The tight-knit cycling community on Bribie Island is grappling with the loss of one of their most cherished members, following a fatal accident that has left a husband without his lifelong companion and adventure partner.
Barbra Poen, 79, died on 14 July after being struck by a vehicle while cycling along Goodwin Avenue at Bongaree. The grandmother, known affectionately as “Barbel” to friends and family, was following her usual Monday routine – cycling to meet her husband Cornelis and friends for coffee after her weekly yoga class.
When Barbra failed to arrive at their regular meeting spot at Woorim Beach, her concerned husband went searching for her. Tragically, Cornelis discovered her bicycle on the roadway, marking the end of a love story that began 50 years ago in South Africa.
The couple, originally from Germany and Holland respectively, met in Johannesburg in 1975 before embarking on a life of shared adventures that would eventually bring them to Australia. After marrying in 1979, they moved to Brisbane where Cornelis worked as a newspaper engineer at The Courier-Mail, whilst Barbra found employment with Brisbane City Council, where she remained for 22 years.
Their retirement to Bribie Island allowed them to pursue their passion for outdoor activities together. The pair were known for their kayaking expeditions, often paddling from Bribie to Caloundra for overnight adventures, as well as their regular bush walks and cycling outings.
For the past 15 years, both Barbra and Cornelis had been active members of the Bribie Island Bicycle User Group, commonly known as Bribie BUG. The group, which has approximately 120 members, was formed to provide locals with opportunities to cycle together, promote fitness, and explore Bribie Island and the surrounding areas.
According to police reports, the accident occurred when Barbra, riding her e-bike eastbound, collided with a Ford Falcon towing a yellow boat near the Bribie Island Aquatic Centre. Despite the immediate response of emergency services, she could not be saved. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured.
The cycling community has been deeply affected by the loss. Fellow BUG members have taken to social media to share their grief and pay tribute to Barbra, describing her as a vibrant, intelligent woman who was beloved by all who knew her.
One member, Kerry Anne Drury, expressed the group’s collective heartbreak, whilst another, Judee O’Leary, highlighted Barbra’s integral role within their cycling family. The tragedy has resonated throughout the broader Bribie Island community, where Barbra was well-known and respected.
The accident has also highlighted ongoing safety concerns along Goodwin Avenue, which has been the site of previous serious incidents. In 2022, another tragic event occurred near the Bribie Island shopping centre when a woman, toddler, and baby were struck by a utility vehicle.
Police temporarily closed sections of Goodwin Avenue whilst conducting their investigation, with the road reopening to traffic by midday. Authorities continue to seek witnesses or anyone with information or dashcam footage related to the incident.
For Cornelis, the loss represents not just the end of his marriage, but the departure of his closest friend. The couple had been making plans for Barbra’s 80th birthday celebration in May next year – dreams that will now remain unfulfilled.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of cyclists on our roads and the importance of sharing these spaces safely. As the Bribie Island community rallies around those affected, Barbra’s memory lives on through the cycling group she loved and the many lives she touched during her 79 years.
Published 20-July-2025
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