Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program

The Queensland Government is committed to achieving the Queensland Cycling Strategy 2017–2027 vision—more cycling, more often. We are working with local governments to achieve this vision by building and improving infrastructure on principal cycle networks across Queensland.

The Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program supports the delivery of bike networks and encourages more bike riding across Queensland.

Learn more about the Queensland Cycling Strategy 2017-2027 and the Queensland Cycling Action Plan.

About the program

The program supports local governments to deliver best practice, high quality and safe bike riding infrastructure.

Local governments with a published Principal Cycle Network Plan can apply for funding towards projects that provide high quality bicycle infrastructure on the principal cycle network's highest priority routes.

Projects are jointly funded between the Department of Transport and Main Roads and individual councils. Councils can only match our funding with other Queensland Government program funding if the project is delivered within an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community.

Types of funding

Highest priority route options analysis (planning)

• Options analysis to develop a pipeline of quality projects for delivery of highest priority routes on locally-controlled portions of the principal cycle network.
• Up to 50% funding provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
• Read more about Highest priority route options analysis (planning).

Detailed design only

Standard detailed design

• Detailed design for a facility on the principal cycle network.
• All detailed design projects must have gone through a planning process to determine the type and standard of facilities—this process can be completed through the program or internally to council.
• Up to 50% funding provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. 

Priority design treatments

• Detailed design for a facility on the principal cycle network that will deliver high priority bike riding treatments, such as physical separation.
• Up to 100% funding provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Construction only

• Construction of a facility on the principal cycle network.
• All construction projects must have endorsement of detailed designs from the program before construction can start.
• Up to 50% funding provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Infra+

• Targeted promotion, engagement, behaviour change and educational activities associated with bike riding infrastructure delivered on the principal cycle network.
• Activities should focus on the rideable and walkable catchment of recently completed, or soon to be completed, infrastructure.
• Up to 50% funding provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
• Read more about Infra+ projects.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Very Remote Area Councils Grants

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and very remote local government areas of Queensland are eligible to receive up to 75% grant funding for design or construction projects on the principal cycle network.
• Construction projects must have previously had detailed designs developed through the program.
• In this case the regional classification of 'Very Remote' is as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). See Program guidelines, Appendix A for full list of eligible Councils.

Eligible projects

Projects contributing towards delivery of these bike riding infrastructures:

• off-road exclusive use bikeways
• separated cycle tracks (on-road bicycle lanes which are physically separated from motorised traffic)
• off-road shared paths
• bicycle streets
• on-road facilities, including bike lanes, shoulder widening, line marking, lane and intersection reconfiguration and priority signalling
• crossing provisions including at-grade treatments, bridges or underpasses
• mid-trip facilities and end-of-trip facilities.

Projects delivering these supporting bike riding infrastructures:

• wayfinding and signage
• lighting of bicycle paths and bikeways
• data collection for the purposes of monitoring and reporting on the performance of bike riding infrastructure.

How to apply

Eligible local government authorities can apply for funding through an annual program application process.

The Program guidelines outline project requirements and criteria. Please read this document before applying.

An application form is emailed when the program opens, with supporting information to help local government officers apply.

Email TMR.Cycle.Grants@tmr.qld.gov.au for more information about:

• detailed program information
• project assessment and funding requirements
• eligibility of your council.

Timeframes

2024–2025 program

• Applications open—12 October 2023
• Applications close—15 December 2023
• Program allocation announced—June 2024*

* The annual program allocation is announced following the publication of the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program with the release of the Queensland State Budget.

Further information

• Technical requirements—Active Transport Investment Program—detailed information on the technical requirements and minimum standards for this program.
• Principal Cycle Network Plans—projects should contribute directly to the delivery of a relevant regional Principal Cycle Network Plan.
• Priority Cycle Route Improvement Plan Guidelines—can be used to guide planning for all stages in the project lifecycle up to, but not including, business case.