As noted in a previous KBUG News post, new e-bike laws being introduced in NSW, aimed to curb the fire hazard caused by lithium-ion batteries, have been pushed back to February 1, 2026.

Many e-bike hire businesses across NSW say they will still be unable to afford compliance before the new date, and face closure.

The NSW government is being asked for different considerations for bike hire operators to help them replace bikes that do not meet the new standards. 

Under NSW law, a hire is classed as a sale.

Unlike retailers who can sell non-certified stock before the February deadline, hire operators rely on the e-bike manufacturers to get the certification, or replace their fleets themselves.

Read more at ABC News >>>

NSW e-Bike product standards, introduced earlier this year, were to be a nationwide first to tackle the risk of lithium battery fires, applying to e-Bike sales and e-Bike hire, and micro-mobility products like e-scooters & skateboards.

Fines of up to $825,000 were meant to commence from August 1 for manufacturers and suppliers who did not have e-bike models and parts certified on time — including lithium-ion batteries or chargers.

Retailer 99 Bikes began clearing stock in preparation, while US manufacturer Trek said it would be forced to withdraw from sales in NSW in order to comply with the original date.

After some pressure, the NSW government quietly announced last week the cut-off was postponed until next February.

Read more at ABC News >>>

Attention all Kiama BUG members….

The 2025 Kiama BUG Annual General Meeting and Dinner will be held on Wednesday 27th August, at the Oak Flats Bowling Club.

The function will commence at 6:00pm.

Our AGM will be held at 6:30pm, followed by Dinner at 7:00pm

Please review the information below – to either:

1. RSVP for the AGM and Dinner
   and/or
2. Nominate for the Kiama BUG Committee

Please RSVP by Monday 11th August.
Continue reading KBUG AGM and Annual Dinner 2025 →

This year’s Kiama BUG Cycling Tour will visit the NSW Central Coast and Newcastle during the week commencing 12th May 2025.

There will be three days of riding….

• Tuesday 13th May: Tuggerah Lake Loop (54 km)
• Wednesday 14th May: Fernleigh Newcastle Track (55 km)
• Thursday 15th May: Lake Budgewoi Loop (35 km)

Our base for the trip will be the Norah Head Holiday Park. The Norah Head Holiday Park offers a wide range of accommodation.

More information about each of the rides is available in the Ride Information document below. (This document will be updated as planning progresses.)

All rides will be on paved surfaces.

You will need to organise your own accommodation, staying in the area from Monday 12th May, to be ready to roll on the Tuesday morning, when we will be leaving the Norah Head Holiday Park at 8:00 am. 

To assist in the organisation for the trip, please register at the link below, before Wednesday 30th April.

• Central Coast Ride information >>>
• Central Coast Tour Registration Form  >>>

More discussion and planning will no doubt take place on our regular rides over the coming weeks.

It’s going to be a Kiama BUG kinda Christmas….

There are two steps to follow if you will be attending the 2024 Christmas dinner….

Step 1 – Transfer $25 pp to the Kiama BUG bank account….

• Account name: Kiama Bicycle User Group Inc
• BSB: 032-689
• Account No: 135138
• ‘To’ Description: Include your name, followed by the code CD24 (eg F Nurk CD24)

Step 2 – Let the caterers know you will be there….. Click/tap on the Kiama BUG Christmas wheel below to go to the RSVP form – before Tuesday 3rd December...

RSVP

When Queensland’s South Burnett rail line closed after a century of servicing communities in the region, it seemed the beginning of the end. But ABC Back Roads presenter Lisa Millar (who grew up in the area) discovers new life and prosperity is coming down the same corridor in the form of cyclists, tourists and runners.

The Rail Trail is bringing thousands of people to the region, as well as uniting the locals in the towns along the trail – running, walking, cycling and even riding horses along the trail. Last year 32,000 people passed one of the Rail Trail measuring points at Kingaroy!

Watch the ABC Back Roads ‘South Burnett Rail Trail’ episode >>>

(Note: You will need to login to the ABC to watch – alternatively, you can stream it on your TV.)

A cyclist from New South Wales is on the last stretch to completing a full lap riding around Australia. Lachlan Morton made his final stop in Sydney on Friday and is now on track to set a new world record, when he reaches the finish line in his hometown of Port Macquarie today.

The Big Bike Film Night will be presented at the Gala Cinema Warrawong on Tuesday 13th August, with a collection of the world’s best cycling short movies.  

The 2024 collection is geared to inspire, with a breathtaking range of short cycling films that celebrate the fun, adventure, and inspiration that cycling enables – showcasing 2.5 hours of bike films that has everything a cycle-centric audience could want. 

Check out the trailer….

Thanks to prize sponsors, presenting partner Ng? Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, you could win an epic cycling holiday in New Zealand for two, with Cycle Journeys, on the scenically stunning Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Great Ride when you buy a ticket to attend a screening of The Big Bike Film Night Australia. T’s and C’s apply.

Learn more and purchase tickets >>>

Feeling a bit weary after today’s ride? As you recline on the recovery lounge, spare a thought for Aussie Allan Jefferson, who is currently riding in the Race Across America (RAAM).

Regarded as the world’s toughest bike race, the 2024 edition of the RAAM started on June 11. Spanning 12 states and covering over 5000km, 2022 RAAM winner Allan Jefferson of Townsville in North Queensland is now over half way in this gruelling event.

Aiming to beat his race-winning time of 10 days and 15 minutes, Jefferson, is pedaling around 500 km per day, averaging 20 hours a day in the saddle. (That’s not much sleeping, eating or resting time!)

He will climb 55,000 metres over the 10 day journey!

• Read the background story at Bicycle Australia >>>
• Find out more about the race at www.teamjefferson.com.au >>>
• The official Race Across America website is www.raamrace.org >>>
• Tracking is available via www.raamrace.org/live-tracking >>>