Parents watching their children unwrap e-scooters for use on the flat stretches of the Kedron Brook Bikeway may unknowingly be handing out fines alongside the festive cheer.
The Christmas Crackdown
The upcoming holiday season has triggered a high-alert status for Queensland authorities. With the popularity of electric mobility devices soaring, officials are concerned that well-meaning gifts will turn into dangerous situations on public paths. The “Know Your eRules” campaign has been rolled out to address this specific issue.
Advertisements are currently running on Spotify and local bus shelters to remind shoppers that these devices are not simple toys. The campaign stresses that buying an e-scooter or e-bike comes with significant legal responsibilities that many families might overlook during the rush of Christmas shopping.
A Deadly Cost
The push for education follows a heartbreaking period on Queensland roads and pathways. Data from the last three years indicates that 18 people have died in e-scooter accidents, with several other fatalities linked to e-bikes. The flat and accessible nature of areas like the Kedron Brook Bikeway makes them attractive spots for new riders, but without proper care, these areas can become accident hotspots.
Joanna Robinson, a senior manager at the Department of Transport and Main Roads, pointed out that hospital emergency rooms are seeing a sharp rise in injuries. She warned that these incidents often happen when the devices are ridden illegally or by children who are too young to handle them safely.
Targeted Hotspots and Connecting Routes
Local families should be aware that police enforcement and safety concerns are not limited to a single trail. The crackdown is expected to impact the entire network connecting to Kedron. The Kedron Brook Bikeway serves as a major artery, linking suburbs like Mitchelton, Stafford, and Grange directly to Nundah and Toombul. Particular attention is being drawn to high-traffic zones such as the busy crossing at Shaw Road in Wavell Heights and the popular Kalinga Park in Wooloowin.
Riders venturing further afield often connect to the North Brisbane Bikeway at Lutwyche for a commute into the city, or head east towards the Jim Soorley Bikeway to reach Nudgee Beach. These interconnected routes, including the path near the Schulz Canal Bridge, are popular weekends spots for families. However, their shared nature means e-scooter riders must be hyper-vigilant of pedestrians and cyclists, especially near major hubs like the Brookside and Toombul shopping precincts.
Parents Face the Fines
Police are shifting their focus from just the riders to the guardians responsible for them. Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler of the Road Policing Group made it clear that supervision is a requirement, not a choice. He explained that if a child is caught breaking the rules on an illegal device, the parents could face penalties. The authorities want to ensure that buying a personal mobility device does not give a child permission to ride wherever they please. Parents are being urged to understand the laws before purchasing these items to avoid enforcement action and to keep other path users safe.
Knowing the Limits
To keep the holidays safe, families are encouraged to visit the government’s StreetSmarts website. This resource helps buyers identify which devices are legal for use in public spaces. Authorities reiterated the non-negotiable rules of the road, which include wearing a helmet, sticking to speed limits, and staying off busy roads. They also highlighted the dangers of distracted riding using mobile phones and riding under the influence. The message is simple: check the rules before hitting the bikeway to prevent a fine or a tragedy.
Published Date 09-December-2025
