A rise in insurance claims linked to road incidents involving bicycles and scooters has prompted the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) to appeal for heightened caution among road users, particularly during the school holiday period.
According to new claims data from RACQ Insurance, 186 motor vehicle claims involving bicycles and scooters were lodged between March 2024 and February 2025 – up from 153 in the previous year. The figures equate to roughly one incident every two days.
Notably, coastal and regional areas with high tourist traffic – including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Townsville – recorded some of the highest claim frequencies.
RACQ general manager of advocacy Joshua Cooney said both drivers and riders share responsibility for ensuring road safety.
“Whether you’re behind the wheel or on two wheels, everyone has a role to play to stay safe on our roads,” he said. “We’re seeing a fairly even split between motorists and riders being at fault, highlighting the need for all road users to prioritise safety and be mindful of each other.”
Data showed collisions are more likely to occur during the late afternoon, between 3pm and 5pm – coinciding with school finishes and the evening commute. Reduced driver alertness and fading daylight were cited as contributing factors.
“The data highlights a real danger period in the busy afternoon commute with road users generally more tired and the sun setting which can impact visibility,” Cooney said. “As we enter the holiday period with more families, children, and tourists out and about, we urge everyone to slow down, follow the road rules, and exercise an extra level of caution to prevent crashes on shared roads and pathways.”
RACQ’s member survey found that while three-quarters of Queensland drivers regularly encounter cyclists, only 10% said they understood all relevant road-sharing rules.
Additionally, 12% reported having narrowly avoided a collision with a cyclist, and 25% admitted to knowing little or none of the applicable traffic laws for cyclists.
To improve safety outcomes, Cooney reminded motorists of the legal requirement to leave a minimum one-metre gap when overtaking cyclists at 60km/h or less, and 1.5 metres at higher speeds.
In parallel, the state has recorded a surge in road deaths. Queensland’s road toll reached 303 fatalities in 2024, the highest level in over a decade. Already in early 2025, 47 deaths have been reported, prompting further concerns as the Easter travel period contributes to heavier road usage.
In response, RACQ has submitted policy recommendations to the state government, advocating for a multi-pronged strategy centred on enforcement, deterrence, and public education. These include:
The group also called for stricter oversight of company vehicles, harsher penalties for repeat offenders, and updated motorcycle licensing standards.
Elsewhere, other jurisdictions are reporting similar issues. In South Australia, the Royal Automobile Association (RAA) recorded 12 road fatalities in January 2025 – the worst start to a year since 2019. Meanwhile, a survey by RAC WA found that over half of Western Australian respondents had witnessed or been involved in dangerous incidents at locations flagged as high-risk.
