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.

Cycling Without Age at Amala is bringing joy, connection, and fresh air to residents through weekly trishaw rides around Canberra’s southside. For many residents, these outings are more than just a ride — they are a chance to reconnect with the community, revisit familiar places, share stories, and enjoy meaningful social connection outdoors.

Residents have described the experience as uplifting and nostalgic, while volunteer pilots say the rides have become one of the most rewarding parts of their week. The program highlights the power of cycling to build community, reduce isolation, and create moments of happiness for older Canberrans.

Pedal Power is encouraging southside riders to consider volunteering as a trishaw pilot and help bring these special experiences to more residents.

Throughout National Road Safety Week, Pedal Power has been sharing a series of cycling road rules and safety reminders to help raise awareness for all Canberra road users.

From minimum passing distance laws and riding across crossings, to shared path etiquette, bike lights and visibility requirements, the campaign highlights some of the key ACT road rules designed to help everyone share the road more safely.

Pedal Power member David was injured in a crash on Bruce Ridge after his front wheel dropped into a hidden water-filled depression on a fire trail, sending him over the handlebars. While thankfully avoiding broken bones, the incident still resulted in scans, physio, time off work, and a long recovery for neck ligament injuries.

The experience reinforced for David just how quickly accidents can happen, even on familiar rides, and the importance of having rider insurance and ambulance cover in place when the unexpected occurs.

To all Pedal Power volunteers
You know who you are. You help our community in so many ways, some up front, some behind the scenes. Pedal Power doesn’t exist without the time, effort and goodwill that you give so willingly. Pedal Power is a better organisation because of you.
This week is National Volunteer Week, a time when organisations across Australia say thank you to the volunteers who make their work possible.
At Pedal Power, volunteers support every part of the organisation: advocacy, community outreach, administration, social rides, coaching, training, and all the other activities that help make Canberra a great place to ride.
Last year, Pedal Power volunteers contributed more than 8,000 hours towards Pedal Power activities. That’s about one volunteer hour for every hour of the year. Outstanding.
On behalf of Pedal Power and the ACT community, thank you for your continuing efforts to make Canberra a great place to cycle.
Pedal on.
— Joe Murphy, President

The Federal Government has announced a $500 million extension of the Active Transport Fund over the next 10 years, supporting safer and more connected walking and cycling infrastructure across Australia.

Pedal Power welcomes the investment and the growing recognition that active travel infrastructure delivers safer streets, healthier communities and more transport choice. But spread nationally over a decade, it also highlights how much more investment is still needed to make active travel a genuine everyday option for Australians.

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

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.