The first stage of the Garden City Cycleway is now open, completing another section of Canberra’s inner-north cycling network. Pedal Power welcomes the progress and is calling for clear commitments to finish the route.
The ACT Government’s 2 November announcement confirms the completion of Stage 1, including the final section along Cooyong Street between Torrens and Lonsdale streets. Design continues for Stage 2, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
The next stage has funding commitments of $5 million from the Australian Government and $6 million from the ACT Government. These commitments were already announced. The latest statement puts the Government’s plans in writing; riders now need a clear account of what will be delivered and when.
Connecting the route into the city
Pedal Power has consistently advocated for a continuous north–south cycling connection through the eastern inner north. Our July Kurrajong advocacy update identified the Cooyong Street–Genge Street crossing and called for funding to complete the remaining route.
Minister Cheyne has described the Genge Street link as part of the Garden City Cycleway. Pedal Power disagrees with counting it as part of the route in its current form. For Genge Street to serve as a city connection, riders need safe crossings and a direct link to the wider cycling network.
The quality of those connections can determine whether the route is practical for someone using it. A difficult crossing or an unclear connection can undermine the usefulness of the paths on either side.
What remains outside Stage 2?
The Government’s project page identifies an outstanding funding issue: the off-road connection between Hawdon Street and Angas Street remains subject to future funding and is currently excluded from Stage 2.
Pedal Power wants clarity about how that connection will be addressed. The community should be able to see which sections are funded, what each stage includes and how the remaining work will be completed.
The Government says detailed designs will be shared with the community before construction. That will be an important opportunity to examine crossings, connections and how the proposed route accommodates people of different ages and riding abilities.
We welcome the infrastructure delivered so far. Our priority remains completing a route that people can follow safely and confidently throughout their journey. Published delivery milestones and a funded plan for the outstanding connections would give riders greater certainty about what comes next.
