Wheels of Change: New Bikes Roll into Thursday Island for World Bicycle Day

In a major win for community health, mobility and sustainability, 100 new bicycle are rolling in to Waibene/Thursday Island "TI" just in time for World Bicycle Day, thanks to a powerful grassroots initiative led by Mobilise TI with significant support from Ports North Community Investment Fund.

This milestone follows the diccessful grant awarded to Mobilise TI in 2024, enabling the new program desgined to boost active transport options and improve local mobility.

Ports North CEO Richard Stevenson said he was delighted to see the Community Investment Fund making a meaningful impact.

"Supporting initiatives that deliver long-term benefits for the communities and regions our ports serve is exactly what the Community Investment Fund is about. We're proud to help unlock opportunities, support sustainability, and build stronger, more connected communities," Mr Stevenson said.

The initiative, championed by Mobilise TI founder Sarah Tedder and Torres Shire Council Mayor and ambassador Elsie Seriat OAM, is an innovative step toward improving active transport options for the island' 3,000 resdients.

Over the past year the community has worked together to refurbish and re-home dozens of second-hand bikes. But this delivery, the largest yet - marks a turning point.

TI is only 5 kilometres around and already had a dedicated cycleway making it ideal for biking. However, without a local bike shop or public transport, many families lack suitable options for getting where they need to go.

"These bikes will enable a significant shift for TI," Sarah Tedder explained. "They'll connect families around the island and reduce barriers to education, healthcare, work and community - especially for First Nations women, children, and families.

She hopes this important support will inspire others. "We want other organisations and individuals to get on board so we can keep improving access to bikes in the region and ensure even more people have the choice to ride."

Mayor Elsie Seriat OAM and ambassador of Mobilise TI highlighted the rising number of cars on Thursday Island, saying it doesn't make much sense.

"It feels like there are more cars than people here and traffic is becoming a serious problem", she said. "Encouraging our families to get outside for activities like bike riding isn't just enjoyable - it's also essential for our health and wellbeing. It gives us all a chance to take time out for ourselves."

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates commended Ports North and Mobilise TI for their involvement in the program.

"This is a wonderful, practical initiative, which will make a world of difference to people of all ages on Thursday Island," Minister Bates said.

"Not only do Queensland's ports play a significant role in our state's economy, they also have a very important role in their local communities."

Member for Cook David Kempton said improving mobility across the island will benefit everyone.

"The cost of buying and transporting bikes to TI can be quite expensive," Mr Kempton said.

"Providing these bikes, and the training to maintain them, will not only enable locals to get around the island, it will also help enhance their health, skills and independence, in an environmentally friendly way."

The delivery brings 50 adult bikes, 50 children's bikes, infants seats, and basket, along with bike repair kits, stands, and spare parts - all essential to set up the "community bike hospital' with the essentials to ensure the bicycles can be maintained long term.

99 Bikes who are supplying the bikes and accessories have generously funding the trained mechanics to assemble and provide hands-on maintenance training to build capacity for local resilience.