50 Years of Pedal Power: A Legacy of Advocacy
Celebrating 50 Years of Pedal Power ACT Advocacy
With thanks to Pedal Power advocate Sheila Webster, whose research and historical records helped shape this article.
Fifty years ago, a small group of determined Canberrans rode together in protest, calling for the city to build safe, separated bike paths. That simple act sparked a movement. It was the beginning of Pedal Power ACT – and the start of Canberra’s journey to becoming the Cycling Capital of Australia.
Half a century later, the heart of Pedal Power remains unchanged. Volunteers have always been the engine behind this organisation: passionate, persistent people who believed Canberra could be a city where anyone, at any age, could ride a bike confidently and safely. Their vision has shaped a city that is widely regarded as Australia’s leading cycling city, and scores well in international assessments of cycling infrastructure quality.
A City Built for Bikes
Today, riding in Canberra is more than convenient – it’s a joy. Whether you are commuting, exploring our open spaces, or heading out for sport or fitness, you can ride many places without ever needing to share the road with cars. This freedom didn’t happen by accident. It is the result of decades of collaborative work between Pedal Power’s Advocacy Team and the ACT Government.
The numbers speak loudly:
Canberra has 1,000 kilometres of shared paths and around 500 kilometres of on-road cycle lanes.
It boasts over 370 dedicated cycling routes.
In 2021, global organisation People for Bikes ranked Canberra 34th of 770 cities worldwide for the quality of its cycling network – the highest Australian ranking.
23.3 percent of Canberrans had cycled in the previous week, compared with 18 percent nationally, as reported in the NRMA and Pedal Power ACT review ACT Cycling Participation (2023).
And a uniquely Canberra experience: you can ride your bike, pop it onto a bus or tram, and continue your journey on public transport. Few cities anywhere in the world make it this easy.
How Pedal Power Made It Happen
From the moment that first protest ride rolled through Canberra in 1974, Pedal Power’s focus has been clear: safer infrastructure, smarter planning, and a city designed for people, not just cars.
Across five decades, Pedal Power has shaped countless ACT Government policies and infrastructure decisions – often through persistent advocacy that took years to bear fruit. Our work has spanned everything from path design to legislation, environmental sustainability to public health.
A few highlights from 50 years of achievements include:
Building the Backbone of Canberra’s Cycling Network
Sullivans Creek Path, Canberra’s first shared path, still one of the busiest today.
The Downer to Woden Bike Link (2000), one of the ACT’s most significant integrated route networks.
Completion of major off-road links, including the Jerrabomberra Wetlands path (2009), which finalised the iconic Lake Burley Griffin loop.
The Belconnen Bikeway (2023), connecting the AIS and University of Canberra.
The Woden town centre separated bikeway and the Kuringa Drive cycle path (2024), delivered after years of advocacy.
Creating Safe, Modern Infrastructure
Safety rails installed on Commonwealth Avenue Bridge (2017), replacing low railings that posed a serious hazard.
Advocacy for safer design standards on major corridors such as Northbourne Avenue, Adelaide Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue.
Continuous improvement of Canberra’s shared path network, including signage, wayfinding, and intersection treatments.
Transforming Policy
Consistent advocacy for ACT’s first integrated sustainable transport strategies, including the Active Travel Framework (2014) and Transport for Canberra (2012).
Successful introduction of the minimum overtaking distance legislation (2015).
Ongoing work on the Canberra Cycle Network, ‘C-routes’, and end-of-trip facilities.
Promotion of bike racks on buses and light rail, improving interchange between cycling and public transport.
Data, Events and Community
Canberra’s first Cordon Count (2004), providing vital cycle-traffic data.
Long-running events such as Fitz’s Challenge and the Canberra Big Bike Ride, helping to build a vibrant cycling culture.
Continued collaboration on major government projects including the City to Woden and Belconnen to Civic cycleways.
Real-World Examples: Filling the Missing Links
Some of Canberra’s most meaningful improvements are the ones you can see and feel on the ground. Two recent projects highlight how persistent advocacy and good design can transform safety and connectivity:
Heysen Street over Oaky Hill (2018, later extended to Melrose)
This section was once a hazardous pinch-point for riders, forcing people into fast-moving traffic on a narrow, winding climb. After years of lobbying, a dedicated off-road path was finally built, providing a crucial missing link between Weston and Woden. The difference is stark in the ‘before and after’ images, showing just how significant the safety upgrade has been.
Heysen Street, Weston, ACT
Theodore Street, Melrose
Another example where a previously unsafe alignment was redesigned to give people on bikes a protected, predictable connection. The ‘before and after’ photos illustrate how thoughtful infrastructure turns a risky route into a practical everyday link.
These projects, while modest in length, have had an outsized impact on safety and confidence for riders across Canberra’s south.
Canberra’s Cycling Identity
Few Australian cities can match Canberra’s commitment to active travel. The benefits are everywhere: reduced congestion, fresh air, vibrant public spaces, healthier residents, and a culture that embraces outdoor movement.
Pedal Power’s influence is visible across the city. Riding is now part of Canberra’s identity – not a fringe activity, but a mainstream, family-friendly, everyday way to get around.
The Work Ahead
While we celebrate 50 years of achievements, we are far from finished. Safety, directness, and connectivity remain ongoing challenges. The city still needs more separated infrastructure, better lighting, more secure bike parking, and full integration with public transport.
Pedal Power’s Advocacy Team – still entirely volunteer-led – remains committed to working with government and community partners to make Canberra even better. Our focus is on equity, sustainability and ensuring that every person, regardless of confidence or ability, can choose to ride.
Looking Forward: The Next 50 Years
As we mark this milestone, we honour the volunteers whose persistence over five decades has transformed the ACT into a global leader in cycling. Their work has created a city admired by others and enjoyed daily by thousands of riders.
Canberra is now, unquestionably, the Cycling Capital of Australia.
And with a future shaped by climate action, community connection, and active travel, the next 50 years of Pedal Power promise to be just as transformative.
