Riding tips and resources

Getting started

Rethink the way you travel, try riding for transport just one day per week to improve your health and wellbeing, while helping to reduce the number of vehicles on our roads.

Riding a bike for short trips (5-10 km) can often be quicker than driving during peak traffic. It also saves you the stress of finding parking and dealing with congestion. Choosing to leave the car at home and remoding to a bike can save you money and help the environment, all while keeping you fit.

Whether it’s a short trip to the shops, your daily commute, or a weekend ride with friends, every pedal counts.

Tips to start riding more

Here are some easy ways to fit more riding into your week and make it part of your routine:

Ride to school – if your school is nearby why not pedal there? It’s fun way to start your day and avoid the busy drop-off. Check out our Active School Transport Options page for tips on getting started.
Ride with friends – Riding with friends can be a fun and healthy way to travel to your next catch up. Instead of meeting at the café or park, ride there together.
Try a family ride – Make weekend trips to sport, the park, shops or restaurant part of your family routine.
Ride to work – Don’t get stuck in peak time congestion or looking for an elusive car park, remode to bike for a stress-free journey to work.
Plan ahead – Know your route, pack a water bottle and leave a bit earlier to take your time to enjoy the ride.
Start small – Begin with short trips, then work up to longer ones as you get more confident.
Try an e-bike – E-bikes are a great way remove barriers when it comes to riding a bicycle. They are great if you are trying to avoid arriving at work sweaty or riding up hills.

Things to think about when riding

Before hopping on your bike or scooter, here are a few things to keep in mind:

How far is your trip? If you are starting out, riding works best for short trips under 5kms or 20-minutes.
What’s the safest route? Look for shared pathways, on-road cycle lanes, quiet streets or trails. Check out our Active Travel Maps for inspiration.
Do you have the right gear? Always wear a helmet. If riding at night or early morning, use lights, reflectors and hi-vis clothing. Wear flat, closed in toe shoes and comfortable clothing. Avoid long pants, skirts or dresses that might get caught in your chain. Don’t forget your water bottle and sunscreen.
What’s the weather like? It is always a good idea to have a foldable raincoat in your bag during summer on the coast. Be extra vigilant on the roads and pathways if it is raining as they may become slippery.
Have you chosen the right bike or scooter? The best bike or scooter for you will depend on the type of riding you plan to do and what you need to carry. Your local bike shop can help you choose the best device for the type of riding you want to do and the correct size.
Have you completed a safety check on your bike or scooter? Check out our Bike safety checklist. It is also important to service and maintain your bike or scooter. Contact your local bike store or repairer to help get your bike or scooter rolling like new.
Are you up to date with the latest rules for your chosen ride? In Queensland, shared pathways are for everyone, including bike and scooter riders, unless otherwise signed. To help make your journey safe for all pathway users, check out the links to the bike and scooter rules in our Useful Resources section.
Riding on a shared pathway? When riding it’s important to share the path so everyone stays safe and enjoys their journey. Tips for sharing the path can be found at share our paths brochure.
Riding on the road? The Sunshine Coast has an extensive network of on-road cycling facilities and routes that can be enjoyed by confident riders. Riding on the road comes with an added layer of risk. We recommend that you use our extensive off-road pathway network to get around if you are new to cycling or not a confident rider. Get up to speed with the bike symbols and how to share the road safely. Don’t forget, cycling is not permitted on the Sunshine Motorway and sections of the Bruce Highway.

Useful resources

Choosing and fitting a helmet

Helmet on (PDF, 417KB)
Bicycle Queensland have produced a series of short videos to help you with helmet selection and fitting, including what to wear while riding.