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Pedal Power backs new campus safety push as ANU and police tackle rising bike theft
Pedal Power has teamed up with ANU Security and ACT Policing to tackle the rise in bike theft on campus. Through free bike engraving, education, and promotion of the Bikelinc registration system, this new initiative is helping Canberra cyclists safeguard their bikes and improve recovery rates. Whether you ride to study, work or play—take steps now to protect your ride.
Urgent Action Needed to Stop Unsafe E-Bike Import
Pedal Power has joined leading bicycle organisations across Australia in calling on the Federal Government to take urgent action on unsafe, non-compliant e-bikes. These unregulated machines pose serious risks to riders and the community. We’re urging the Government to reinstate import standards and provide national leadership to ensure all e-bikes sold in Australia are safe, road-legal, and fit for purpose.
Advocacy Watch: Cycling Advocacy in the Murrumbigee Electorate
In Woden, we’ve been busy advocating for safer, more connected cycling routes as the town centre transforms. From pushing for end-of-trip facilities and slow-speed streets in the new Woden Village to fixing the notorious Matilda Street bikeway blockage, we’re making cycling easier and safer. Wins so far include the upgraded Melrose Drive underpass and the freshly resurfaced C4 path between Mawson and the town centre. With exciting projects ahead – like the Molonglo River recreational loop, the long-awaited bridge at Coombs, and light rail stage 2B – we’re keeping cycling front and centre in Woden’s future.
Discover what they’ve achieved so far and what’s next for cycling in Woden.
City in Motion: Construction Updates for Cyclist
Work on raising London Circuit and the light rail is progressing despite recent rain delays, with paths between the Allara Street footbridge and Commonwealth Avenue bridge still muddy and busy with Floriade setup. Riders can already see big changes: the wide bike path on the eastern side of Commonwealth Avenue is nearly ready, and the south-west corner of London Circuit has transformed from a messy worksite to a tidy area – even with a small “duck pond.” Garema Place remains fully accessible, though its centre is fenced off for works. Expect damp conditions, but it won’t be long before bikes can ride the full circuit on new paths.
Updates for Aug 1
Advocacy Watch: Cycling Advocacy in Gungahlin
Over the past three years, the team has been advocating for better cycling infrastructure and services across the region – from safer access to the Gungahlin Town Centre to revitalising off-road cycling opportunities like the Yerrabi Jumps tracks. They’ve also been supporting the growth of the Bike Library Canberra, which provides repaired donated bikes for anyone who needs one.
Discover what they’ve achieved so far and what’s next for cycling in Gungahlin.
Advocacy: Why We Do What We Do
When you’re riding, driving, or flying, speed changes everything. Chapter 6 explores why the old “see and avoid” instinct fails once wheels turn faster than human power, and why safety depends on clear rules and smart design.
We look at how traffic rules protect high-speed networks, why slower streets suit bikes, and how features like wombat crossings make crossings safer. You’ll also see how Canberra’s Dryandra Street upgrade turned a risky spot into a smoother ride for everyone: kangaroos included.
Roehl’s Gift: Sharing the Joy of Cycling Through Cycling Without Age
When Canberra local Roehl decided to donate his trishaw to Pedal Power’s Cycling Without Age program, he turned a personal act of love into a gift for the entire community. Originally purchased to take his parents on rides, the trishaw will now bring joy and freedom to older Canberrans in aged care, giving them the chance to reconnect with the outdoors.
Advocacy: Why We Do What We Do
What do faster speeds, instinctive hazard scanning, and the humble bike bell have in common? They’re all part of how we manage risk on the move. In Chapter 5, we dive into why speed changes everything – from how far ahead your brain focuses to how quickly mistakes escalate. We explore the science behind stopping distances, the “see and avoid” instinct that helps us dodge collisions, and why awareness (yours and others’) is the key to staying safe. Whether it’s shifting your attention forward, slowing down when unsure, or using sound to snap others to attention, these small actions make riding smoother and safer.
City in Motion: Construction Updates for Cyclists
Construction is everywhere in Canberra right now, but bikes remain the easiest way to navigate the City. From new protected lanes on Northbourne Avenue to soon-to-open paths around London Circuit and Commonwealth Park, there’s plenty happening for riders to know about.
Whether you’re weaving past light rail works or detouring through Floriade preparations, we’ve rounded up all the latest changes to help you plan your route.
Updates for July 18
Lil Bryant-Johnson’s Volunteer Story: Five Days That Made a Big Difference
When Lil Bryant-Johnson volunteered for Big Skills for Small Bikes, she helped kids go from nervous beginners to confident riders, and discovered how rewarding it is to give back to her community.
Want to know how volunteering can change lives, and why Lil says she’d do it again in a heartbeat?
From Crash to Recovery: Pedal Power’s Insurance in Action
Liam’s weekend ride in Thredbo ended with a fractured collarbone and weeks off work. Luckily, his Pedal Power membership had him covered—literally. From medical costs to lost income, the included insurance helped him get back on the bike faster than he expected.
Find out how Pedal Power can have your back too.
From Tandems to the OAM: Peter Granleese’s Ride for Inclusion
Long-time Pedal Power member Peter Granleese has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his tireless work in the Canberra community, particularly through Fitability and tandem cycling. At 79, Peter is still riding strong, mentoring others, and inspiring us all to stay active and connected. He will formally receive his medal in September.
City in Motion: Construction Updates for Cyclists
The city’s construction zones are transforming fast – with wider, smoother footpaths and bike paths, improved sightlines, and clearer signage making it easier to get around on foot or by bike. Even small tweaks, like see-through hoardings at tricky corners, are improving safety for everyone.
Safety note: At the West Acton basin, two high-speed bike paths now cross near the footbridge over Parkes Way. Visibility is limited, so slow down and take extra care at this junction to avoid collisions.
Updates for July 4
Advocacy: Why We Do What We Do
What do quiet suburban streets, modal filters, and rat-running cars have in common? They all highlight how Canberra is rethinking its roads, not just for cars, but for people too. In Chapter 4 of our series, we explore how bike-friendly rules and smarter infrastructure are reshaping the ACT’s transport culture. From pragmatic road laws to COVID-era upgrades and ideas borrowed from Paris and London, discover why Canberra is closer than ever to becoming a city where cycling isn’t just possible, it’s practical.
A Brighter Path Forward: Pedal Power ACT Supports Motion to Make Canberra Safer for Woman
Pedal Power ACT welcomes the ACT Legislative Assembly’s support of a motion by Independent MLA Thomas Emerson calling for better lighting in public spaces to improve women’s safety while exercising. Lighting is a vital first steps, and we’re encouraged to see safety on the agenda. But we also know that real change goes beyond infrastructure. Our Executive Director, Cecily Michaels, spoke to the issue and shared why a safer, more inclusive city benefits everyone
Handlebars of Happiness: Stories That Move Us
From Olympic dreams to countryside solo rides, Handlebars of Happiness captured the many ways bikes transform our lives. Hosted by Canberra by Bike and inspired by Bike Story Night, this event brought together a joyful crowd to hear tales of transformation, adventure, and community. Funny, moving, and deeply human—these stories from Canberra’s cycling community might just inspire your next adventure.
City in Motion: Construction Updates for Cyclists
The new off-road cycle path along London Circuit is nearly ready. However, in the meantime, the left car lane is closed to give bikes more space, but new barriers near Albert Street make left turns tricky, stay alert and check behind you.
Parkes Way will be closed under Commonwealth Avenue for three days next week (weather permitting). While bikes rarely use that section, expect delays and consider detouring via the foreshore path. Things are changing fast on the ground, so keep an eye out for temporary ramps, traffic control, and the occasional rogue concrete mixer.
Updates for June 20
Advocacy: Why We Do What We Do
What do red flags, courtroom excuses, and oversized fridges have in common? They all reveal how deeply car brain, or motonormativity, is wired into our roads, rules, and thinking. In Chapter 3 of our new series, we unpack the hidden bias that puts cars first and everyone else second. From bizarre legal loopholes to century-old traffic laws, discover how challenging this mindset is the first step toward fairer, safer streets in Canberra.
City in Motion: Construction Updates for Cyclists
The southeast corner of London Circuit has reopened to cars, and new bike paths are nearly ready. Southbound on Commonwealth Ave, the left bike lane past Vernon Circle is still blocked, but a smooth new shared path opens up just after. Prefer the scenic route? The Acton foreshore park now offers fast access to the Parkes Way footbridge, just watch for pedestrians. London Circuit West remains rideable, though detours are tighter with more works underway.
Updates for 6 June 2025
Advocacy Wins: Coombs Link Closer After Years of Advocacy
After five years of determined advocacy, a new cycling and pedestrian bridge over Weston Creek at Coombs is finally gaining momentum, closing a critical gap in the Molonglo Valley’s active travel network. But with a proposed 9% gradient on one approach, concerns are growing about safety and accessibility. Read more about the project’s progress, design challenges, and why we’re pushing for a fix that works for everyone.