Pedal Power President Joe Murphy has spoken with ABC Canberra following growing concern from Canberra cyclists about newly installed rumble strips along Cotter Road. Riders say the changes have reduced usable shoulder space and may force cyclists further into traffic on one of the ACT’s most popular riding routes. Pedal Power is now seeking discussions with government officials to better understand the installation and advocate for safer conditions for all road users.

Multiple head-on bike collisions have been reported at a blind corner beneath the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, prompting Pedal Power to raise urgent safety concerns with project authorities. With further Commonwealth Avenue closures scheduled later this month, riders are urged to take extra care when navigating the changing detours and shared-path conditions.

Pedal Power has welcomed new support in the ACT Legislative Assembly for expanded active and electric transport initiatives, including proposals for cargo bike incentives and trials of temporary pop-up cycle lanes across Canberra. The motion highlights growing recognition of the role active travel can play in reducing congestion, lowering transport costs and improving public health.

As debate around e-bike legislation continues interstate, Pedal Power asked the Canberra cycling community to share what e-bikes actually mean to them. The responses tell a story of people replacing car trips, staying active, carrying kids and groceries, and making cycling more accessible in everyday life across Canberra.

Major gas pipeline maintenance works at the Gundaroo Drive / Horse Park Drive intersection will begin from Monday 11 May and continue until 13 June 2026, with significant impacts for cyclists and road users travelling through the area. Riders should expect changed traffic conditions, detours, reduced speed zones, traffic controllers, and temporary path changes around the intersection while works are underway.

Canberra winters can be brutal on the bike: icy winds, freezing mornings, and layers upon layers of kit. So we asked the Pedal Power community one simple question: what actually works for you in a Canberra winter?

From merino base layers and heated gloves to freezer bags over socks and ski goggles for frosty mornings, riders shared dozens of practical tips for staying warm, comfortable, and visible through winter.

The biggest takeaway? Winter riding gets much easier once you find a system that works for you.

Read the full community winter riding guide here

Getting around Canberra City this winter will look a little different, with several major construction projects underway around Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.

While key routes remain open, conditions are shifting. The east side bridge path continues to be the most reliable crossing, and the waterside path on the north side of the lake is now the safest and most consistent option for moving between the city and west side.

Expect detours, changing conditions, and some delays particularly around Barrine Drive and the Acton Waterfront area. Signage will guide riders, but planning ahead will make your trip smoother.

Check the full map and updates before you ride to stay on the easiest route.

The new Woden Interchange opened for buses on Monday, 20 April, and from our preview and early use this week, it’s a polished, passenger-friendly upgrade.

There’s real promise for bike-and-bus integration. Two large, secure bike cages are now operational, with surveillance, e-bike charging, tools, air pumps and a nearby water bubbler. Following initial access issues, MyWay integration appears to have been partially resolved. Existing MyWay cards are working, and newly issued cards can be configured to access the cages, suggesting progress behind the scenes.

However, some uncertainty remains regarding consistency, and we’ll continue to monitor how reliably access works across the system.

From Fitz’s Challenge to social rides and decades of Board leadership, John Widdup’s contribution to Pedal Power has been extraordinary. Over many years, John has helped shape the organisation through his steady leadership, deep advocacy expertise and tireless support of major events, rides and community initiatives. His influence has been felt across every part of Pedal Power, from Board governance and active travel advocacy to route planning, social rides and member engagement. While stepping down from the Board, we are delighted that he will continue to remain an active part of our community. Read the full tribute to celebrate the remarkable impact that John and Julia have had over many decades.

After six years of dedicated service as Secretary, Linda has retired from the Board, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy at Pedal Power. Linda’s leadership, governance expertise and generous mentorship have had a lasting impact on the organisation and the people within it. Always dependable and always willing to lend a hand, she has been a deeply valued presence on the Board and within the wider Pedal Power community. Read the full tribute to celebrate Linda’s remarkable contribution over the years.

Ongoing works at Commonwealth Avenue Bridge have raised important questions about rider safety, wayfinding, and the need for clear, coordinated communication during major infrastructure projects. Following concerns raised by members, particularly around northbound access into the city, Pedal Power’s advocacy has already led to improved signage, updated detour maps, and stronger communication from project teams.

As construction continues, it is critical that safe and legible access for people riding and walking remains a core priority. How agencies coordinate traffic management and active travel routes through this busy corridor will help shape best practice for future major works across Canberra.

Proposed e-bike licensing laws in Queensland could have national implications, raising important questions about access, safety, and how we regulate emerging transport. While intended to address safety concerns, these proposals risk treating low-risk, pedal-assisted e-bikes the same as higher-powered, non-compliant devices. This could create unnecessary barriers for people who rely on e-bikes as an affordable and accessible form of transport.

As these discussions evolve, it is critical that policy responses are evidence-based and proportionate to actual risk. Getting this right will shape not only how e-bikes are regulated, but also the future of active travel across Australia.

Pedal Power attended Senator David Pocock’s press conference on Wednesday 24 March, alongside Greens Leader Larissa Waters, Shane Rattenbury MLA and Thomas Emerson MLA, highlighting growing crossbench focus on transport affordability and cost of living pressures.

While concerns were raised that cheaper fares could mean buses might get too full, Pedal Power sees increased public transport use as a positive sign and an opportunity to invest in greater capacity, service frequency, and active travel connections.

As National Ride2School Day approaches on 20 March, Canberra’s bike buses show how riding together can help children travel safely to school while building confidence, independence and community. From music blasting from cargo bikes to cupcakes at the school gate, these joyful group rides are reimagining the school commute.

Six tandem teams from Fitability are gearing up to ride in the Mudgee Cycle Classic this May, thanks to a 2025 Hireup Impact Grant from Hireup.

Fitability pairs riders together on tandem bikes so that people who may not be able to ride independently can still experience the joy and freedom of cycling. Some teams will take on the 120 km course while others ride the 65 km route, showcasing the power of inclusive cycling.

Click through to learn more about the riders heading to Mudgee and how Fitability is creating opportunities for more people to get out and ride.

Canberra has made the global stage for cycling, becoming the only Australian city to appear in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index of the world’s most bike-friendly cities. Ranked 80th out of 100 cities worldwide, the result highlights both Canberra’s strong cycling foundations and how much further Australia still has to go to match the world’s leading bike cities. So how did Canberra score and what can we learn from the global leaders?

Think you can spot a legal e-bike?

With more electric bikes appearing on Canberra’s paths and streets, it’s not always obvious which ones are compliant and which might actually be motorbikes in disguise. Some e-bikes look fast, flashy and a little bit motocross-inspired, but appearances can be deceiving.

So how can you tell the difference, and what should a legal e-bike actually do for you? Click through to learn the simple signs to look for and why a compliant e-bike is more about flattening hills than breaking speed records

What do you get when you combine flowers, decorated bikes and a giant cockatoo? Canberra’s 2026 Fancy Women’s Ride. Riders gathered in colourful outfits and creative costumes to celebrate women riding bikes, with speeches from Pedal Power and local MLAs, costume judging, dancing and a joyful ride through the city. The event brought colour, community and a powerful message about visibility for women and gender diverse people on bikes to the streets of Canberra.

Pedal Power is seeking volunteers to support two key community initiatives in 2026: the Bike Library and the Canberra Times Marathon Festival.

We are looking for a regular Bike Library Coordinator to help deliver weekly and monthly bike loan sessions that support refugees, increase access to cycling, and keep bikes out of landfill.

We are also inviting members to volunteer at the Canberra Times Marathon Festival in April, assisting with roles such as drink stations, course marshals, and finish line support. Volunteering is a fun way to be part of a major Canberra event while supporting Pedal Power programs.

To express interest in either opportunity, please email membership@pedalpower.org.au.

Meet our Bike Library Coordinators: Shantanu, Rhi and Sri, a passionate team supporting Pedal Power ACT’s Bike Library and helping more people access safe, affordable bikes in Canberra.

Together, they bring a diverse mix of professional experience, cultural knowledge and community commitment. From heritage conservation and social enterprise to recruitment and community engagement, each coordinator contributes unique skills while sharing a common interest in sustainability, active transport and inclusive communities.

As a team, Shantanu, Rhi and Sri support Bike Library sessions at Margaret Hendry School in Taylor, working with borrowers, managing bike loans, and helping ensure the Bike Library runs smoothly. Their work plays a key role in removing barriers to cycling and supporting more people to ride for transport, wellbeing and connection.