Riding with children is mostly about the path: how far it keeps you from traffic, how flat it is and whether there is somewhere to stop. This guide sorts Brisbane City Council’s listed bikeways by those needs, then sets out the Queensland rules that apply when children ride, using council and Queensland Government pages only.
Short and separated: the best first rides
For a first family ride, the council points to the Kangaroo Point Bikeway, which it lists as its best ride for beginners and describes as a leisurely and safe ride that is not too difficult. It begins at Captain Burke Park beneath the Story Bridge and gives over three kilometres of riverside riding. The council calls the ride car-free, with a flat route suited to all fitness levels.
If your child is still learning to steer, the Lores Bonney Riverwalk is a useful short option. It is a 1.2-kilometre path with separate lanes for two-way traffic, which the council says leaves kids with fewer obstacles while they learn to handle their handlebars. It follows the river from Portside Wharf Hamilton to Cameron Rocks Reserve near Breakfast Creek. Further west, the Indooroopilly Riverwalk is a 790-metre two-way separated path.
For a longer riverside outing, the Bicentennial Bikeway is an off-road 4.8 km pathway from Toowong to the CBD with separate bike and pedestrian paths.
Longer creek paths with parks on the way
Brisbane’s creek bikeways suit families who want distance without road crossings, and several pass parks where you can break the ride. The Enoggera Creek Bikeway is a paved, shared-use pathway that the council calls generally flat and perfect for families, passing Spencer Park, Finsbury Park and Downey Park.
The Kedron Brook Bikeway runs from Mitchelton to Nundah. It is almost 20 km long and mixes separated bikeways with off-road shared pathways, and the council lists picnic areas, barbecue facilities and parks along it. The Bulimba Creek Bikeway is about 20 km from Murarrie to Eight Mile Plains and is described as relatively flat with many shady sections. The council also states that it is the longest bike path in Brisbane. The Boondall Wetlands Bikeway is shorter, at about 4 km from the Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre to Nudgee Road, and the council describes the route as flat. The North Brisbane Bikeway is a 7.5 km off-road path from the CBD to Wooloowin for people riding bicycles and e-scooters and people walking, and a 4.5 km portion has a separate pedestrian footpath.
Foreshore rides for a full day out
On the bay, the council highlights the 10-kilometre foreshore stretches from Wynnum to Lota and along Sandgate as great for families, with on-road or shared-pathway options. It adds that these two spots have water play areas, greenspace, markets and cafes.
Queensland rules when children ride
Queensland Government advice is that riding on a footpath is legal unless there is a no bicycle sign, and it suggests using one if you are not confident on the road. On footpaths and shared paths, riders must keep left and give way to all pedestrians. On a separated path, you may only ride on the side for bicycle riders, and the other side is for pedestrians.
Helmets are not optional. Riders must wear an approved bicycle helmet or an approved motorbike helmet, securely fitted and fastened. A passenger must also wear an approved helmet, and a bicycle can only carry passengers if it is designed to. Parents towing a child behind them should note that the rider must be 16 or older, the child must be under 10 and wearing an approved, securely fitted helmet, and the trailer must be able to carry the child safely.
At a zebra crossing or children’s crossing, a rider must come to a complete stop first, proceed slowly and safely, and give way to pedestrians on the crossing. Riders must also use due care and attention, and the Queensland Government gives dangerously swerving in and out of pedestrians on a busy path as an example of failing to. Every ride, the bicycle needs at least one working brake and a working bell, horn or similar warning device.
Before you go
The council notes that some bikeways might not be open because of flood damage, maintenance, repairs or upgrades. Its interactive bike paths map shows the locations of council bikeways across Brisbane. E-scooters and e-skateboards are allowed on Brisbane’s bikeways, so expect a mix of users.
Families new to riding can join Cycling Brisbane’s free guided rides or skills workshops. If you spot uneven or cracked surfaces, overgrown trees or lighting in need of repair, the council invites reports.
Frequently asked questions
Which Brisbane bike path is best for a first family ride?
Brisbane City Council lists the Kangaroo Point Bikeway as its best ride for beginners, describing it as leisurely and safe.
Can children ride on the footpath in Queensland?
Queensland Government advice is that footpath riding is legal unless a no bicycle sign applies; riders must keep left and give way to pedestrians.
Do children need helmets when cycling?
Riders must wear an approved helmet securely fitted and fastened, and passengers must too.
How do I know if a bikeway is open?
The council says some bikeways may be closed for flood damage, maintenance, repairs or upgrades, and it publishes a closures and detours page.
