A Brighter Path Forward: Pedal Power ACT Supports Motion to Make Canberra Safer for Woman
Pedal Power ACT welcomes the motion brought forward by Independent MLA Thomas Emerson in the ACT Legislative Assembly on Wednesday 25 June, calling for urgent, practical measures to improve safety for women exercising in public spaces across the Territory.
The motion, which was passed with some amendments, reflects what many in the community already know: women do not feel safe walking, running or cycling at night, and it’s time for that to change.
Mr. Emerson has been an advocate for addressing gendered violence and improving public safety through both cultural and physical interventions. His call for targeted behaviour change programs, alongside infrastructure upgrades like better lighting and safer footpaths, aligns closely with Pedal Power’s ongoing advocacy for inclusive and accessible active travel spaces.
“That starts with teaching boys about positive masculinity and calling out toxic rhetoric about what it means to be a man,” Mr Emerson said.
He also cited the results of his own community survey, where 93 per cent of respondents said they did not feel safe exercising in Canberra at night, reinforcing the urgent need for action. His motion also urged the ACT Government to provide a clear implementation timeline for its Gender Sensitive Urban Design Guidelines, beginning with high-traffic areas like lake perimeters.
Our Executive Director, Cecily Michaels, spoke on the motion and underscored the barriers women face when cycling in Canberra.
“As a woman who often rides after dark, I know how vulnerable it can feel in areas with poor lighting or broken infrastructure,” said Ms Michaels. “We know safety is a key reason why fewer women cycle. Practical changes like improved lighting can make a real difference.”
Pedal Power ACT supports Mr Emerson’s motion and the growing momentum around creating safer, more inclusive public spaces. We also stand alongside organisations like:
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, which continues to advocate for stronger prevention work to address sexual and gendered violence;
Every Street Matters, highlighting unsafe footpaths and pushing for lighting upgrades;
Menslink, who are committed to supporting positive masculinity and have strongly condemned the recent attacks;
Living Streets Canberra, who remind us that clear design standards and guidelines already exist — and need to be urgently implemented.
At Pedal Power, we know that safe streets benefit everyone. We commend Thomas Emerson for bringing this issue to the forefront of the Assembly. We will continue to advocate for people-focused, evidence-based changes that make walking, running and cycling safe and accessible for all Canberrans.
