Pedal Power ACT | Advocacy

Advocating for your issue

If you want to see improvements for cycling, don’t be afraid to go straight to the top!

The ACT is a small jurisdiction and Members of the Legislative Assembly can be relatively accessible. Your representation can make a real difference to outcomes for cycling.

Here are some tips for writing to an MLA:

Get to know your MLAs. The ACT Legislative Assembly website lists the MLAs and how to contact them.
Make sure you check details as MLAs and their portfolios can change.
Focus on the Minister responsible. Check the details as portfolios are complex and can change – we might have different Ministers for Road Safety, Roads, Transport Planning.
Write to all parties. Backbench, opposition and cross bench MLAs may take up the issue with government on your behalf, particularly if it relates to their electorate or portfolio.
When writing to government ministers, refer to the relevant policies which support cycling (e.g. Transport for Canberra, Vision Zero Road Safety, Healthy Weight Initiative.)
Be constructive. Politicians get a lot of negative feedback! Rational and well-argued representation will have a better chance of a positive response.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Attach a photo to make it clear what the problem is
Be concise. Politicians get a lot of correspondence and brevity will help yours stand out from the crowd.
Be professional. Provide your name and contact details to ensure a reply.