Tag: Queensland

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Advocacy

Bicycle Queensland’s upcoming campaigns

By Prof. Matthew Burke

When I first arrived as the new CEO of Bicycle Queensland one of the first things members started asking me was “What are you going to campaign on?”.

Let me try to put down some thinking about what the sorts of things the organisation could consider as we seek to get pro-active with our campaigning.

A STAGE-ONE QUEENSLAND CYCLE NETWORK

I was once a ‘bicycle bureaucrat’ working for what was then Queensland Transport, the department that later merged with Main Roads. As part of my role there I helped birth the first Queensland Cycle Strategy in 2005. The fact that I was on that desk and doing that job was only possible due to the hard campaigning work of Bicycle Queensland in the decade prior. BQ managed to get a commitment from then State Opposition Leader Peter Beattie for three things:

1) a state cycle strategy;
2) a set of plans that later became the Principal Cycle Network Plan for SEQ;
3) a ‘positive provision policy’ that made adding bikeways to big state-funded urban transport projects business-as-usual (and not ‘gold-plating’).

We can thank my predecessors at BQ for this great achievement, as it is through these changes that we’ve achieved much of what has since happened. That said, the implicit promise back in the early 2000s was that, though it would take time, in thirty years or so a ‘stage-one’ Queensland Cycle Network would emerge. We’d have the trunk network formed that would provide a low-risk route within a couple of kilometres of most people in South East Queensland. And as we brought the same planning processes in up North and in Toowoomba, in the main regional cities as well.

It’s been twenty years now since I helped launch that first strategy.

No-one could put their hand on their heart and say honestly that we are going to have a stage-one Queensland Cycle Network in place without a major step-change in our rate of investment. We’ve fallen off the pace that is needed to bring this into being.

BRISBANE 2032

Which brings us to the Games. Everyone is talking about the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and how it is meant to re-shape Brisbane and the South-East. The Games were pitched to the residents of SEQ by its proponents as a way to bring-forward major infrastructure investment in the region. That’s why the Council-of-Mayors and the State Government bid. The 2032 Games should create a great legacy for our host cities, including the Sunshine and Gold Coasts. Alas, so far I am not aware of even one kilometre or other active transport infrastructure committed and funded. Not one!

WHAT DID OTHER OLYMPIC CITIES DO IN TERMS OF TRANSPORT LEGACY?

Athens 2004 is perhaps the poster child for what not to do. They built a new airport, 140km of new roads including a big motorway to the Olympic precinct, a massive metro expansion and new light rail systems. All great, but really, really expensive, for a city with a similar population to SEQ in population terms. All that expense helped bankrupt the Greek economy when the global financial crisis hit in 2008. Traffic congestion continued to rise in Athens.

Brisbane should not follow their lead.

BRIGHTER TARGETS

By contrast, Paris 2024 was fantastic in terms of the transportation improvements made in the city. The centrepiece was 70km of new cycle routes in Paris itself, and another 35km of bikeways and safe routes in Seine-Saint-Denis. Often painted bright pink, and labelled ‘Olympistes’ these new routes dramatically increased cycling accessibility across the city and into key destinations. Most of the bike routes were long-planned for and were languishing on paper in the Paris and Ile-de-France cycle network plans (just like the many routes on the SEQ Principal Cycle Network Plan!). The 2024 Games took them off-the-page, through planning and design, and into reality. Of course, bikeways are relatively cheap and the bikeways cost way less than what was done in Athens.

SEQ could go a long way to completing a stage-one cycle network if it were to follow the Paris approach.

Similarly, Paris changed their entire city’s culture about how you get to a sports event, or major event. Let me ask, can you park your bike to a proper bike rack at the Gabba for a Lions home game in Brisbane? No, you can’t. Paris used to be similar. But a massive 13,000 bicycle parking places were planned and developed around their city’s Olympic venues.

Managed bike parking (which we might call ‘valet’ parking, but it was far more rudimentary) was introduced to deal with the numbers of cyclists arriving. That has produced a long-term change in behaviour. It is now customary for a significant percentage of Parisians to cycle to major events, whether that be stadium concerts, sporting events or more. It also freed up their bus and metro system to carry other passengers, as many short distance travellers came on the city’s share bike system (Velib) or their own private bike. In Paris it’s now expected that you will be able to ride and park your bike safely when you arrive at a stadium. We have a long way to go to produce this culture in Queensland.

30KM/H DEFAULT STREET SPEEDS

The other change Paris made in the last two decades was to dramatically reduce their default street speeds in the suburbs. If you’ve been in the outer suburbs in Paris, it actually doesn’t look that different to the new squashed-up-suburbia you see on the fringes of Queensland cities. But lots of kids ride bikes to school, grannies ride bikes to the shops, lots of people ride to the local railway station. They do it on-road. Why? Because most of Western Europe (and the UK, and East Asia, and Canada, and even Washington D.C.) have moved to either 30km/h or 20miles/h (32km/h) as their default street speed in small local streets.

Bikes and cars travel at similar speeds. Everyone can see dangers ahead and react in time at 30km/h. Survivability of a crash at that speed is extremely high. This change has been central to the rise in cycling seen in London and Paris in the last decade. Australia now has the highest default street speeds left in the OECD, alongside Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

TRAILS

Another area where Australia historically had a lead, but where we are starting to fall behind, is in provisions of trails for gravel riding, mountain biking and children’s BMX riding. Many US states, like Utah, and smaller nations often have state or national trail networks, and strategic plans to build them further out over time. That includes trails in and around the cities and towns (what we might call local trails for local kids) and longer routes that connect up off-road opportunities. This is something we haven’t yet done well in Queensland.

So, I hope that helps members and supporters understand some of the likely directions for advocacy here at BQ in the coming years. You’ll hear more about this as we get going. Expect a major campaign that will bring some of these ideas together.

Bicycle Queensland membership supports BQ’s advocacy and campaining – with a huge range of member benefits.

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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. 

Southern queensland forums
Central Queensland forums
Northern Queensland Forums
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.” 

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Advocacy

Queensland takes action on illegal e-motorbikes  

Bicycle Queensland is delighted that the Queensland Government has taken action on multiple fronts to clamp down on the illegal e-motorbikes that have proliferated on our streets, parks and footpaths. 

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has formally notified retailers that it will begin proactive compliance checks across the state. This is a significant development that aligns with Bicycle Queensland’s calls over the past 12 months for tougher oversight on the sale of non-compliant devices. This will hopefully reduce the number of throttle-driven e-motorbikes and conversion kits that do not meet Queensland’s e-bike regulations. This action will be of great relief to the many bike shops only selling legal e-bikes, which were not the problem.  

The QPS have also launched Operation X-ray Surety to enforce e-mobility compliance, targeting the use of non-compliant devices around Brisbane. This has included additional patrols but also safety education sessions run in schools. Earlier this week over 150 e-mobility infringement notices had been issued. The police have been visiting schools in the Logan area, to promote safety messaging around what constitutes a legal e-bike, and the types of e-motorbikes that are not legal to be used on public streets, parks or paths in Queensland. 

Further, state Transport Ministers are set to meet with the Commonwealth Government this month and changes to Australia’s import laws on e-motorbikes are firmly on the agenda. It is understood that Queensland’s Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, has been helping lead the call for change. The Commonwealth has been slow in responding to what has been happening in our state, where three young people have lost their lives in October and November thus far. Bicycle Queensland continues to call on the Commonwealth Government to move swiftly.  

Bicycle Queensland CEO Professor Matt Burke referred specifically to the announcement from the Office of Fair Trading saying:  

“This is a good step towards protecting riders and parents from unknowingly buying unsafe products. A whole industry had emerged of retailers whose main business model seemed to be selling illegal e-motorbikes to parents and kids. Using Fair Trading powers to clamp down on this was a key suggestion in Bicycle Queensland’s submission to the current Parliamentary Inquiry into E-Mobility Safety and Use. We are pleased that the Government has moved on this. But further action may well be needed to stop retailers selling illegal e-motorbikes ‘for use on private property only’ with a nod and a wink, knowing full-well customers are buying them for use on-road and in public spaces.” 

Bicycle Queensland wishes to thank our partners who’ve worked on this advocacy campaign, including Queensland Walks, the RACQ, The Motor Traders Association of Qld, and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.  

Prof Burke said, “There is still much to do. We now look to the Commonwealth Government to re-introduce appropriate import restrictions and ensure illegal e-motorbikes can’t so easily enter Australia. This will help cut the problem off at the source and stop the deaths we’re seeing in Queensland spreading interstate.” 

Prof Burke said, “Thankfully there are so many awesome bikes and legal e-bikes to choose from no-one ever needs to buy an illegal motorbike. Just looking at some of the mountain bikes that are for sale today in reputable bike shops, there are fantastic options.” 

What the OFT Will Do 

In a letter sent to importers, wholesalers, and retailers this week, the OFT warns that: 

  • Many devices are being marketed and sold as legal e-bikes when they are not legal for use on roads and paths. 
  • Using these high-powered devices in public spaces has already resulted in serious injuries and fatalities. 
  • Businesses may face penalties of up to $50 million for corporations and $2.5 million for individuals under the Australian Consumer Law if they misrepresent illegal devices as compliant. 

The OFT have said that they will visit Queensland suppliers to clarify the law and will follow up with a targeted compliance program examining whether retailers are misleading customers about the legality of their products. 

What counts as a legal E-Bike in Queensland 

To be considered legal for use on public roads and paths in Queensland, a device must meet all of the following criteria: 

  • It is predominantly pedal-powered. 
  • The motor only provides assistance while the rider is pedalling. 
  • Throttle control is permitted only up to 6km/h – also known as walk-mode 
  • The motor has a maximum continuous power rating of 250 watts. 
  • The motor cuts out at 25km/h, and the bike can be pedalled at higher speeds 
  • High-powered motors are never legal, even if software-limited to appear compliant. 

Any device that exceeds these limits is classified as a motorcycle and must meet TMR vehicle registration requirements.  

Many retailers continue to sell high-powered throttle-driven electric motorbikes without making this clear to customers – a practice BQ has strongly campaigned against. 

Protecting riders, parents, and communities 

BQ firmly believes that compliant e-bikes are safe, sustainable transport options helping commuters and boosting recreational cycling and cycling tourism. The problem lies with high-powered, throttle-controlled illegal motorbikes that are being passed off as bicycles and sold to riders, including children, with tragic consequences. 

BQ encourages consumers to look for devices certified to EN15194 (the European Standard for power-assisted bicycles) and to seek advice from reputable retailers. Further details are available via our E-bike rules page. 

BQ will continue advocating for stronger national import rules, better enforcement, and clearer public education, ensuring Queenslanders can enjoy the benefits of legal e-bikes whilst maintaining road safety.  

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. 

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Advocacy

Joint press conference calls for immediate action on illegal e-motorbikes

At a joint press conference in Brisbane today, RACQ, Bicycle Queensland, Queensland Walks, and the Motor Trades Association of Queensland urged state and federal governments to act swiftly to protect Queenslanders and restore confidence in safe, legal e-mobility. 

RACQ’s Dr Michael Kane said existing laws already give authorities the power to impound and remove illegal e-motorbikes, but enforcement has been inconsistent across the state. 

“We have a crisis on our footpaths and roads,” Dr Kane said. “E-bikes and e-mobility are a great asset to the community – our problem is illegal motorbikes.” 

“These are unregistered, unsafe, and can be impounded today by police or transport officers. We need to see a genuine crackdown. The message to parents is simple: do not buy your child an illegal e-motorbike.” 

Compliant e-bikes versus e-motorbikes or non-compliant e-bikes can be identified via their output, speed assistance limits and other criteria. The Street Smarts website has information to assist. 

Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Professor Matt Burke said the problem stems from federal import rules that were relaxed in 2021, allowing illegal e-motorbikes to enter the country under the guise of e-bikes. 

“If I can speak directly to Ministers Catherine King and Tony Burke – in 2021 the Morrison Government changed the rules on imports and allowed these illegal motorbikes to come in,” Professor Burke said. 

“It’s within your power as the Federal Government to change this and stop the importation of these vehicles. If we don’t act soon, the problems we’re seeing with deaths of children in Queensland will be replicated around Australia.” 

Professor Burke stressed that legal pedal-assist e-bikes remain an important and safe part of Queensland’s transport network. 

“We’ve had legal e-bikes on our streets, in parks and on footpaths for more than 15 years without major problems,” he said. “The issue is the unregulated importation and retailing of high-powered electric motorbikes.” 


Brad Flanagan, General Manager for Industry Skills at the Motor Trades Association of Queensland, said illegal electric motorbikes have no place on Queensland’s roads or paths. 

“There are unregulated, illegal motorbikes in our parks and on our footpaths. They’re a danger to the community. People are being hurt, and people are being killed,” Mr Flanagan said. 

“If you want a motorbike or e-mobility device, go to a reputable, licensed dealer. You’ll get proper advice, a legal product, and clear guidance on whether it needs to be registered or licensed.” 

Mr Flanagan said some retailers were deliberately misleading consumers. 

“We know there are unscrupulous dealers giving instructions on how to modify legal products into illegal ones. They need to be dealt with. This is about getting unsafe, unlicensed vehicles out of our parks, off our footpaths, and off our roads.” 

In the meantime, BQ CEO Prof. Matt Burke took aim at retailers selling e-motorbikes. 

“Retailers have to take some responsibility here. The business model of some shops seems to be primarily selling illegal e-motorbikes to parents and kids. It’s not an industry we’re supportive of.” 

The growth of active transport will reduce congestion and improve the health of Queensland’s cities and towns. And riding e-scooters or bikes pales in uptake compared to walking – yet the rise of non-compliant e-motorbikes and e-scooters is putting walking at risk on shared paths. 

Anna Campbell, Executive Officer of Queensland Walks, said pedestrians across the state are increasingly fearful of using shared paths. 

“Queenslanders are telling us they’re nervous about stepping out on their footpaths and shared paths because of illegal devices moving too fast,” Ms Campbell said. 

“We support e-mobility as an important part of transport equity, but we need safer paths, better enforcement, and separated infrastructure so that pedestrians, riders and rollers can all use our public spaces safely.” 

It is clear that a coordinated state and federal intervention is required, targeting illegal importers and retailers, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring safe transport and recreation for all Queenslanders and ideally, all Australians.  

Bicycle Queensland’s full submission to the Queensland Government’s Parliamentary Inquiry into E-mobility can be read online. 

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Press releases

‘Don’t buy your kids an illegal e-motorbike’: BQ warns after tragic deaths 

Bicycle Queensland has expressed deep concern following the deaths of an eight-year-old on the Sunshine Coast and a teenager on the Gold Coast in the past week. Both children were killed while riding electric motorbikes. There are many of these devices that are being sold as “e-bikes” throughout Queensland and Australia – however the majority do not meet Australia’s legal pedal-assist standards. 

What are the e-bike rules in Queensland?

BQ CEO Professor Matt Burke said the incidents highlight a growing safety crisis. 

“The recent deaths while children are using illegal e-motorbikes on the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast have been pretty concerning,” he said. “Bicycle Queensland was advocating for appropriate regulation enforcement over a year ago, having written to the Transport Minister earlier this year. Since then we have made our submissions and presented to the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility, as have many of our members. 

The inquiry is due to report by 30 March 2026. In the meantime, communities are concerned about the safety not just of e-motorbike riders, but pedestrians and other road or shared path users. 

“Bicycle Queensland is strongly against these electric motorbikes and has been from the start,” Professor Burke said. “It’s going to take a bit of time with the Queensland government inquiry to finish. It’s meant to report in March next year and then it’ll take time for the government response to come through. So, it could be many, many months before we see all the changes we’d like to see.” 

Professor Burke said the bigger issue lies with federal importation rules. 

“The worst news is that the Federal government, who created this mess by deregulating importation rules, are showing absolutely no indication that they want to do anything about this and re-regulate – that’s really, really unfortunate.” Bicycle Queensland has lobbied the relevant Ministers, the Hon. Catherine King and Tony Burke, and our friends at the national cycling lobby – We Ride Australia – have been working hard, but without much success thus far.  

Bicycle Queensland wholeheartedly support the sale and use of e-bikes that do meet Queensland regulations. Half of our staff own and ride legal e-bikes. The Qld Government provided rebates to encourage their take-up as recently as September 2024. The adoption of legal e-bikes has been great for cycle commuting, for uptake of recreational cycling and growth in cycle tourism. 

In the meantime, Prof. Burke has urged Queenslanders to prioritise safety and legality when buying e-mobility devices this Christmas. Just because you can buy the device, it doesn’t mean it meets the required standards. 

“If you’re talking to your friends, to your family, whoever it is, can you just tell people don’t buy your kids an illegal motorbike for Christmas?” he said. “It’s quite likely, after the inquiry – maybe even beforehand – that people will have these vehicles impounded.”  

Bicycle Queensland is calling for: 

  • Federal action to restore import regulations and stop illegal e-motorbikes entering Australia; 
  • Immediate state measures to enforce current laws and raise public awareness; and 
  • Community education so parents understand what constitutes a legal, safe e-bike. 

 
BQ encourages anyone looking for e-bikes that are legal, fun to ride and safe to visit their local reputable bike shop and ask their advice. The Bicycle Queensland website has links to reputable bike stores that will help you know what is and isn’t legal and help you find an e-bike that meets the rules. There are great mountain e-bikes, gravel e-bikes and commuting e-bikes that are legal, a lot of fun to ride and worth considering.  

 

Categories
Advocacy

Twin Bridges Track and Wangetti Trail forge ahead

Bicycle Queensland welcomes the news from the Queensland Government that progress on the Wangetti Trail project will resume, with the reopening of the Twin Bridges Track also set to move ahead – amongst other infrastructure projects in the region.

The Twin Bridges Track is one of a number of iconic routes on the Atherton Tablelands. A combination of old forest roads and old Aboriginal trails, the route runs from Black Mountain Road, heading east and descending into a valley before climbing back out, exiting onto Black Mountain Road just south of the historic Bump Track – which delivers riders to Port Douglas.

The trail has been used for a range of local events, and was part of the penultimate stage of the 2017 Crocodile Trophy, a UCI classified stage race that found its home in Far North Queensland for over a decade. While the route would often be damaged in the wet season, it has been closed since 2020 due to bridge deterioration and cyclone including to bridges. Contractors have now been engaged to restore and reopen the trail, which will offer new opportunities for locals and visitors to experience the region’s natural beauty by bike or on foot.

While separate from the original Wangetti Trail alignment, the reopening of Twin Bridges will complement a broader project by connecting key sections of Far North Queensland’s coast and hinterland. Works on the Ellis Beach to Wangetti link are expected to begin following the 2026 wet season, which will ultimately create a continuous trail access from Palm Cove to Port Douglas.

For mountain bikers, there is more good news. The Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROQ) has built its Regional Mountain Bike Strategy for 2024-2034, tying together 12 regional councils and numerous mountain bike trail networks. These include Atherton, Smithfield, Kuranda, Davies Creek, Cardwell and of course Wangetti. Their plan sets out long-term plans for mountain bike trail and infrastructure development and management, along with developing multi-day adventure cycling routes (ie: bikepacking) to link the region together.

Smithfield will take the limelight, as it should given its proximity to an international airport, beaches and countless places to stay. Having hosted two World Championships, numerous World Cups and three Crankworx events, Smithfield will be getting updated trail infrastructure that should bring in more major events. Expect an 85km network by late 2028, thanks to a $14-15 million dollar expansion from the Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation and the Destination 2045 tourism plan alongside the Wangetti Trail.

Atherton has a $1 million refurbishment happening, thanks to Queensland’s disaster recovery program. The glow up will make essential repairs to about 47km of the existing 55km network, with the work undertaken by Contour Works.

Davies Creek is also working on a refurb. The fast trails have been showcased in events like Reef to Reef, but the focus is on being an all-abilities trail hub, including a 14km epic style trail and flowing singletrack. With a campsite, swimming holes and an interpretive trail – the upgrades will be made possible thanks to community funding from the Community Gambling Benefit Fund, Bendigo Bank and more.

The Wangetti Trail is slated to run 95km from Palm Cove to Port Douglas. With about 8km open to Ellis Beach, there is a lot of work to do, but this trail will have the highest appeal in the region, traversing one of the most beautiful stretches of coast line in Australia. It could be one of Australia’s Great Rides.

For Bicycle Queensland, this range of projects highlight the importance of investment in a mix of safe, accessible trails that support both recreational and adventure riding, while still pursuing more demanding trails to attract events – all while delivering economic and social value to regional towns.

“Bicycle Queensland has been part of advocacy in Far North Queensland for decades, supporting groups like the Cairns Bicycle User Group to get good outcomes on the ground,” said BQ CEO Prof. Matt Burke. “BQ helped pioneer cycle tourism in the region, bringing events like Cycle Queensland through. We will continue to support these efforts, working with other partners like Outdoors Queensland to get a better state trail network in place. We’ll continue to fight for links like the Wangetti and the Atherton-Mareeba Rail Trail. We also hope to help seed more regional cycling events up north very soon.”

With adventure rides like the FNQ Pioneer Bike Trail taking shape, trail upgrades and more, Far North Queensland is shaping up to be a mountain biking and adventure riding capital for the dry season. 

Categories
Advocacy

Riders roll in to Ride2Work Day at Queen’s Wharf 

More than 150 riders joined Bicycle Queensland (BQ) and The Star this morning (October 15) for a special Ride2Work Day coffee catch-up at the Velo Café, right beside the Bicentennial Bikeway at Queen’s Wharf Brisbane. 

The event brought together regular commuters, BQ Members, occasional riders, and cycling advocates for a morning of conversation, caffeine and connection. It was a chance to celebrate the benefits of riding to work, but also celebrate riding bikes. It was also an opportunity for some guests to discuss ways to make cycling safer and more accessible across Queensland. 

BQ CEO Professor Matt Burke spoke about the importance of creating a city that supports active transport. 

“We need more bikeways and more street trees to make Brisbane a liveable, healthy city,” Professor Burke said. “Queensland already has some excellent cycling infrastructure, but it’s often disconnected. We want to see 60 kilometres of new bikeways delivered in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 – just as Paris did to transform how people move around their city.” 

The Star’s Chief Operating Officer Kelvin Dodt also addressed the crowd, highlighting Queen’s Wharf Brisbane’s support for community initiatives and active transport to their precinct. 

“We believe this is a fantastic space. We are very much committed to making sure that the precinct is very community friendly and we work and collaborate consistently with different groups, including Bicycle Queensland, to make sure that everyone enjoys what we have to offer here in the precinct.” 

Thank you to The Star for letting us use their event space this morning, and for providing the coffees for riders! BQ was also joined by Epic Cycles, one of our BQ Link partners and a long time supporter, on hand to help give some attention to the squeaky wheels that were riding to work. CycleLaw, BQ’s legal partner, were also on hand to answer questions that BQ Members or others riding to work may have had.

Ride2Work Day is Australia’s largest celebration of day-to-day riding, encouraging more people to try cycling as a convenient, affordable and healthy way to get to work. Events like this one can help people step out their door and onto a bike for their journey, but of course to do that we need to feel safe. Bicycle Queensland will continue to advocate to make Queensland a safer and more connected place to ride a bike. 

Be a local advocate

See.Sense have also partnered with BQ for a Ride2Work promotion running for 4 weeks! Just by downloading their app, registering and making a report, you will be in with a chance to win 1 of 4 See.Sense ICON 3 rear lights! Full details are listed here.

The reports made will help build a dashboard that highlights any problem areas on popular bike routes – be it maintenance issues or user behaviour. Every bike rider can be involved in the reporting – so download the app and take part.