Cycling infrastructure grants

The Queensland Government is committed to achieving the Queensland Cycle Strategy 2017-2027 vision of ‘more cycling, more often on safe, direct and connected routes’.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads works with local governments to achieve this vision by delivering and improving principal cycle networks across Queensland.

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 to accelerate the delivery of cycling networks and encourage more cycling across Queensland.

Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program

The Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program helps local governments to deliver best practice, high quality and safe cycling infrastructure and facilities.

Local governments with a Principal Cycle Network Plan are eligible to apply for a 50% grant for the design and/or construction of cycling infrastructure that contributes to the delivery of their regional cycle network.

Eligible projects

Projects eligible for this funding include the detailed design and/or construction of:

• off-road exclusive use bikeways 
• on-road bicycle lanes which are physically separated from motorised traffic (also called Cycle Tracks)
• off-road shared paths
• advisory lanes
• 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
• directional and route signage
• lighting and data collection.

Assessment criteria

All project applications are assessed and prioritised against the following 6 selection criteria:

• Strategic priority – Project is on a Highest Priority Route identified in the Priority Route Maps and Action Plans for the PCN.
• Attractiveness and comfort – Project creates a safe and secure environment for vulnerable and new cyclists of all ages and abilities (for example, physical separation from traffic).
• Network enhancement – Project contributes to the delivery of the PCN, particularly filling gaps/missing links in the network and addressing barriers to cycling on the network.
• Connectivity – Improving the connectivity of the cycle network, linking the community to key local trip attractors (for example, business centres, schools, service hubs and sport and recreational facilities).
• Demand – Projects are adequately designed to accommodate the surrounding population level, considering both current and future population projections (10 years). The project has sufficient capacity to accommodate anticipated use of the facility, including consideration of any peak periods and fluctuating demand patterns.
• Safety improvement – Project improves safety to cyclists, addressing risks, known hazards and crash locations.
• Cost effectiveness – Project costs are appropriate to project scope and are value for money.
• Project feasibility and deliverability – Project can be delivered within required timeframes and has adequately addressed relevant project obstacles. 

Special grant categories

In addition to standard grant project funding, 4 new special grant categories are now being offered. These include:

• One Network Projects (PDF, 143 KB)  – this category recognises the importance of strategic collaboration between local governments and the TMR district to deliver routes across state and local owned corridors and routes. Applications which demonstrate that local governments and TMR districts have collaborated strategically to deliver a route with consistent design standards will be considered favourably during the assessment process.
• Priority Design Treatments (PDF, 121 KB)  – this category offers local governments the opportunity to access 100% grant funding and special design assistance for the detailed design of projects which deliver:
  • retrofit of device to physically separate bicycles from motor vehicle traffic on an existing on-road cycle facility,
  • new on-road bike lanes which are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic (i.e. cycle tracks), or
  • advisory lanes or cycle streets treatments.
• Infra+ Projects (PDF, 135 KB)  – this category allows local governments to apply for funding, as part of a cycling infrastructure project, to undertake targeted promotion, engagement, behaviour change and educational activities associated with the infrastructure being delivered. Local governments will be required to complete an Infra+ application form, as well as the standard project application form.
• Highest Priority Route Options Analysis (PDF, 65 KB)  – This category allows local governments to access 50% grant funding to undertake options analyses to develop a pipeline of quality projects for delivery of Highest Priority Routes on locally controlled portions of the Principal Cycle Network. Local governments will be required to complete a Highest Priority Route Options Analysis application form.

More information about these new categories is available in the Program Guidelines.

How to apply

Eligible local government organisations are invited to submit applications for funding through an annual program application process. An application form and supporting information is emailed to eligible local government organisations on the program opening date. If you would like more information about the eligibility of your council please contact TMR.Cycle.Grants@tmr.qld.gov.au.

Program guidelines

Refer to the Program Guidelines (PDF, 405 KB) for detailed program information, including project assessment details and funding requirements. Please note page 16 of the Program Guidelines is updated to reflect the new Queensland Cycling Strategy 2017-2027.

Refer to the Active Transport Investment Program Technical Requirements (PDF, 425 KB) for more detailed information on the technical requirements and minimum standards for this program.

*The annual program allocation is announced through the publication of the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program.