Advocacy: Why We Do What We Do

Mike Watson | Advocate Coordinator , Pedal Power ACT

Pedal Power works with a diverse group of volunteer advocates. These advocates engage with a wide range of people, in a wide range of circumstances, to promote the safe and convenient use of bicycles and other pedal-powered vehicles [1]

People in Canberra ride bikes for all kinds of reasons—for fun, or simply to get to places. Our advocates help maintain great places to ride for enjoyment, and they also work to ensure that Canberra’s infrastructure supports bike riding as a real transport alternative.

To make bike routes truly viable, the network should be:
direct, safe, connected, comfortable, attractive, adaptable, and include secure end-of-journey facilities [2]

For 50 years, Pedal Power has advocated for all types of bike riders. And over that time, Canberra’s riding environment has changed dramatically, often in ways we never could have predicted. In cities around the world, good infrastructure has made bike riding the best transport option. Did you know that over half of London’s total traffic is now made up of bike riders?

Canberra, of course, is far less congested than London (I know—I grew up there!). But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim higher. There are many good reasons to promote bike use as a transport option in Canberra. Let’s look at one of the most compelling:

Chapter One: Urban Affordability & Housing Density

Low-Density Legacy

Until about ten years ago, Canberra was mostly a low-density city. It was once the dream to own a detached house on a quarter-acre block, but how things have changed!

Low-density housing comes at a high cost. Cities must provide power, water, sewerage, roads, and emergency services to every home. More fire and ambulance stations are needed, but they serve fewer people. And if suburbs are built around stroads (multi-lane dual carriageways) with no safe alternative for bikes, most residents default to using their car. It’s often too far to walk, and the roads feel unsafe for other modes of transport.

The Case for Mixed-Density Neighbourhoods

Mixed-density suburbs create a more compact, affordable, and accessible city. They allow people to use a range of transport options, reduce car dependency, and foster a vibrant, social place to live.

🔗 Here's a short, entertaining 10-minute video that shows how light rail increased profitability in Auckland—so much so, the government didn’t need to raise revenue elsewhere. This example might even have inspired the ACT Government a decade ago. If it did, I’m glad [3]

Is This Change Happening in Canberra?

Yes—and Light Rail is leading the way.

Stage One of Canberra’s Light Rail, from Gungahlin to the City, has acted as a catalyst for mixed-density development. It’s been heartening to see the enthusiasm from residents in Harrison, Franklin, and near rail stations. Many say it’s now easier to live without a car.

Stage One was a success from an urban design perspective. Still, there’s always room for improvement. Without being critical, here’s what I believe could be done even better in future stages:

• Build a principal community route alongside the rail corridor

• Provide secure bike parking

• Expand the catchment area for light rail

• Monitor fridge sizes in mixed-density areas (yes, really—more on that soon)

Active Travel Needs Infrastructure

When a new transport corridor is built, it’s relatively inexpensive to add a 3m-wide multi-user path alongside it. This can serve people walking, biking, or using other active travel methods to connect to their nearest rail station. A truly usable active travel network offers diverse, viable alternatives depending on individual need.

But there’s no point riding your bike if you think it might be stolen or vandalised. We need to invest in real bike security, not just a hoop in a dark corner 100 metres from the station.

Think Bigger: Expanding the Catchment

Right now, wayfinding signage for Light Rail Stage One stretches to about 800m from each station—designed for walking passengers. But what if that extended to 2.5km, using a connected network of bike paths and signage?

That’s exactly what happened in Montreal, Canada, where they saw a fivefold increase in the number of residents within a station’s catchment area. Extending infrastructure and secure parking is a smart, cost-effective move.

The Fridge Story

I ride my bike to get around Canberra. A friend from a city in northwest Germany once asked, “Why is your fridge so big?”

His next question: “How far away is your nearest fresh food store?”
When I answered “About 5–6km”, he was shocked.

In Germany, ground-floor street frontages in mixed-density areas are often used for local shops—bakeries, butchers, fruit and veg, cafés. Essentials are available within 200m in either direction. So instead of stocking up for the week, people shop every couple of days. And they get to know their local shop owners too.

That’s why cycling advocates want to see smaller fridges!
Smaller fridges mean closer shops. And closer shops mean more walkable, bike-friendly, community-oriented suburbs.

Planning for Hyperlocal Living

To make this possible, urban planning rules must change. We need zoning that encourages local shops in mixed-density areas. When the big supermarkets start campaigning against these changes, that’s when you’ll know the policies are working.

[1]      Part of Pedal Power’s mission

[2]     Google ‘Austroads AP-R724-25’, and read chapter 4. The whole publication is excellent.

[3]  Here is a more detailed study that explains more about the revenue density model used by ‘Urban3’ in the video.