City in Motion: Construction Updates for Cyclists
9 May 2025
Well, the building site for Light Rail is progressing.
Cycle paths are being built on both sides of Commonwealth Avenue. The connection between Commonwealth Avenue southbound and the on-ramp from Parkes Way east is getting even skinnier with hardly any space to wait for approaching traffic on the on-ramp, so be prepared to stop in good time in the small available waiting space. The fencing to your left as you leave Vernon Circle gives you is just enough width. Leave room between the bike in front of you in case you do have to stop, so that you don’t have to move into the car lane to your right.
The left-hand lane on Commonwealth Avenue Southbound has been blocked off to motor vehicles, leaving separated bike access. However, the blocked-of lane ends just before the left turn into Albert Street. Pedal Power considers this traffic layout poses a greater risk to bike-riders. As you approach the end of the blocked-off lane at a reasonable (downhill) speed, please look over your right shoulder to check there is no car overtaking you in the centre lane intending to turn left: there is an increased likelihood that the driver hasn’t spotted you because you have been partially concealed behind the concrete ‘jersey’ barrier. If this happens there is an increased risk of a high speed collision between your bike and the left-turning vehicle.
Changes
Minor changes are being made to active travel diversions that provide access around temporary works. One example is where bikes and pedestrians cross London Circuit northbound and continue to West Row. With one exception, these changes have been well-signed and the temporary paths are well-built and obvious.
The one exception is access to the City Police Station from ANU and the west via University avenue, using the fenced-off walkway across London Circuit to the Reserve Bank. That walkway is blocked off in front of the Reserve Bank. You can ride to the police station however if you turn right at the south end of West Row and follow the signs to the car park. When Knowles Place turns right in front of the courthouse jump up onto the footpath on the right in front of the ‘Pedestrians’ sign, and you will soon see a magnificent brand new ramp for disabled active travellers who cannot use the stairs, that will gain you access to the forecourt in front of the Police Station.
To get away from the police Station, use the same access ramp back to Knowles Place and you can exit to the south to Edinburgh Avenue, or you can use the pretty narrow footpath to the right , in front of another ‘Pedestrians’ sign that will take you to the fenced-off pedestrian crossing over London Circuit here.
We are providing extra wayfinding detail because most of the existing (as of 06 May) wayfinding signage to the police station guides you to blocked-off routes. We anticipate this signage will be modified to reflect the new, well-built route.
Alternatives
As the construction work becomes busier, congestion and delays will affect commuting car drivers more. After a while the congestion won’t get any worse as some drivers choose to use alternative forms of transport instead, like public transport or bike riding.
At the moment there aren’t significant delays to commuting bike riders, with sufficient off-road routes to most areas of the City and the Parliamentary Triangle. It’s easy to cross the Commonwealth Avenue bridge using the foot and bike paths on both sides, which take you to pedestrian bridges over Parkes Way, away from the traffic.
It’s usually quicker and easier, and it will save you the cost of car parking fees too!
Can you help? Road and route closures and traffic congestion will change often. If you see anything that you think should be mentioned here, please call or email Pedal Power (communications@pedalpower.org.au) and help us to keep this regular bulletin up to date. Thank you!
