride continued through Queen’s Wharf before returning to South Bank. Pedal Party kicked it up a notch with their Halloween disco!

With the sun down, portable lights set up and the music pumping, riders were led through dance moves as the celebrations kicked into another gear. The energy was so infectious that even bystanders couldn’t resist joining in.

For one evening, Hallowheelin reminded those out on the town that bikes aren’t just a way to get from A to B. Bikes can be part of just about anything, and on this night bikes were the centre of a rolling celebration, bringing families, friends and complete strangers together to let their hair down, dress up and have a boogie.

For BQ, Hallowheelin was a wonderful reminder of something that can sometimes get lost in conversations about transport, infrastructure and road safety: riding a bike is fun!

BQ CEO Dr Matthew Burke, who swapped his usual attire for a skeleton onesie to become ‘Dr Bones’ for the evening, said the event demonstrated what happens when families have the opportunity to enjoy riding together in a welcoming environment.

“Halloween is now the most dangerous night of the year to be a child on American streets. Not because of monsters; because of motor vehicles and their dangerous speeds. Australia’s suburbs have similar problems emerging. So, we created a great fun and safe alternative to enjoy Halloween and everyone loved it.”

The event was designed to highlight the importance of making streets and public spaces safer and more welcoming for children and families. When riding feels safe, accessible and enjoyable, more people are willing to give it a go. And when the experience is this much fun, they’re far more likely to come back for more.

“Our small neighbourhood streets should be safe enough for families to ride a bike with their children. That’s a no-brainer. But our street speeds are way too high in Australia, and especially in Queensland. Governments around the world are adopting 30km/h or 20miles/h laws for small local streets to make them safe for children, not just for Halloween, but for every night of the year. 

A huge part of Hallowheelin’s success was the creativity, passion and infectious enthusiasm of Pedal Party Magandjin.

From the extraordinary, custom-built mobile DJ bike to the games, music and disco, their commitment to making riding a shared celebration helped turn a simple family ride into something truly memorable.

“We had so much fun on the inaugural Hallowheelin ride and we can’t wait for next year,” said Pedal Party’s Kathryn Good. “Getting people to have fun and take over the streets on their bikes is our favourite activity!”

Bicycle Queensland extends a huge thank you to Pedal Party Magandjin, everyone who helped bring the event to life, and of course all the families and riders who dressed up, decorated their bikes and joined the fun.

Although Hallowheelin was a Halloween celebration, it’s a reminder that by creating a safe environment for families and friends to use bikes to get around only has positive implications.

And besides, who doesn’t love a bike ride that ends with a disco?

Categories
Advocacy

Nominate for the 2026 Bicycle Queensland Awards

Great things happen for bike riding when passionate people, community groups and decision-makers get behind it. Bicycle Queensland wants to recognise those making a difference, and we’re calling for nominations for our 2026 Bicycle Queensland Awards.

Across Queensland, individuals and organisations are working to make bike riding safer, more accessible and more enjoyable. From grassroots community initiatives and local advocacy to the people shaping policy and delivering better infrastructure, their efforts deserve recognition.

Following the success of our 2025 awards, Bicycle Queensland is expanding the program to four categories in 2026, recognising contributions from individuals, community groups, elected officials and public servants.

Four opportunities to recognise great work

  • Individual Award: Recognising someone who has made an outstanding contribution to bike riding, whether through advocacy, volunteering, leadership or community involvement.
  • Community Group Award: Celebrating a group or organisation making a positive difference to bike riding in its community.
  • Elected Official Award: Recognising an elected representative who has demonstrated leadership and commitment to improving conditions for people who ride.
  • Public Servant Award: Acknowledging someone working within government who has helped deliver better outcomes for bike riding through planning, policy, programs or infrastructure.

Whether it’s a volunteer championing local trails, a community group encouraging more people to ride, or someone working behind the scenes to deliver safer cycling infrastructure, we want to hear about them.

Nominate someone making a difference

Nominations are open to the Queensland riding community, and you can nominate across one or more categories.

Simply tell us who you’re nominating, their role or organisation, and why you believe they deserve recognition.

nominate now!

Award recipients will be recognised at Bicycle Queensland’s end-of-year function in December 2026.

Help us celebrate the people helping make Queensland a better place to ride.

Categories
Events

BQ’s Weekend at The Downs was a huge success!

Quiet country roads, fantastic hospitality and a strong sense of community made Bicycle Queensland’s inaugural Weekend at The Downs a resounding success, with 220 riders enjoying three days of cycling on the Darling Downs.

Held from 23–25 October at Brymaroo Rodeo and Campdraft, north of Toowoomba, the sold-out event brought riders together for a weekend of gravel riding, camping, great food and entertainment, while delivering valuable fundraising opportunities for local schools and community organisations.

Delivered in partnership with the Rotary Club of Toowoomba, with support from the Queensland Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Weekend at The Downs showcased the benefits of bringing cycling events to regional Queensland.

Despite some passing rain, and a lot of rain on the east coast, riders enjoyed excellent conditions across Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, exploring quiet rural gravel and back roads on routes designed to suit a range of abilities.

Bicycle Queensland CEO Dr Matthew Burke said the atmosphere throughout the weekend had been overwhelmingly positive.

“People are super happy. Last night, there was rain outside the big shelter shed, but inside was just all smiles,” Dr Burke said.

“The riding’s been great. As one very wise man who came in off the ride said to me, ‘All the cars that I did not see were so great.'”

With minimal traffic, beautiful countryside and plenty of opportunities to ride with friends old and new, the event offered a memorable experience for participants.

Country hospitality delivers for local schools

One of the highlights of Weekend at The Downs was the warm welcome riders received from the small communities along the routes.

At Quinalow State School on Saturday, students and volunteers prepared a generous spread of food and refreshments, with the stop raising close to $2,000 for the school.

“The state school that we stopped at on the ride yesterday absolutely turned it on with treats for the riders. Really hospitable, really great spread. They absolutely went for it,” Dr Burke said.

Rotary Club of Toowoomba’s Steve Wilson said the visit was particularly rewarding because students had helped organise the stop as part of their Certificate II in Volunteering.

“The kids did all the preparation. It was part of a Cert II in volunteering. So it was a win-win for them and us,” Mr Wilson said.

“They were super enthusiastic, and we raised close to $2,000, which was a lot of money for a small school.”

Sunday brought another enthusiastic welcome at Kulpi State School, where parents, students and volunteers turned out to provide refreshments for riders.

These community stops were about more than a chance to refuel. They provided opportunities for small schools to raise funds, engage students in volunteering and share their hospitality with visitors to the region.

A partnership with a purpose

Weekend at The Downs marked a new chapter for the Rotary Club of Toowoomba, building on its experience delivering Ride the Range and embracing a new multi-day event format.

Mr Wilson said the success of the inaugural event had exceeded expectations.

“I am ecstatic that the event has gone so well. The weather’s cooperated with us. We had great registrations, great support from the BQ team, pulling all that together. It’s been wonderful,” he said.

“The people here are so friendly and everyone seems to have just had smiles on their faces the whole time.”

While Bicycle Queensland managed rider registrations, communications and event delivery alongside its experienced ride volunteers, Rotary brought invaluable local knowledge, volunteers and catering expertise.

That included the enormous task of preparing six meals for approximately 250 riders and volunteers across the weekend.

“The catering and the food side of it, to feed, with volunteers, about 250 people, for six meals and have the quality that Sean and the team have done has been exceptional,” Mr Wilson said.

Dr Burke said the complementary strengths of the two organisations had been fundamental to the event’s success.

“The Rotary Club have been fantastic partners. They bring a lot of local volunteers. They’ve handled the catering, they’ve handled a lot of setup at the site,” he said.

The partnership also meant the event could deliver a significant charitable contribution.

With raffles, auctions and fundraising activities held across the weekend, organisers anticipate the event will raise approximately $25,000–$30,000 for Rotary’s charitable work.

That includes youth programs in the Toowoomba region, alongside international projects in Papua New Guinea and Cambodia.

Dr Burke said riders had also appreciated learning more about the important work Rotary undertakes.

“They told their story last night to the riders. They had people come up afterwards and tell me they just never knew that the service clubs did this kind of stuff,” he said.

“They’re our charity partner on this event as well as our delivery partner.”

Mr Wilson thanked participants for their generosity and support.

“I would just like to thank everyone for their generosity. The riders, the participants, the volunteers, have all been very enthusiastic with the support of our auction,” he said.

A great foundation for the future

For BQ, the success of Weekend at The Downs reinforces the value of regional cycling events that go beyond simply providing great rides, as we build our suite of events across the state.

By partnering with local organisations, involving schools and community groups, and encouraging riders to explore regional destinations, these events create lasting benefits for the communities that host them.

With the inaugural event selling out and receiving such enthusiastic feedback, there is already optimism about what the future might hold.

“Because the first time has been so successful and everyone’s so enthusiastic, I am sure that we’re going to get a lot of positive feedback,” Mr Wilson said.

Bicycle Queensland extends its thanks to the Rotary Club of Toowoomba, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the local schools and communities, and the many volunteers who helped make the weekend possible. We’re also grateful for the support of Winners Nutrition, Ground Effect Cycle Clothing and PieProof Helmets for the event.

And, of course, a huge thank you to the 220 riders who embraced the experience, supported the local communities and helped make the inaugural Weekend at The Downs such a success.

Categories
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 haspublished a list of Authorised Verifiers .

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