Founded in February 2024 by Janine Boertjes, Queer Bike Rides Cork (QBR) is the county’s first and only LGBTQ+ cycling club.
Janine was inspired to start the club after seeing others do the same on social media, and she wanted to be part of one herself. After completing her training with Cycling Ireland, she started leading rides soon after.
“My goal was to create an inclusive and sporting environment, where folks can be themselves and we can share our love for cycling,” she told GCN.
When asked about what activities QBR offers, Janine said that they have social bike rides for all levels, from complete beginner to pro rider. The group’s intention is to allow queer people to go on adventures together while stopping for a sweet treat and a hot drink on their journey.
“We try to have a good mix of short/beginner friendly rides, intermediate rides, and more challenging rides for experienced cyclists, such as our 45k+ journeys to Crosshaven and the Waterford Greenway. Beyond your standard cycle, we have run a Halloween scavenger hunt, Christmas light cycle, queer history cycle, an info night for bikepacking, a bike maintenance workshop and more!”
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The group mainly cycles along the lanes and greenways of Cork. This lets them explore all types of landscape, from the urban city to coastlines, farmland and forest.
“Cycling is a great way to explore your local area and experience nature in a different way. From the beaches of Youghal, the island of Ballincollig Regional Park, we travel as far as our legs can take us – seeking out breathtaking vistas and good cafes.”
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They had a very eventful first year, with 27 rides covering 636km of ground. They also had a collaboration with Cork LGBT Archive for their Cork Queer History Cycle, and the group was featured on Cork’s 96fm to advertise the event.
“Orla Egan and Richard Keys McDonnell brought us to sights of interest for the community, from McCurtain Street to Blackrock Castle, and shared stories of activism, community spaces and more. It was amazing to hear all the stories from a time before many of us were born or moved to Cork and feel connected to those who came before us.”
Another highlight from the year was being shortlisted for Out and Outstanding’s best social group award, with Janine adding: “It has been wonderful to see the group grow and the biggest highlight has been the friendships formed along the way.”
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The club has plenty of ideas lined up for the future, including trips abroad, bike kit crafting sessions, movie nights, beach days, multi-day bikepacking trips and more.
“Our numbers are only growing, so whether you’re an avid cyclist or interested in learning the ropes in a supportive environment, pedal on down to our next event!”
QBR has two to three events every month and is open to every cycling enthusiast over the age of 18, both LGBTQ+ people and allies. All types of bikes are also welcome, no matter if it’s electric, rented, or training wheels.
For more information and to get involved, fine Queer Bike Rides Cork on Instagram at @qbrcork.
© 2025 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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