Tag: cycling

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

Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.

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.

click here for options, pricing and to join

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
Categories
Advocacy

BQ Advocacy Update July 18, 2025

The past few months have been a hive of activity in the BQ office. The big news earlier this year was that the Queensland Government were holding a Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility. BQ has made their submission, and will be presenting to the inquiry on July 21.

We’ve also wrapped up our Y2W (Yarraman to Wulkuraka) 3-day rail trail event. This was held on the popular Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, and it presented a great opportunity to speak to members and riders about important advocacy work in their areas. That included speaking to riers who have been volunteering their time for the Story Bridge Bike Bus, as we await further information from Brisbane City Council as to when and how the bridge will serve as an essential transport link for all users.

All that and more, via this update from Andrew.

If you want to know more about what BQ is up to and where, please contact us on BQinfo@BQ.org.au – or call the office on 07 3844 1144 between 8:30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Categories
Advocacy Press releases

Bicycle Queensland calls for bold, co-ordinated action on e-mobility

Bicycle Queensland active transport network

Bicycle Queensland (BQ) has made a strong case to the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility, urging the State Government to embrace the opportunities of e-mobility while putting in place the essential infrastructure, regulation and education to ensure safety and equity for all road users.

Describing the e-mobility revolution as a positive and permanent shift, BQ emphasised the potential for e-bikes and e-scooters to deliver cleaner, healthier, and more accessible transport options — if managed with clear policy, proper planning and strong enforcement.

BQ’s submission calls on the Government to take decisive action in three priority areas:

  1. Build long-promised infrastructure such as separated bike lanes and safe paths to keep riders away from vehicles and pedestrians.
  2. Enforce existing laws which are allowing throttle e-bikes to be sold, despite them being illegal to use in Queensland.
  3. Coordinate nationally to avoid a fragmented patchwork of rules across state borders.

“We encourage the Government to facilitate the growing interest in e-mobility through a properly funded active transport network” said BQ Interim CEO Liana Heath. “To improve safety concerns for riders and the public, we need to ensure current laws and rules are enforced, rather than introducing further complexity and obstacles to safe riding,” said Heath.

The BQ submission sets out four recommendations exactly how that can be done.  BQ welcomes the inquiry and looks forward to contributing to more safe, active transport for everyone.

1. Fund and prioritise active transport

  • Reinstate mode share targets in transport planning
  • Lift active transport funding from under 1% to 10% annually by 2032
  • Reduce local road speed limits from 50km/h to 40km/h
  • Complete the Principal Cycle Network Plan by 2032
  • Develop Ride Safely to School strategies including bike lanes and bike tracks to new schools
  • Enforce a zero-tolerance approach to aggressive behaviour towards riders and e-scooter users

2. Ensure only safe, compliant devices are imported and sold

  • Enforce Australian safety standards
  • Restrict import and sale of non-compliant e-bikes and scooters
  • Govern or remove speed/throttle functions on illegal devices already sold

3. Launch a statewide public education campaign

  • Educate the public on what devices are legal and where they can be used
  • Promote rider training and safety awareness

4. Collaborate nationally on battery and safety standards

  • Implement national battery safety and charging standards
  • Coordinate legislation across states for clarity and consistency nationally

BQ welcomes the Parliamentary Inquiry and looks forward to working with the State to ensure safe and active transport for all Queenslanders.

You can read Bicycle Queensland’s complete submission here.

For more information or media enquiries:
Liana Heath

l.heath@bq.org.au

www.bq.org.au

Categories
Advocacy

Advocacy Update: April 2025

Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine and Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack check in for an update this April. With a federal election coming up, Alton covers what Bicycle Queensland and We Ride are asking for: federal funding for active transport (walking and riding). They also discuss high powered e-bikes, tariffs and more.

Categories
Advocacy

What Brisbane can learn from Cambridge and Sydney

In a dynamic discussion held recently with Roxanne De Beaux, CEO of Camcycle, along with several active transport advocacy groups, Bicycle Queensland joined voices across hemispheres to reflect on the progress and persistent challenges of building safer, more inclusive streets for everyone.

The conversation began with a bold comparison: Sydney — once dubbed “the city that hates bikes” — is transforming its reputation. The opening of a new cycleway in Ultimo on the very day of the discussion marked another step forward, with attendees applauding Fiona Campbell’s leadership as Manager of Cycling Strategy for City of Sydney.

Cambridge’s experience offers powerful lessons in how storytelling can shape public perception. Rather than speaking only to ‘cyclists,’ Camcycle tells stories that resonate more broadly — with parents, workers, students, and communities. This shift from reactive to proactive advocacy has helped them set a compelling vision, making tough but strategic decisions like scaling back the Reach Ride program in order to better allocate resources. Their growing network of influence — including allies in industry and government — is a testament to the power of alignment and clear priorities.

The discussion also touched on the shared growing pains of expanding cities. From Waterbeach in Cambridge to Bradfield in Sydney, and even Brisbane’s own suburban sprawl, the message was clear: advocacy must begin early in the planning process to ensure walking and cycling infrastructure is not an afterthought. With the 2032 Brisbane Olympics on the horizon, many noted this as an “all or nothing” opportunity to embed legacy-defining infrastructure for generations to come.

Another powerful thread was the importance of including the “unusual suspects” — voices often left out of traditional active transport narratives. Culturally and linguistically diverse women in western Sydney were highlighted as powerful advocates for safer walking and cycling, bringing fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of the ‘why’ behind active transport.

As the conversation wrapped up, there was a shared moment of reflection. Advocacy can be tough. It takes stamina, resilience, and compassion. But it also comes with the deep reward of seeing streets transformed and lives changed.

“These conversations show us we’re not alone — our challenges are shared, but so are the solutions,” said Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine after the discussion. “What we’ve seen in Cambridge and Sydney proves that change is not only possible, it’s already happening. It’s a reminder to keep pushing forward, because the streets we imagine are within reach.”

For Brisbane and Queensland’s regional centres, the message is clear: the road ahead may have bumps, but it’s one worth riding.

Categories
Advocacy

Bicycle Queensland welcomes B2032 100 Day Review

Bicycle Queensland welcomes today’s announcement of the results of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games 100 Day Review.

The announcement of the 63,000 seat major venue at Victoria Park gives real impetus to the creation of a wide, well-let and signposted walking and cycling link from the Brisbane CBD to this main stadium. This important connection also needs to link to the Valley, and the announcement of a new $650M aquatic centre at the existing Centenary Pool at Spring Hill in close proximity to the main venue reinforces the need for this vital link that includes both venues. 

The current tired, old, narrow and inadequate path that goes behind the Grammar schools towards Victoria Park has needed significant upgrading for some time now, and the Games should see the creation of a world-class active travel corridor through this space and beyond into the Valley, creating a much-needed connection as a lasting legacy.

The 100 Day Review lists 9 critical transport programs to implement, including active travel and accessibility aligned to the Games Master Plan, acknowledging the need for more sustainable transport options and also acknowledging that existing transport infrastructure is insufficient to meet the Games transport requirements.

Given the regional distribution of Games venues across south-east Queensland  and beyond, it is not surprising  there is a heavy emphasis in the report’s critical transport program on public transport improvements. Nevertheless there are three important elements noted for improving active travel:

1. Expand inner-city and venue active travel corridors
2. Illuminate and shade inner city paths
3. Create bike and micromobility venue parking

Encouragingly, the report notes “A program of active travel infrastructure and facility upgrades needs to be co-ordinated, planned and prioritised across Queensland to ensure all venues, transit hubs and live sites can be adequately serviced by active travel needs”. This is great to hear.

BQ believes that the planned inner-city and venue expansion of active transport corridors should be complemented by an investment program across government of improved cross-city corridors that link to these essential new Games corridors, providing the opportunity for the public to ride all the way from home or hotel to venues. The rise of e-mobility supports this with longer journeys being easily undertaken, and the very welcome announcement of bike and micromobility parking at venues will be a key enabler for these trips.

“It is encouraging to hear that the review has listened to feedback,” said Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine “but now the real work begins to plan and active the critical infrastructure to enable a successful Games and legacy”. 

BQ looks forward to working with the Queensland Government on shaping the outcomes of this 100 Day Review to build great infrastructure for a successful 2032 Games and for the future of all Queenslanders.