Cycling QLD Info & Tips for Newbie Riders

Published 10:33am 6 May 2020

Cycling QLD Info & Tips for Newbie Riders
Words by Melissa McMahon

Cycling is a fantastic activity for all ages, not only does it improve health and fitness, but it also provides environmental, economic, social and transport benefits.

If you’re looking to benefit from cycling, but aren’t sure where to start, or what your obligations are as a bike rider cycling in Brisbane and surrounding areas, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded-up all the need to know info and tips for cycling Brisbane and Moreton Bay Region.

But wait, there’s more! You’ll find useful links to Queensland Government, Moreton Bay Regional Council, and Brisbane City Council cycling information, as well as Translink public transport bike commuting info towards the end of this blog.

Cycling QLD Info & Tips for Newbie Riders

13 Bike Riding Tips for On-Road and Pathway Cycling

#1. Get the right bike for your cycling needs. There are lots of different bikes out there and most bikes are made for a specific style of cycling, like downhill bikes for downhill biking, road bikes for road cycling and so on.

#2. Bought yourself a new bike? Or are you new to cycling QLD roads and paths? If so, perform a practice ride first.

#3. Always wear a good quality, well-fitting helmet (compulsory) and sunglasses (recommended during the day) when cycling in Brisbane and Moreton Bay Region.

#4. Use a basket (if one can be fitted), or a backpack, a bell, bike lock and strong front and rear safety lights. It would also be wise to invest in a puncture repair kit and make sure you carry the repair kit along with a bike pump and spare tube when heading out for long rides.

#5. Plan your route carefully.

#6. Check your tires, lights, bell and gears are working properly before leaving home, and don’t forget your mobile phone in case you get into trouble and need to organise a pick-up.

#7. Use cycleways and paths when possible.

#8. Try to stick to roads with bike lanes when travelling on the road. Separated bike lanes are best where possible.

#9. When cycling Brisbane and Moreton Bay Region roads do your best to keep out of drivers’ blind spots.

#10. Be very vigilant of opening car doors as you pass-by parked vehicles.

#11. Sound your bell once or twice when coming up behind people and other cyclists to alert them to your presence and intention to pass. Do not incessantly ring your bell as it may bewilder or frighten people and could lead to an accident.

#12. When cycling in Brisbane and our region at night be sure to wear colourful, or high-vis clothing, and turn on rear and front lights.

#13. Did you know? Unless there are signs or markings stating otherwise, you are allowed to cycle on the footpath in Queensland. Please keep in mind though that pedestrians have right of way.

Cycling QLD Info & Tips for Newbie Riders

Cycling QLD Rules & Safety Considerations

Before hopping on your bicycle, familiarise yourself with Queensland’s bicycle road rules and safety tips, and remember, cycling comes with hazards – please stay vigilante on Queensland’s roads and practice common courtesy on our footpaths.

Make sure you know what the rules are, practice common sense and be aware of what is going on around you as a bicycle will lose against a car no matter who is in the right. And, of course, be courteous, show good manners and ride safely.

Keep your Bicycle in Tip-Top Shape

Stay safe cycling QLD roads and paths by keeping your bike in good condition. it's important to have your bicycle regularly serviced by a professional for good maintenance, and upkeep.

Cycling Brisbane North – Redcliffe Bike Hire & Purchase

If you are looking to buy a new good-to-go bicycle, or have one custom made, or would like to hire one out instead, Street Art Cycles is your port-of-call on Redcliffe peninsula. Jens specialises primarily in city/town bikes made for commuting, touring and leisurely rides. These types of bikes are also commonly known as hybrid cycles and comfort & cruiser bikes.

Cycling QLD Info & Tips for Newbie Riders

Choose the Right Bike for your Needs

Hybrid Bikes

With skinnier, smooth tyres, and an upright seat and handlebar position, hybrid cycles are ideal for shorter trips on pathways. These bikes are a cross between road and a mountain bikes.

Comfort & Cruiser Bikes

Comfort bikes are similar to hybrids, combining mountain bike and road bike traits to create a versatile and durable upright bicycle. These cushy rides feature wider, more comfy seats, and are normally designed on mountain bike-type frames, often featuring a seat post, or suspension fork.

Electric Bikes

Don’t sweat it! Electric bikes are ideal for work commutes, long recreational rides and cyclists living in hilly/mountainous areas. This is the type of bike you want for cycling Brisbane inner-city suburbs.

BMX Bikes

Want to get off-road, or hit the skate park? Featuring steel frames and flat-bar handles, and free of unnecessary structural weight, BMX bikes are made for use on various off-road surfaces such as dirt trails, concrete paths and in skate bowls.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are hardy, making them suited to cycling QLD mountain tracks and dirt trails. These sorts of bikes features wide tyres, knobbly-treads and a frames designed for riding on dirt, grass and trails. They tend to offer a comfortable riding position making them a good alternative to city/town bikes for shorter work commutes requiring traversing a mixture of terrain such as roads, paths, grass and dirt tracks.

Road Bikes

Road bikes, with their skinny tyres, clip-in pedals, lightweight frames and flat or drop handlebars, are made for riding at speed on paved streets. These cycles are perfect for travelling long distances at higher speeds.

Cycling QLD Info & Tips for Newbie Riders

QLD Cycling in Brisbane & Moreton Bay Region Resources

Queensland Bike User Guide – covers road rules for cyclists, cycling groups, bike security, Translink public transport bike information, commuting by bike, bicycle maintenance, hook turn storage boxes, tips for teachers & parents, recreational touring and sports cycling, and more cycling QLD info.

Translink Bike Facilities – information regarding which bus stations are equipped with bike racks, and where to find park n’ ride facilities.

Moreton Bay Region Guide to Cycling.

Moreton Bay Region Shared Paths & Bikeway Tips and Info.

Brisbane City Council’s Cycling Brisbane – a treasure trove of info for riding in Brisbane.

For more Cycling Brisbane North in Moreton Bay Region

Hashtag your cycling adventures north Brisbane on Insta #MoretonDaily or tag us @MoretonDaily on Facebook!

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