Biking in the cycling capital
The ACT is a great place to ride a bike, with its cool temperate climate, beautiful natural environment, parks and open spaces to explore. Our city is known for its extensive path network that intertwines through the suburbs, and its high-quality road infrastructure including cycle lanes. Whether you are a Canberra resident or visitor to our city, cycling is a great way to get around the bush capital.
Pedal Power’s ongoing advocacy work has been instrumental in shaping the design of our city. Read more about the work we are doing to make Canberra an even more bike-friendly city.
Cycling maps
You can access ACT Government cycling maps here
Download the Lake Burley Griffin Cycling Map from Visit Canberra.
The Canberra Centenary Trail is a great option for mountain bikers, offering a 145 km loop through urban and rural settings. You can join or leave the trail at different locations, or complete the whole ride over three days. Find out more about the Canberra Centenary Trail.
Cycling off-road
Canberra’s nature parks and reserves have some great trails for off-road cycling.
Find out more about mountain biking trails in Canberra from Canberra Off-road Cyclists.
Canberra is home to world-class mountain biking facilities, Stromlo Forest Park and the Majura Pines trails.
Stromlo Forest Park boasts more than 50 km of custom-designed cross-country trails, as well as dirt jumps and dedicated zones for every skill level.
Where to hire a bike in Canberra
- Canberra has a dock-less bike sharing platform called Airbike, with bikes available in the parliamentary triangle and the inner north.
- ShareaBike Canberra also offers bike rental in the inner north and parliamentary triangle. Stations are located at hotels, and bikes are available to non-guests.
- Bike Cycle Hire Canberra ACT rents out a range of bikes, including children’s bikes and tandems. They deliver to hotels in any of the central suburbs.
- The Cyclery in Fyshwick hires mountain bikes and road bikes.
All of these businesses provide you with a helmet when you hire a bike with them.
Bike shops
Canberra boasts a large number of bike shops, and many of them offer Pedal Power member discounts. Consult our member discount page for details.
Bikes and public transport
Bike and buses
Combine your bike ride with public transport to get around Canberra – and help reduce pollution and congestion!
Fold-up bikes can be carried as luggage inside the bus.
Up to two regular bikes can be carried on the racks installed on the front of most buses. To find out if your bus is equipped with a bike rack, visit the NXTBUS website or download their app.
Find out more about bikes on buses from Transport Canberra.
Bike and light rail
Canberra’s light rail vehicles have the capacity to carry four bicycles.
You can find out more about bikes on the light rail here.
Bike storage
Alternatively, you can securely store your bike in a locker or cage while you continue your commute by bus. There are bike lockers and bike cages around Canberra, mostly near major bus routes. You can see them on Transport Canberra’s bike and ride maps. They are free, but you must apply to use them. Bike racks, installed at bus stops across Canberra, can be used without reservation.
To find out more, visit the Transport ACT website.