Tag: Queensland

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Press releases

Inaugural Rail Trails and Tourism Conference a great success

From November 6-7, 2024, Bicycle Queensland co-hosted the Rail Trails and Tourism conference with Somerset Regional Council. The conference was held at Somerset Civic Centre in Esk, Queensland. The conference was made possible by support from the Queensland Government.

Wednesday November 6 was lead by Somerset Regional Council, with a focus on business opportunities on rail trails, with specific examples for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT).

Attendees heard from Professor David Solnet and Professor Pierre Benckendorff from the University of Queensland, who did an extensive study on visitors to the  BVRT. They also heard from various speakers, including Peter Horman, CEO of Queensland Country Tourism. His presentation gave fascinating insights into the data driven decisions around tourism and destination marketing, helping to improve the understanding of potential market size around rail trail experiences.

Linda Tillman from Tilma Group Consultancy gave a presentation that dug into why visitor experiences that are unique and memorable are essential for any tourism offering – and rail trails are no different. There were many takeaways for this session, especially for businesses around a rail trail who are looking to attract visitors and gain word of mouth recommendations.

Dr Richard Buning from the University of Queensland delivered a presentation on cycle tourism, with a glimpse at some global best practices and how rail trails can help be part of a picture to grow cycle tourism in Queensland and Australia.

Conference attendees delved into a group session lead by Rowan Lamont from Blue Sky Trails, problem solving and brainstorming ideas to boost growth for rail trail businesses and the awareness of experiences alongside a rail trail. This was followed by a panel discussion with four different bike riders with a wide variety of experiences of using the BVRT.

A networking function was held that evening at the Esk Grand Hotel, offering a chance for attendees to catch up in a social setting – and in many cases share notes on the progress of their own projects.

Day two of the Rail Trails and Tourism conference started with a ride on the BVRT for those keen to start early, before a casual BBQ breakfast at the Somerset Civic Centre. Day 2 was delivered by Bicycle Queensland, and was all about how to build a rail trail.

This included input from Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine on the importance of rail trails in the promotion of bike riding and active lifestyles, and a presentation from Desley O’Grady, President of the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail, about the importance of having a vision when taking on such a large project.

Craig England from the Department of Transport and Main Roads busted myths about how corridors are secured, explaining the process involved with a rail line becoming available for a new project. This included managing leases, sale of assets – and avoiding losing access entirely!

With the success of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, those attending the conference enjoyed an in-depth session from Iain Lonsdale from Tweed Shire Council, about the planning involved for a rail trail, including the finer details of understanding users, desired experiences, safety, limitations, climatic conditions and even material choices.

Paul Heymans, Patron of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association, dug into the history and politics around the staged development of the BVRT, including hurdles and methods used for growth, before Rowan Lamont and Andrew Demack ran through different models of operation that can be used depending on the rail trail project.

After lunch, Tiffany Stodart, Manager of Destination, Communication and Customer Experience at Tweed Shire Council, teamed up with Bicycle Queensland’s Mike Blewitt to look at how to market a rail trail. From understanding your product, your market, new target markets, the brand – and how to manage those and increase visitation. This included looking at events, media relationships and asset creation.

The two days combined for a thorough experience on building, managing and optimising rail trails and their potential to be major economic drivers in different parts of Queensland and Australia.

‘This Rail Trails and Tourism conference was a great success, and we are happy to have been able to partner with Somerset Regional Council to deliver this two day event,’ said Alton Twine, CEO of Bicycle Queensland. ‘Many of us already know the benefits of rail trails, and how they contribute to the economic health of a region, alongside the social, mental and physical health of the communities involved – while also getting more people out on bikes!’

‘Importantly, we are now able to develop a tool kit to guide regions on how to take a rail trail from an available corridor through to a finished tourism offering, and we are hard at work creating a guide that will be available for any community groups who are ready to tackle a rail trail project.’

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Avoiding the ABC of bicycle riding: abrasions, bruises and cuts

Professor Narelle Haworth

The Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q) are assessing new cycling clothing that is designed to reduce injuries from falls or crashes. The research seeks to understand current clothing choices among bike riders, your riding experiences, and related injuries. The later steps will include laboratory tests of the garments, followed by rider tests of wearability.

The Principal Researcher is Professor Narelle Haworth from the School of Psychology & Counselling, QUT, with Associate Researcher Professor Ronald Schroeter from the School of Psychology & Counselling, QUT

CARRS-Q are looking for people who are 18 or over, in Australia, who have ridden a bike in the past year. There is an anonymous survey to complete, and you can enter a prize draw to win one of four $250 gift vouchers. The survey closes on 1st February 2025.

Head to this link to find out more details.

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Press releases

Bicycle Queensland welcomes new Queensland State Government

Bicycle Queensland congratulates the Hon David Crisafulli MP on becoming the 41st Premier of Queensland. 

We also congratulate the Hon Brent Mickelberg MP on becoming Minister for Transport and Main Roads, and we look forward to working with him.

Riding bikes and scooters is popular with Queenslanders. More than 1.1 million Queenslanders regularly ride, with the potential for many more. The evidence from across Australia and the world is that more people will ride more often if safe facilities are provided. This will reduce traffic congestion, improve the health and wellbeing of our communities, and get us moving towards the sustainability targets that are important for the whole State, as well as for the Brisbane 2032 event that is edging ever nearer.

Bike and scooter riding have an important role to play in the transport system, offering freedom from the constraints of congestion, parking and public transport timetables. E-bikes and e-scooters have been a game changer for many as they make getting around so much easier. All across Queensland we see bikes (and increasingly, scooters) being used for daily transport and utility trips, with the added bonus of that your transport can also be your recreation. 

Nowhere is this more important than with schools. In our urban areas, school traffic can make up a significant proportion (commonly 10%+) of the network traffic load, with more than 70% of students being taken to school by car. Yet a generation ago, the opposite was true, with most students walking and cycling to/from school. In Brisbane and the Gold Coast we have seen Active School Travel programs have been successful in reducing traffic congestion and creating safe routes to school. 

We believe that investment into safe walking and riding paths around schools will not only increase active transport participation, but also help deliver a network that is useful for all journey types.

Compared to other transport modes, cycling and walking are comparatively cheap in terms of infrastructure and, especially, operation. We believe this is good value for government investment, particularly in the context of the Department for Transport and Main Roads’ recently-introduced policy framework of Movement and Place, which, consistent with this policy in other States and overseas, recognises that local streets and public places are environments eminently suitable for riding bikes and scooters and walking.

Also, in a cost-of-living crisis, getting around by bike or scooter is not just convenient, it’s also cheap! The more we make it safer and easier, the more people will ride.

We look forward to working with the new Queensland Government to improve conditions for bike riding and scooter use, making it easier for people to get around, be more active and healthier, and contribute to our communities being better places.

Alton Twine
CEO
Bicycle Queensland

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Advocacy Press releases

CEO Message: The Queensland Election

Dear BQ Members,

The state government election now less than one week away.

In August and September, Bicycle Queensland met with members, people interested in cycling, communities and candidates across Queensland, advocating for a better deal for cyclists and scooter riders in the forthcoming election. We also wrote to the Minister and Shadow Minister for Transport and Main Roads to support better outcomes for riders through better policy, programs and funding. 

The Minister’s letter in response to our CEO cited the current government’s record of achievements in building active transport projects, but did not make any commitments to increased funding in future. The Shadow Minister acknowledged our letter.

Our discussions focused on the 7 key improvements that governments can make. These are:

  1. Aim for 10% of trips by active transport by 2032 and commit 10% of the transport budget to making it happen.
  2. Fill in the missing links in the network.
  3. Maintain what is there already
  4. Improve signage for safety and wayfinding
  5. Look for cycle tourism opportunities
  6. Engage with users
  7. Build more shared paths and bikeways

In an election dominated by issues of youth crime, ambulance ramping, housing supply and the cost of living, cycling hasn’t rated much of a mention. When the major parties do talk about transport issues, its usually around “fixing” the Bruce highway and improving public transport. Big expensive items. Yet bike riding is for everyone everywhere and major improvements can be done for a fraction of the cost.

In the lead up to Saturday, we encourage everyone who has an interest in better outcomes for cycling and riding to contact their local candidates and let them know how important bike riding is to you and to all Queenslanders.

Regards

Alton

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Advocacy

Can you try a week without driving?

At Bicycle Queensland we advocate for bike and e-scooter riders as we want to see more people riding, more often. This includes recreational use of bikes and e-scooters, but we also work to create a safer environment for riders. Our goal is to have more short trips taken by bike or e-scooter instead of via a car.

A Week Without Driving is a global initiative that can be undertaken anywhere, and Get Around Cabo Carfree are promoting the week locally around Caboolture and Morayfield – but you can take part anywhere.

The concept is pretty simple – go a week without using your car. But there are some nuances in that – the idea is you look at how you change the transport modes you use. Whether you walk, ride, use a scooter, or use public transport – all are great. And if you need to use a car – can you use a ride share? Or car pool?

Wendy Nash is the driving force behind Get Around Cabo Carfree, and the local Week Without Driving initiative.

This is a voluntary and self-managed initiative, over a week-long time frame from September 30 to October 6, 2024. So it’s a perfect amount of time to see what the impacts are like for your own transport.

Get Around Cabo Carfree have also got an optional scavenger hunt built into their week, where you use the Snap Send Solve app to report issues that create problems for those who rely on active transport networks. Be that people with a pram, mobility devices, walkers, bike riders, scooter riders or the elderly. More details are on their website.

‘The Week Without Driving concept started in 2021 in Washington State, in America,’ Wendy Nash of Get Around Cabo Carfree told BQ. ‘It was to make elected representatives aware of what it is like to not use or have access to a car.’

‘As soon as I saw that I knew it was exactly what we needed to do. Caboolture and surrounds is so car dependent, it really forces car ownership here. People don’t want to, and it costs them a fortune but they don’t really have any choice.’

A big part of the Week Without Driving initiative is raising awareness. Many of us are happy to get in our car for daily trips, and with 1.8 cars owned per household in Queensland, it certainly is a luxury we take for granted. And Wendy Nash expects a few hurdles for those who challenge themselves to try a week without driving.

‘It can be such a shock needing to get around without a car, until you are in that position. However the 50c public transport fares have been very popular and really make a difference, and the e-bike and e-scooter subsidies are great.’

At the launch, we heard from a few speakers who cannot drive due to health conditions, or who had a long time without being able to drive due to injury. In their region, it makes them very aware of inadequate infrastructure around footpaths and bikeways, and also access to public transport.

Belinda Ward, from Space for Cycling Brisbane, was at the launch and welcomed the initiative.

‘This is a good challenge and it will make people think about how they get around. With ther 50c public transport fares right now, people can look at how they may take the trips they need to do. Once you look at ways you can get around without a car, you start to appreciate that it can be really difficult for people who don’t have one. But on a bike, I can get exactly where I need to go, on my own schedule – it’s easy.’

Of course, Belinda had some advice for those who may look to do a week without driving from September 30 – October 6 (and beyond!).

‘It can be daunting if you think you need to ride the same places where you ride, because a lot of the roads we drive on are pretty horrifying. So you need to work out how to get the places you need to go on safer routes that aren’t the ways you would go when you drive.’

Bicycle Queensland recommends trying the bike route selection on Google Maps, or OpenCycleMap.org for your route planning.

Sometimes the biggest barrier to change is starting – and here at Bicycle Queensland, we think the Week Without Driving initiative may be the perfect time to see what trips you can do without your car.

Are you a Bicycle Queensland member? Membership includes thorough insurance while you ride or use an e-scooter, plus extensive member benefits. Find out more here.

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Advocacy

Updates from Bicycle Queensland’s 2024 Regional Tour

Throughout August and September 2024, Bicycle Queensland hit the road, visiting Queensland’s regions between Cairns and Coolangatta.  This was an essential follow up after Bicycle Queensland’s  CEO Alton Twine and Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack visited the regions of Queensland in March, to meet with members, bike riders and councils to hear about concerns, opportunities and success stories. 

During these visits in August and September, Bicycle Queensland were able to update members and riders on progress that has been made in advocacy for bike and e-scooter riding around the state. But more importantly, it gave us an opportunity to follow up on specific issues,  and hear from people who couldn’t connect with us earlier in the year. 

‘Queensland’s regions are of high importance to Bicycle Queensland, and I feel personally committed to helping to improve the safety and opportunity for bike and e-scooter riders all around Queensland,’ said Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine. ‘Growing up in Townsville, I remember seeing Flinders street flooded with bikes in the afternoon as railway workshop employees clocked off. The climate and topography hasn’t changed since then – but infrastructure around the state has, meaning many of us are defaulting to cars for short trips. We need to make sure riding a bike, e-scooter or walking for short trips is a safe, comfortable and sustainable choice.’  

There are numerous challenges across the regions of Queensland. There is no denying that as a vast state, creating connected active transport networks beyond regional centres is difficult. However we did see the foundations of some excellent networks in place in different corners of the state, and we have helped to facilitate positive steps towards improvements on networks in other areas. 

Bicycle Queensland also heard about the success of fantastic community initiatives, from Bike Buses for school drop off and pick up, through to marked and mapped bikepacking routes. Rail trails were high on the agenda, and Bicycle Queensland are putting our expertise together in a conference this November, to suit those regions who want to get their feasibility study around a disused rail corridor off the shelf, moving towards a rideable trail. 

‘Any unused rail corridor has potential to be an excellent piece of infrastructure for bike riding, walking or even horse riding,’ said Andrew Demack, Bicycle Queensland’s Director of Advocacy. ‘Rail trails provide safe, relatively flat connections between communities. Time and time again we hear stories about how diverse user groups on rail trails are, and that runs true from the Tweed through to the Atherton Tablelands.’ 

One of the leading concerns that came from almost every meeting held was a change in awareness of rules that relate to bike riders on the road. While we are still compiling our key focus points for each region, state-wide we will be working on a renewed push for awareness of road rules and how they relate to those riding a bike – for both bike rider0, e-scooter riders and motorists.  

Bicycle Queensland will continue to work with Queensland’s diverse regions to create better outcomes for bike and e-scooter riders. If you want to stay up to date, make sure you sign up for our monthly e-newsletter. Or show your support via joining Bicycle Queensland. 

Photo: Flow MTB

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Advocacy Press releases

Queensland Government adds e-bikes and e-scooters to Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy

There is great news for bike riders and scooter riders – any Queenslander buying a new approved e-bike or e-scooter from Monday September 23, 2024 will get a $500 rebate on their e-bike, or $200 rebate on their e-scooter.

After almost two years of advocating with the department of Transport and Main Roads on this issue, Bicycle Queensland are happy to share the exciting news that the Queensland Government have updated their Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy, introducing the rebate for e-mobility devices: e-bikes and e-scooters. 

The Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy has provided rebates for electric cars, which, whilst helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, do little to reduce traffic congestion on Queensland’s roads. Bicycle Queensland welcomes the inclusion of these modes into the policy.

E-scooter insurance

E-Bikes and E-Scooters make mobility easy. Making them more affordable will help boost these modes, making it easier for more Queenslanders to ride more often. We constantly hear from our members that these devices are a “game changer” for many, allowing people to extend their rides, deal with difficult hills, and get to and from work more comfortably. For many older riders, they allow people to ride longer and with less stress on ageing bodies. 

The $1 million rebate scheme will deliver $500 and $200 rebates for approved e-bikes and e-scooters for Queenslanders, sold via a retailer or eligible online stores. You can find your local BQ Link store via our Store Locator. As of Monday September 30 – another $1 million has been added to the rebate fund.

Understanding the rebate scheme

The Queensland Government have published a thorough outline of the e-bike and e-scooter rebate scheme, which can be read online.

To be eligible, you need to purchase your e-bike or e-scooter on or after September 23, 2024 – this cannot be a retrospective rebate. You need to be an individual – this isn’t for sole traders or businesses. You must also be a Queensland resident and 18 or over. The purchase needs to be from an eligible retailer. That means any retail business in Queensland, or an Australian online business operating under an active Australian Business Number (ABN).

What e-bikes and e-scooters are eligible?

Not every e-bike or e-scooter is eligible. It must be new – not second hand or reconditioned. It must also comply with the definition of an e-scooter or e-bike (see below). The motorised speed must be limited to 25km/h via either software or hardware, and include a battery management system. And lastly, the supplied charger needs to have a regulatory compliance mark and be registered on the Electrical Equipment Safety System national database.

For an e-scooter to be eligable, it needs to be designed for just one person to use, with either a wheel fore and aft, or two wheels at the front and one at the back or vice versa. The electric motor cannot propel the scooter beyonod 25km/h, and steering must be via handlebars (not a wheel). There needs to be a footboard (not a seat) and the total length cannot exceed 1250mm. The e-scooter must be no more than 700mm wide and 1350mm high. It cannot weigh more than 60kg.

The scheme primarily suits the most common e-bikes that have a maximum continuous rated power of 250W, where the output is progressively reduced as speed goes from 6km/h to 25 km/h. This is the standard performance of e-bike systems from Yamaha, Shimano, Brose, Specialized, SRAM, Bosch, TQ and Ananda systems, amongst some lesser known systems.

They can also be power-assisted bikes that have one (or more) electric auxiliary motors with a maximum output (or combined output) of no more than 200W. They cannot go faster than 6km/h under motor only, and need to cut motor assistance at 25km/h when being pedalled. They cannot include an internal combustion engine.

The rebate scheme is not valid for e-bike conversion kits.

Eligible applicants can only receive one rebate, and a maximum of three people per household can receive a rebate.

More details can be found on the Queensland Government website.

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/projects/electricvehicles/zero-emission-strategy
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Advocacy

Queensland’s 50c Public Transport to continue

The announcement earlier this year that the Queensland Government would undertake a 6-month trial of 50c fares for public transport was welcomed by Bicycle Queensland. Making public transportation more affordable is a step in the right direction toward reducing congestion and promoting sustainable travel options.  

Whilst public transport use has increased most markedly in the south-east corner, around the state patronage has typically increased between 8-15%. Rail has been the big winner in south east Queensland, with a reported 26.5% increase in patronage after the first month of the initiative. 

On the weekend Premier Steven Miles said that the government would keep the 50c fares post-election. Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said that the LNP would keep the commitment for cheaper public transport if his party won at the state election in October. Bicycle Queensland welcomes this bipartisan support for this great public transport initiative. 

We understand from media reports that this cost for subsidising public transport 50 cent fares has been estimated to be approximately $300 million a year, although it may end up less if patronage grows.  

By way of comparison, the Queensland Government has committed $315 million over four years for walking and bike riding in their transport budget. 

Bike riding, e-scooter riding and walking typically go hand-in-hand with more public transport use to allow for properly connected routes. At Bicycle Queensland, we would encourage further investment in walking and riding infrastructure so Queenslanders can make the best use of the ongoing subsidies for public transport. 

Cycling and micromobility has a very real role in supporting more public transport trips, particularly as part of the “door to door” customer experience. Many park-and-ride facilities on the public transport network are already full or close to capacity, so alternatives need to be considered. Additional investment in secure bike parking, and investing in greater capacity for carrying bikes on trains would help. 

‘Having ongoing discounted public transport as a bipartisan promise for the coming state election is a positive step for all Queenslanders,’ stated Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine. ‘We encourage all parties to match this additional $300 million investment in public transport with investment in active transport, to make the best use of the incentives and opportunities.’ 

Interestingly, the Household Travel Survey data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads shows that there are double the number of people riding bikes compared to using trains in Southeast Queensland, despite the significantly lesser investment in active transport. 

Can you imagine the increase in mode share for cycling and micromobility if a similar level of investment to public transport was applied? 

With the state election looming, Bicycle Queensland encourages you to engage with the candidates in your area to find out what they are doing to improve cycling in your region. 

You can support Bicycle Queensland’s Advocacy work by becoming a member.