Pedal Heist returns with $60,000 prize pool

Australia’s longest-running bike treasure hunt is back for 2026, with the popular Pedal Heist expanding across the Tasman for the first time and offering a $60,000 prize pool.

Now in its 11th year, the nationwide campaign, run by Pedal Bikes in partnership with 99 Bikes, will take place from today, April 7 to April 16 during the Easter school holidays. This year’s edition will see 50 bikes hidden across 10 cities in Australia and New Zealand, including a debut stop in Auckland.

Each day, participants will be given a cryptic clue via Instagram directing them to a secret location in that day’s host city. The first five people to crack the clue, reach the location and unlock the bike will ride away with a brand-new prize.

Originally launched in Brisbane in 2014, the Pedal Heist has grown into a major annual campaign spanning cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The 2026 edition marks its biggest footprint yet.

According to 99 Bikes General Manager David Heidke, the campaign’s longevity reflects its strong connection with everyday riders.

“What started as a local experiment in Brisbane has grown into something that still gives us goosebumps,” Heidke said.

The 2026 route will span ten cities, kicking off on the Sunshine Coast before travelling through Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, before finishing in Auckland on April 16.

Participants can follow daily clues via the Pedal Bikes and 99 Bikes Instagram accounts.

Heist locations and dates are: 

● 7th April – Sunshine Coast 

● 8th April – Brisbane 

● 9th April – Gold Coast 

● 10th April – Newcastle 

● 11th April – Sydney 

● 12th April – Canberra 

● 13th April – Melbourne 

● 14th April – Adelaide 

● 15th April – Perth 

● 16th April – Auckland