Categories
Advocacy

BICYCLE QUEENSLAND NEEDS YOU!  

Let the State and Federal Government know you want the Logan Faster Rail Active Transport Corridor reinstated

The project team involved in designing and building the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project have dumped two key sections of bikeway from the long-promised continuous Active Transport Corridor that was part of the project. We need your help to get a continuous, safe, cycling route reinstated.  

Long bikeways are rare in South East Queensland. The Logan Faster Rail Active Transport Corridor was to be three times longer than Ipswich Road in Brisbane, providing a safe riding corridor all the way from Kuraby to Beenleigh.  

Transport and Main Roads were relying on it for their own Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Tourism Route. Logan City was relying on it for their Logan Bicycle Network.  

Reference to the “continuous active transport corridor” has now been scrubbed from the project website. Despite this, Transport and Main Roads is not consulting the public about this important change.  

The Logan Bicycle User Group and Bicycle Queensland briefed six weeks after first asking for information. We were informed that instead of a continuous route, the section paralleling Jacaranda Ave between Woodridge and Kingston Stations was to be axedSo was the section from Compton Road north to Kuraby Station. That is despite the land being purchased for the Active Transport Corridor already.  

Our highest priority is reinstating the Woodridge to Kingston section. This would deliver most of the continuous bikeway initially promised. It is also the section that directly services four important schools with 4,000 students: Kingston State School, Groves Christian College, and Kingston State College, all just off the rail corridor, and Loganlea State High School that is smack bang on the corridor south of Kingston Station.  

But really, the whole Active Transport Corridor should be immediately reinstated. Both the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments have promised that whenever they build large transport projects, that they will include active transport as a key part of the project. This decision breaks that promise by both levels of Government. It was the then Transport Minister Anthony Albanese who brought this “positive provision” policy in at Commonwealth level. 

It makes sense: bicycle routes are needed to help people access the stations along the corridor, if we don’t build them as part of the project it is way more expensive to build it later. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you want to ride safely from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, or live down near Woodridge and Kingston, please act now: 

  1. Let the project team know your thoughts directly at: logangoldcoastrail@tmr.qld.gov.au 
  1. Write, call or email your local State Member of Parliament and ask them to raise the issue directly, via the details available here.

State MPs in the area are Melissa McMahon (MP for Macalister, email macalister@parliament.qld.gov.au), James Martin (MP for Stretton, email Stretton@parliament.qld.gov.au), the Hon Cameron Dick (MP for Woodridge, email Woodridge@parliament.qld.gov.au) and the Hon Shannon Fentiman (MP for Waterford, email: Waterford@parliament.qld.gov.au). (All of these are Labor MPs, if that assists in shaping your message). 

  1. Write, call or email your local Federal Member of Parliament to ask them to reinstate the Active Transport Corridor – that the Commonwealth also agreed to fund: for details click here.

Federal MPs in the area are Julie-Ann Campbell (MP for Moreton, Julie-Ann.Campbell.MP@aph.gov.au), Rowan Holzberger (MP for Forde email: Rowan.Holzberger.MP@aph.gov.au, and the Hon Jim Chalmers (MP for Rankin, email: jim.chalmers.mp@aph.gov.au). (Again, these are all Labor MPs, but in this case it is a Labor Federal Government which is part-funding this project).  

ANYTHING ELSE 

If you have children or grand-children at Kingston State School, Groves Christian College, Kingston State College, or Loganlea State High School, please contact your local Parents & Citizens Association, and ask them to fight for the bikeway.  

As the project team has decided not to consult the public about the removal of the bikeway corridor, there is no firm deadline to get your submission in. But the project will soon move from the design phase into construction. Then it will be too late.  

They’ve bought the land already. Let’s get the Active Transport Corridor built.  

Please act fast! It can’t wait until after Christmas.  

Categories
Partner News

Bicycle Queensland celebrates 2025 

Bicycle Queensland celebrated a big 2025 with partners, members, advocates and stakeholders in Brisbane last night. The end of year function was held at the Queensland Parliament. The Hon. Brent Mickelberg, Queensland’s Minister for Transport and Main Roads, and the Hon. Bart Mellish, the Shadow Minister, both spoke at the event. This recognises the importance of cycling for government and how BQ is helping more Queenslanders to get out bike riding. 

The Chair of BQ, the Hon. Rachel Nolan, was there. So was the Hon. Mark Bailey – who also previously held the transport portfolio in state government. Other guests ranged from bicycle retailers, members of Bicycle User Groups, other MPs, local councillors, bicycle bureaucrats, organisations that have partnered with us on our advocacy, and members of the BQ board.  

The past 12 months saw BQ jumping back into events, expanding our regional advocacy, campaigning on e-mobility, and appointing a new CEO in Matthew Burke. The evening presented an opportunity to not just reflect on 2025, but to look forward. As Chair Rachel Nolan noted: 

‘We’re an organisation of a huge network of friends and fellow travellers. We are about bikes, obviously, but we are also about bikes and active transport more broadly. And I think bikes are the best mechanism to change the fundamental nature of the world we live in.’ 

‘What we envisage at BQ is … at its simplest, a transport system where [providing for and using bikes] is a mainstream idea. Not a transport system in which that’s an add on. We want cities, in some way like they used to be – where kids can ride to school, where it is safe and nobody really gives that a second thought.’ 

Minister Brent Mickelberg spoke about the recent wins and the challenges in the transport space, and the opportunities for local governments right now: 

‘This week we were pleased to announce our new Active Transport Grants program, unifying the local government cycling and walking grant programs into a single streamlined program, to represent fresh ways to work with local councils… in a more flexible model.’ 

He also noted the importance of Brisbane 2032 and its relevance for visitors as well as for residents during the Games and beyond. 

‘We want to support and encourage active travel as it relates to 2032, it’s really important to maximise those opportunities for residents and visitors to walk and to ride to Games but also to other key destinations across the state. It’s a catalyst for us to invest in communities. Active transport is a big part of where we need to go. Active transport corridors will be important for 2032 but will also provide a legacy for active transport post 2032 – that’s a key priority for the government.’  

BQ was especially pleased that the Minister noted the importance of creating bike and micromobility parking as an essential feature to encourage and support active transport for the Games. Most members will be aware there is negligible bike parking at most Queensland stadiums.  

Shadow Minister Bart Mellish spoke about the impact that Bicycle Queensland and Bicycle User Groups have not just on developing cycling communities, but also their advocacy for safe cycling: 

‘I also want to acknowledge the input Bicycle Queensland has had into the inquiry into e-mobility; both Matt and Rachel have been engaging in a very positive way, which I really appreciate. This is a really important thing for governments to get right.’ 

Mellish also discussed how the 2032 opportunity is such an important thing to get right, looking to the recent examples and success of Paris, with how their investment in infrastructure saw such a dramatic mode shift not just for the Games, but as an ongoing transport choice. 

Our CEO Matthew Burke addressed guests celebrating recent wins for cycling, such as the new active transport links on the Coomera Connector on the Gold Coast. He noted BQ had written to TMR’s Nerang Office to congratulate them on that work. At the same time, he noted TMR’s rail branch had deleted a key part of the funded active transport corridor between Woodridge and Kingston on the Faster Rail project. BQ will be trying to get this reinstated.  

He also noted the success of this year’s Weekend at Wondai event and that we are going to repeat the same event format, with minor improvements, in a new Weekend at Pomona in 2026. BQ will also be doing a “Hallowheeling” family ride as part of a road safety campaign around Halloween, when many US children are killed and injured each year. 

Inaugural BQ Awards 

Matt took the opportunity to make three Bicycle Queensland awards for major achievements for individual bicycle advocacy, for leadership and for community project achievement, as judged by BQ staff. In 2026, we aim to open these awards to formal nominations from our members in a broader, open process. 

Excellence in Individual Advocacy: Kathryn Good 

Kathryn helped lead the Story Bridge Active Travel Alliance and its Bike Bus, a project that created a safe crossing of Brisbane’s Story Bridge after the shared paths on either side were closed by the Brisbane City Council. The advocacy helped bring forward Council’s actions to fix and re-open this important part of the bike network, in a shorter timeline than many had expected. Kathryn is also part of Pedal Party – a group that organises fun and inclusive mass rides in Brisbane, including an upcoming night-time ‘glow ride’ in January. She noted:  

‘It’s critical now more than ever, that we keep engaging with our local representatives at every level of government. They have so much power over our everyday lives in this city when it comes to transport infrastructure.’ 

Excellence in Leadership: Councillor Peter Mitchell 

With his team at Redlands City Council, Cr Peter Mitchell has delivered a more connected and inclusive network of active transport pathways and riding facilities through the Redlands Coast Active Transport Strategy. He helped revitalise Council’s active transport committee, engaging with local cyclists. He also helped bring cycling to greater importance within the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), hosting their first forum on cycling earlier this year. Peter said:

‘People who are riding or walking are problem solvers. We’re solving problems with the environment; we’re solving problems in the economy; and, we are solving problems with transportation. We’re not beggars. We are part of the solution and all of the data supports that.’ 

Excellence in Community Project Achievement: Mike and Margie Browne, Pioneer Valley Rail Trail 

Establishing a rail trail is an exhausting process, working with the (very good) Rail Corridor Management team at TMR, local government and other partners. It takes a lot of paperwork and a lot of late nights for the volunteers who take it on. Though others started the journey towards getting the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail established, it was Mike and Margie Browne who led the group that has now made the first 7km section a reality. With other trail development happening in Eungella, there is the potential for the valley to become a world-class cycle tourism destination. On receiving the award, Mike Browne said: 

‘The Pioneer Valley Rail Trail is now a permanent fixture in the Pioneer Valley and the Mackay area – it just needed someone to build it so they would come. We’ve got buy-in now from all levels of government… and we really appreciate the support of Bicycle Queensland and everyone here.’ 

Beyond the awards and speeches, the evening offered the chance for stakeholders, partners and advocates to connect, discuss projects and engage with policy makers. At Bicycle Queensland we would like to say thank you to every one of our members for being with us in 2025. We hope to achieve more for you, our members and supporters, in 2026.

Categories
Advocacy

Bicycle Queensland Brisbane Forums Wrap Up 

After leading Bicycle Queensland’s recent series of regional forums throughout Queensland, BQ’s Director of Advocacy, Andrew Demack, hosted the last round of meetings with BQ members, bike riders and local communities had forums held in Logan, and across Brisbane’s south, east, north, west and CBD. Overall, the message from riders around the state suggests that Queensland has examples of great infrastructure, but too many gaps and stalled projects. Many feel that missed opportunities are limiting progress. 

Across the state, Andrew heard from highly engaged riders pushing for networks that are safe, connected, and genuinely useful for daily transport and recreation. And while the themes differed by region, the underlying sentiment was consistent: Queensland can do far better. 

Logan 

“Logan is a really active group and really deeply engaged in trying to push council along… to fill gaps in the network and to have a forward plan that works for the community,” said Andrew of the meeting in Logan. 

Two issues dominated the conversation. 

First is the long-awaited Bethania–Beaudesert rail corridor. Planning exists, funding has been allocated, and locals have been waiting for construction to begin. 

“One of the frustrations is how long these things take to get started. This has been a project that’s been on the books such a long time, and has seemed to us to be ready to be built for the last four or five years as well. And so we’d love to see Logan Council actually start on that project.” 

The second issue is the Queensland Government’s commitment, which is now in doubt, to deliver a continuous active transport corridor from Kuraby to Beenleigh as part of the Logan–Gold Coast Faster Rail project. 

Andrew says the project appears to be reneging on that promise: 
“It’s a one-time opportunity… the bits that are being included are really good, and the bits that are missing are tragic. If we don’t get this, we’re missing a huge opportunity.” 

South Brisbane 

The south side forum drew an unexpectedly diverse crowd, with a broader spread of ages than most other forums. Given the area has a number of schools with strong active-travel programs, a lot more families are involved in cycling and advocacy for better active transport. 

A key corridor to improve and enhance this growth is on Annerley Road. 
 
“People would like to travel safely on their bikes along Annerley Road and currently find it daunting and dangerous,” reports Andrew. 

Parents from schools including Yeronga State School and Sherwood Community Kindergarten are driving change: 
“At Yeronga State School, there’s a riding school bus, which is such a great program,” Andrew added. The benefits of schools and kindergartens encouraging riding are near limitless, helping set habits for a bright future. 

East Brisbane 

A word cloud from this forum would reveal worlds like ‘disappointment’ and ‘challenges’, with Andrew noting that council has made “no progress at all” on safe commuting or transport routes. While other parts of the city have a mix of routes that either work to connect within the suburbs or into the city, east of Woolloongabba very little exists for riders looking for transport links, although the update to the Murrarie Criterium Circuit has been well-received. 

North Brisbane 

On the north side, priorities justifiably revolve around the unfinished section of the North Brisbane Bikeway. 

“We’ve got a really high-quality bikeway… and then it stops at a crucial location, half a kilometre short of what would make such a massive difference,” explained Andrew. 

That missing 500 metres, he says, would unlock an entire network, letting riders connect from Sandgate to the City, or the airport to the City, on safe and accessible routes. 
 
“It’s really frustrating… and we also haven’t seen any progress on the alternative route council proposed.” 

Other barriers like Kedron Brook Road were also raised, described as “super hazardous to bike riders” and a reason many simply don’t ride. 

West Brisbane 

The west is pretty well served for trunk infrastructure, and many attendees acknowledged they have “access to all of the routes I want to ride,” especially for recreation. 

But major severance issues remain – the Achilles heel for any transport network. 

Lambert Road, from Indooroopilly Station toward the university remains a barrier. Recent major works at the former Moggill Road roundabout have delivered major works for motorised traffic “but the active transport outcomes are negative. We didn’t get anything that was really useful for bikes or for walking,” confirmed Andrew. 

Brisbane CBD 

The CBD forum focused less on specific routes and more on systemic issues in and around Brisbane’s Central Business District. 

The priority of bikes in the planning process has not been achieved, and riders expressed concern that existing policies and standards which should guide safe cycling design aren’t being applied. 

With Brisbane 2032 approaching, the urgency is increasing. 

BQ CEO Matt’s message was repeated at the forum – Paris committed to and built 60km of bikeways ahead of the Games, something that stands in stark contrast to Brisbane, where we have zero kilometres of bikeways planned for 2032. 

Time to design and construct them is rapidly slipping away, and the lack of planning and action was a concern for those in attendance. 

The statewide picture 

Across all regions, Andrew emphasised that Bicycle Queensland’s members are extraordinary advocates. 

“We have this amazing resource of people who have committed their time and effort to cycling advocacy. These are people who provide a good critique and they’re there to help.” 

But he also heard deep frustration from around Queensland. 

“From all the forums, there is a belief that Queensland has stalled in the investment and stalled in the ongoing planning. And Queensland has also stalled in linking up the parts of a network that we’ve got.” 

Half done is not halfway there when it comes to a cycle network. Where networks are broken or incomplete, Andrew noted that most people aren’t willing to ride. 
 
BQ’s proposed campaign to “complete the State Cycle Network” was strongly supported everywhere it was raised. 

But one issue is universal across the state is that “Nobody thinks we’re spending the right amount of money yet on bikes.” Andrew also noted that there is a driving need for proper investment at a Federal level, as the $100 million funding over 4 years was completely over-subscribed. Australia, and Queensland, needs a rethink on transport investment. 

“If we continue to just build big roads, we get big traffic.” 

Categories
Press releases

2026 Bicycle Queensland Membership Pricing

From January 1 2026, Bicycle Queensland memberships will have a minor price change.

Annual Individual$143
Annual Household of 2$185
Annual Household of 3+$199
Annual Concession$106
Annual BQ Supporter$49
Monthly Inidividual$13.99
Monthly Household of 2$16.99
Monthly Household of 3+$18.99
Monthly Concession$10.99
Monthly BQ Supporter$4.99

Bicycle Queensland has aimed to keep pricing as low as possible, but the price changes reflect the average 3.5% inflation and additional rising costs. Not all membership prices have increased, with a saving for Household of 3+ memberships to assist households with cost of living, and a reduction in the BQ Supporter membership as there is no insurance element within that membership.

For more details, email info@bq.org.au or call our office on 07 3844 1144.

Categories
Advocacy

Has your school applied for the School Transport Infrastructure Program? 

Bicycle Queensland (BQ) is encouraging schools across the state to apply for the School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP) before nominations close on November 17. 

The Crisafulli Government has committed $4 million this financial year to the program, which funds projects that improve safety and accessibility around schools. Eligible projects include upgrades to drop-off and pick-up facilities, bikeways and shared paths, bus zones, pedestrian refuges and crossings.  

The program aims to make it easier and safer for children to walk, ride or take public transport to school, rather than relying on car travel. 

Over the next four years, the program will receive $27.5 million, with $4 million allocated to new projects this financial year. 

While the new funding is welcome, with nearly 1800 schools across Queensland, the current pool will average out to a little over $13,500 per school for the entire program – highlighting the need for a broader commitment to long-term investment, and to invest in behavioural change. 

BQ CEO Professor Matthew Burke said the funding represents an opportunity for schools to put forward practical, community-led safety improvements, but it should also be a starting point for deeper reform. 

“We’re encouraging every school to apply – this is money that can make a real difference for children’s safety and independence,” Professor Burke said. 

“But improving safety around schools won’t be possible via infrastructure with this level of investment. We need changes to regulations to support programs that work overseas, including lower speed limits near schools and utilising trained school crossing supervisors to make temporary street closures, creating safe ‘School Streets’ zones like those in Europe, Korea and the UK.” 

Bicycle Queensland continues to advocate for safer school environments that encourage more active travel. As highlighted in BQ’s recent article on changing school drop-off habits, reducing car dependence for school trips could help ease congestion, improve air quality, and boost children’s health and wellbeing. 

“Every parent knows how chaotic the school gate can be,” Professor Burke said. “But if we shift the focus from car drop-offs to safe, independent journeys on foot, by bike or on a scooter, we can make our communities calmer, healthier and safer.” 

Schools can get more details from the Department of Transport and Main Roads website

Categories
Events

Thousands ride the 2025 Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer 

Almost 4,000 cyclists took to the road on a humid Sunday, 12 October, for one of Queensland’s most iconic charity rides – the Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer. Riders rolled out in waves from Brisbane’s South Bank before making their way along the 100-kilometre route to Southport, cheered on by supporters and volunteers the whole way. 

The event, delivered by the Mater Foundation in partnership with Bicycle Queensland, continues to unite the riding community while raising funds to support cancer research, treatment, and care. This year’s event was one for the record books, with participants raising close to $700,000 to support the Mater’s life-changing work. 

Rowan Foster from Mater Foundation said the generosity of the community was what made the event so special. 

“Nearly 4,000 people out there today riding from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, this is an incredible result. A lot of people are doing it with purpose, supporting or honouring a loved one affected by cancer. We’ve raised a record result this year, close to $700,000. It’s been a fantastic day.” 

For the riders who tackled the B2GC the event is both a personal challenge and a celebration of cycling in Queensland. We saw a host of jerseys on the road and at Southport from many B2GC events over the years – and a few from our previous Cycle Queensland events as well. Neopro were even on site at the finish to measure up riders who were looking to order their own jersey as a memento. 

The course offered an unforgettable experience, including almost 20 kilometres of traffic-free riding on the South East Busway, giving participants the rare thrill of cruising along one of Brisbane’s busiest commuter corridors with nothing but bikes in sight. 

This year also saw strong participation from regional Queenslanders and interstate visitors alike – a sign of the event’s growing appeal and reputation for quality organisation, community spirit, and on-road safety. A team from Yeppoon was even one of the top fundraisers! 

Bicycle Queensland’s partnership with the Mater Foundation continues to play a vital role in supporting this major event. From rider communications and advocacy to event operations and marshalling, BQ’s involvement helps ensure thousands of Queenslanders can safely enjoy this signature ride each year. 

A huge thank you goes out to the event marshals, volunteers, Queensland Police, and traffic controllers who worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe on the day. And a special thanks to all BQ members, supporters, and friends who not only took on the B2GC challenge but also stopped by the BQ tent at Southport to say hello and share their stories from the ride. 

Bicycle Queensland CEO Professor Matt Burke congratulated the Mater Foundation on delivering another outstanding event, saying it perfectly showcased the joy, health, and community benefits of cycling. 

“The Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer is a wonderful example of what mass bike rides bring to Queensland. Thousands of people, smiling faces, meeting other cyclists, riding together, raising funds for a good cause. Congratulations to the good folks at the Mater for another hugely successful event. The police and marshals did a great job making the route safer.” 

Prof Burke noted that safe cycling between the cities shouldn’t require such events. “I hope that one day soon anyone can ride directly from Brisbane to the Gold Coast on any day of the year on a safe route. We have gaps that need fixing to make that possible.” 

Bicycle Queensland is proud to support the Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer and the thousands of riders who take on the challenge each year – see you in 2026! 

Looking for your next challenge? BQ have partnered with Lions Brisbane West for the Ipswich Scenic 100 on March 2026 – entries are open now!

Categories
Press releases

Bicycle Queensland welcomes $3.5 million boost for regional rail trails

Bicycle Queensland has welcomed the Queensland Government’s commitment of $3.5 million to upgrade four regional rail trails, saying the investment will help grow bike tourism, improve community access, and support regional economies.

“Bicycle Queensland is delighted with the State Government’s announcement of $3.5 million in funding for regional rail trails,” said BQ CEO Professor Matt Burke. “The ‘cycling economy’ is transforming many regions in Australia and it’s great to see Queensland building up and planning more rail trail improvements.”

The new funding will deliver upgrades across four key projects:

  • Pioneer Valley Rail Trail will receive $75,000.
  • Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail will receive $1.6 million.
  • Bundaberg to Gin Gin Rail Trail will receive $147,000.
  • Brisbane Valley Rail Trail will receive $1.6 million.

These investments are designed to improve safety, accessibility, and the rider experience, while also strengthening Queensland’s regional tourism offering as part of the Destination 2045 strategy.

Discover some of Queensland’s great rail trails via our Where to Ride page.

Bicycle Queensland believes the best rail trail is an open rail trail, and recently partnered with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to deliver a Rail Trail Toolkit. The toolkit provides practical guidance for community groups looking to start or expand rail trail projects, helping to move a feasibility project to something that can be planned, built and promoted. BQ believes that the toolkit can assist more parts of Queensland being able to enjoy the social, environmental, and economic benefits that rail trails deliver. The recent announcement of funding for regional rail trails is a great sign that there is state government support for the same goals.

With thousands of people riding Queensland’s rail trails each year, from day trippers to multi-day tourists, the latest funding announcement is an important step in ensuring Queensland has national and even globally significant riding infrastructure that not only drives a tourism economy, but provides social and health benefits for local communities as well.

Categories
Partner News

Win 1 of 4 POC helmets or sunglasses!

From August 28 until September 30, Bicycle Queensland are running a competition to win one of 4 prize packs from POC. All you need to do is sign up as a new Bicycle Queensland member for a monthly or annual membership, and you will go in the draw to win 1 of 4 POC products worth up to $450 each!

As part of this offer, any new, annual members will also receive 3 months of free membership – so even if you don’t win a prize from POC, you still receive 3 months of free BQ Membership.

Bicycle Queensland membership includes public liability and accident insurance for all kinds of riding (except racing), and our partners provide free legal advice in the case of an accident. BQ Members also receive discounts from a variety of retailers, and at BQ events.

You can join Bicycle Queensland as an individual member, with a valid concession card for concession pricing, as a Household of 2, or a Household of 3 Plus. We also have a School Student option.

Existing Bicycle Queensland Members can also win

If you’re already a Bicycle Queensland member, you can still be in the running to win one of the POC prizes – just log in to the BQ Portal and update your mailing preferences, slecting that you can be contacted for promotions. Once that is done – you’re automatically entered. And if you refer a friend to Bicycle Queensland, you can receive 3 months added to your membership as our way of saying thanks.

Terms and Conditions:

  • Prize draw and offer closes Tuesday 30 September, 2025.
  • Four winners each can choose a POC road or trail helmet or sunglasses. Excludes Cytal Carbon.
  • 15 months for the price of 12 is only available for new, annual members
  • The 15 months for the price of 12 offer needs to be activated by the link on this page, and cannot be done retrospectively
  • By being added to our promotions mailing list, you may be contacted by POC or another BQ Partner