Cycling

Cycling is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, or for sport.

Cycling is widely regarded as a very effective and efficient mode of transportation optimal for short to moderate distances. Bicycles provide numerous benefits by comparison with motor vehicles, including the sustained physical exercise necessarily involved in cycling, that cycling involves a reduced consumption of fossil fuels, less air or noise pollution, much reduced traffic congestion, easier parking, greater manoeuvrability, and access to both roads and paths.

Source: Wikipedia

What can and can't cyclists do on the road?

Take the QUIZ

It’s important for all road users to be up to speed with the rules, especially when cyclists are involved.

According to Bicycle Queensland, when it comes to crashes between cars and bikes, research shows motorists are at fault nearly 90 per cent of the time. Just to clear things up we’ve taken a look at the rules and put together a quick quiz to test your knowledge.

And just a note — these are Queensland laws we’re talking about, so it may differ slightly in other parts of the country.

Queensland Cycling Strategy 2017-2027

Queensland Cycling Strategy

The Queensland Government has released the Queensland Cycling Strategy 2017-2027.

The strategy sets the direction for encouraging more cycling, more often throughout Queensland over the next 10 years. It is accompanied by an Action Plan and Queensland State of Cycling Report, which will be updated every two years to help prioritise effective action and respond to changes that impact cycling in Queensland.

The new strategy is about supporting those who ride and those who want to start riding by making traveling by bike a safer and more comfortable option.

The State of Cycling report will also be published every two years to track the progress of achieving the vision of more cycling, more often.

Cycling Resources

About Cycling, Cycling Benefits, Bike User Guide, Bikeway Maps, Cycling Events, Research and Safety Resources …

Source: Department of Transport & Main Roads

Cycling Grants (Queensland Government)

Bike Riding Encouragement Program Community Grants Program 2020-21

The Bicycle Riding Encouragement Program (BREP) community grants provide financial support for activities that help to increase the number of people who regularly ride a bike.

Cycling infrastructure grants

To get more people cycling more often, cycling needs to be accessible and safe, with facilities that encourage new riders, women and children. The Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program aim is to accelerate the delivery of cycling networks and encourage more cycling across Queensland.

The Benefits of Cycling

Click to open Benefits of Cycling image.
Department of Transport & Main Roads

Safety

Turning Blind

Vehicle blind spots and carelessness are a deadly combination. Here’s some ways that you, as a bike rider, stay out of harm’s way. Blind spots, blind spots and trucks and Tips for sharing the road

Source
Bicycle Network

Bicycle road rules and safety

Bicycles are a type of vehicle—when you ride a bicycle on a Queensland road, you have rights and responsibilities like all other road users.

When you ride a bicycle, you must obey the general road rules the same as other motorists as well as the specific road rules for bicycle riders.

Maintenance

Bike Maintenance

Whether you’re rolling around on a top-of-the-range machine or a family heirloom – bikes are all fairly simple devices that deliver the same simple pleasure.

Learn more about choosing, adjusting and maintaining your bike here.

Essential bike maintenance tips everyone should know

Even the most inexperienced cyclists know you can’t ride a bike with two flat tires, no brakes, a janky chain, and pieces that are a bump or two away from scattering across the pavement. If you’re not taking care of your ride, you risk disappointment and disaster every time you hop on the saddle.

Don’t worry if you’re not an expert mechanic—there are basic steps you can take before each trip that will ensure smooth cycling wherever you are. Not every component is high-maintenance—some parts only need attention after you’ve logged long miles. And at the end of every year with your trusty two-wheeler, it’s worth considering a checkup from a professional. Learn More

Source: Popular Science

Learn basic bike repair with these 9 DIY videos

Keeping your bike in tip-top shape means regular maintenance, preventative measures, and the occasional on-the-road quick fix.

Here are nine videos that teach you the basics in simple easy steps — from lubing a chain, overhauling a hub and replacing a cable to applying a tire patch and more.

Source
Treehugger

Cycling Links

Related Articles & Useful Resources

Cycling Boom puts focus on keeping riders safe

An explosion in bicycle sales during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has renewed the focus on keeping cyclists safe.

“It is very important to look ahead to the future and ensure we can provide a safe and encouraging environment for people to enjoy riding, whether that be for the simple pleasure of riding with family and friends, or as a means of transport or commuting”

READ FULL STORY

Bike Lane Design Guidelines

Bicycle lane designs have been evolving rapidly in recent years, in response to increased
participation rates and the realisation that there needs to be increased emphasis on improving the safety and experience of on-road bike riding for cyclists of all capabilities to better meet community needs and expectations, while increasing bicycle use.

The guidelines cover the following on-road bike facilities:

Kerbside Physically Separate
Double Chevron
Single Chevron on Parking Side of Bike Lane
Single Chevron on Traffic Side of Bike Lane
Simple Bike Lane
Shared Traffic-Bike Lane
Six alternate intersection treatments (covering physically separated bike lanes/separation through traffic signal phasing/roundabouts)

Source
City of Melbourne

E-bikes and the Impact on Off-road Cycling

While traditional bike technology is likely to continue to stabilise, the rapid emergence of the E-bike is likely to have a profound impact on off-road cycling. As technology improves the bikes will become a much more common feature on trails, making cycling activities more accessible to more people. Being able to cycle at higher average speeds, cover longer distances and ride up hills more easily makes e-bikes an attractive option for recreation and commuting.

Source
Treadwell

Recipe for a cycling environment

Study shows the supercharge of ebikes

Ebikes are replacing cars and increasing the time people spend riding, a study of ebike users in North America has found.

Why we need a national Ride2School program

More than two-thirds of Australian school students are driven to school, even though their parents understand the importance of riding and walking shows new research.

Bicycle Network lifts the lid on helmet survey

A survey of almost 20,000 people has found that nearly two-thirds don’t believe you should have to wear a helmet every time you ride a bike in Australia.

The Amazing Way Bicycles Change You

People take to their bikes …

… when we make it safer and easier for them

The latest national cycling participation data, released in June this year, show the proportion of Australians cycling has fallen significantly since 2011. This is bad news for health and wellbeing, and for the economy as well.

However, our recent research shows some exceptions to this trend, in places where safe cycleways have been built.

How to prevent your bike from being stolen

How to prevent your bike from being stolen (UK)

Even a basic bicycle for travelling between work and home can be expensive, so it’s no surprise that bikes are a popular target for thieves.

So what are the best ways to help prevent yours from being stolen? Whether it’s at home or away, this guide should help you keep your bike more secure

Road Toads & Pedalphiles

Mythbusting the reasons why people hate cyclists

Their lights are too bright, they don’t have lights; they ride on the line, they ride on the road; they ride too fast on footpaths, they ride too slow in traffic; they don’t wear helmets, they do wear lycra.

New Electronic Bike Helmet

Cyclevision … devised the ‘smart helmet’’ featuring video streaming technology to give riders advance warning of impending collisions.

“Bicycle riders are vulnerable road users, and the number of cyclists hospitalised as a result of road incidents nationally has been increasing by about four per cent each year, but with enough warning, a cyclist may be able to take the necessary action to avoid a collision, especially with vehicles approaching from behind and this smart Cyclevision helmet is a great solution”

Drivers are overwhelmingly at fault in collisions with cyclists — should we assume they are liable?

To keep our cyclists safe, it may be time to adopt the approach of many European nations by introducing legislation that, in civil cases, presumes that car drivers caused a collision unless there is evidence to the contrary.

Helmets Reduce Risk of Serious Injury

A major study of bike helmet use around the world from more than 64,000 cyclists has found helmets reduce the risks of a serious head injury by nearly 70%.

The compulsory wearing of bike helmets in Australia has long been a source of frustration for some cyclists, who argue it reduces participation rates. Previous studies have indicated helmet use encourages risk-taking behaviour or does not reduce serious injury to the brain.

QORF is a proud supporter of Cycling Brisbane

Check out the Riding in Brisbane guide, showcasing key riding locations and routes across the city, plus essential information and resources.

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Cycling

Cycling is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, or for sport.