A safer Cotter Road for everyone.
Cotter Road is a popular route for motorists and road cyclists. On sections signed at 80 km/h, almost no shoulder means there is too little room for comfortable, predictable overtaking. We are asking for a practical road design that works better for everyone.
Cotter Road needs to work for every road user.
The road between Stromlo, Uriarra and the Cotter is one of Canberra's best-known recreational cycling corridors. It is particularly popular with groups and individual riders in the early morning and on weekends.
It is also an important route for people driving to homes, recreation areas and destinations west of Canberra. Roadside signs already tell motorists to expect cyclists, reflecting the road's multimodal use.
The problem is not that motorists and riders use the same road. The problem is that parts of the road provide very little space for them to do so safely and comfortably.
When a shoulder narrows or disappears, a person riding has nowhere else to go. A driver approaching from behind may then need to wait for a clear view and enough space to pass. That can feel stressful for both people, even when everyone is trying to do the right thing.
Too much speed. Too little space.
The road environment asks motorists and riders to negotiate close interactions with very little margin for error.
Higher-speed traffic
Sections of Cotter Road are signed at 80 km/h. The speed difference between a bicycle and a motor vehicle makes clear passing space especially important.
Almost no shoulder
On narrow sections, riders have little or no usable shoulder. Recent rumble strips have also reduced the available riding space in some locations.
Few easy passing opportunities
Narrow road space and limited sight lines can leave motorists waiting behind riders until it is safe to overtake. Better design would make these interactions calmer and more predictable.
This is a design problem, not a people problem.
We do not want to set riders and motorists against each other. Both are legitimate road users, and both deserve a road that supports safe, courteous decisions.
When the shoulder disappears, the rider cannot simply disappear with it.
Usable space becomes very narrow
Broken edges, debris, drains and rumble strips can reduce an already limited shoulder. Riders may need to move closer to the traffic lane to remain stable and visible.
Overtaking becomes difficult
A considerate driver may have to slow down and wait because there is not enough width or visibility to pass safely. The road layout creates this delay, not the behaviour of one road user.
Everyone feels the pressure
Riders can feel exposed while motorists can feel uncertain about when and where to pass. More predictable road space would reduce stress and conflict for both.
Safety without division.
A well-designed Cotter Road would not make one group the winner and another the loser. It would give everyone clearer expectations and more room to make safe decisions.
For motorists
More predictable places to pass, fewer uncertain interactions and less pressure to make a quick decision.
For riders
A continuous, usable space that reduces exposure to fast-moving traffic.
For the community
A respected recreation corridor that supports healthy activity and access to the Cotter.
For road safety
Fewer stressful encounters and a road environment that helps people behave safely.
Ask for a safer shared Cotter Road.
Send a constructive message to the ACT Minister for Transport. Our draft focuses on road design and asks for an outcome that supports motorists and riders.
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We can share the road. Better design helps everyone do it safely.
Support a calm, practical solution for one of Canberra's most valued road cycling routes.