Changes coming to Lake Burley Griffin’s northern foreshore paths

People walking and riding around Lake Burley Griffin will soon see changes to the popular bridge-to-bridge loop, with new pedestrian-only, cycling and shared routes being introduced on the northern side of the Central Basin.

The National Capital Authority (NCA) is rolling out new signage, line markings and path decals around the lake to make the path network safer and easier to navigate.

The biggest change will be along the foreshore between Rond Terrace and Kings Avenue Bridge, which will become a pedestrian-only route.

People riding will instead be directed to an alternative route set back from the lake. Importantly, this alternative is not a dedicated cycling route for its entire length.

Between Rond Terrace and Blundells Cottage, people riding will use an existing shared path alongside people walking. From Blundells Cottage to the National Carillon, riders will be directed onto the wider, separated cyclist-only path, which provides considerably more space.

While Pedal Power welcomes efforts to reduce conflicts along the busy lakefront, the shared section between Rond Terrace and Blundells Cottage raises questions about whether the alternative route will comfortably accommodate increased cycling traffic.

Pedal Power welcomes clearer separation

Pedal Power has long supported better separation between people walking and riding in busy areas where safe and practical alternatives can be provided.

Pedal Power Executive Director Cecily Michaels said the northern foreshore changes were a positive step towards reducing conflicts between different path users.

“We see the National Capital Authority’s changes on the northern side of Central Basin as a practical and relatively low-cost step towards improving safety and reducing conflicts between different path users.”

The changes will provide people walking with a continuous pedestrian route along the lakefront, while directing people riding onto alternative routes.

From Blundells Cottage to the National Carillon, the former roadway provides a wider and more comfortable route for people riding.

“The former roadway between Blundells Cottage and the Carillon provides a generous amount of space for people riding and is a good example of how different path users can be given appropriate space.”

However, the situation is different between Rond Terrace and Blundells Cottage.

The alternative route in this section is an older, relatively narrow shared path rather than a dedicated cycling route. People who previously rode along the lakefront will now be redirected onto this path, potentially increasing the number of riders sharing the space with pedestrians.

Pedal Power members have raised concerns about whether the path is suitable for the increased number of people expected to use it, as well as the short transition into the former roadway near Blundells Cottage.

Pedal Power believes the operation of this section should be monitored once the changes are in place.

“While we support better separation around the lake, it is important that alternative routes are safe, convenient and suitable for the number of people expected to use them. We would encourage the NCA to monitor the shared section between Rond Terrace and Blundells Cottage as people adjust to the new arrangements.”

What exactly is changing?

Work on replacing shared-path signage began in March, with the remaining improvements being rolled out from late July.

Along with the new pedestrian-only section, old and faded signs and path symbols are being replaced, new line markings and path decals are being installed, and additional ‘Slow’ markings are being added in high-traffic shared areas.

For people walking and riding on the northern side, the new arrangement will mean:

• The lakefront between Rond Terrace and Kings Avenue Bridge will become pedestrian-only.

• Between Rond Terrace and Blundells Cottage, people riding will be redirected onto an existing shared path that will continue to be used by pedestrians.

• Between Blundells Cottage and the National Carillon, people riding will be directed onto the wider former roadway.

The distinction is important. While the former roadway provides significantly more space for people riding, the Rond Terrace to Blundells Cottage section will continue to require people walking and riding to share a comparatively narrow path.

The remaining signage and path improvements are expected to take about two months to complete, weather permitting, with the overall project scheduled for completion in spring 2026.

More work needed on the southern side

While Pedal Power welcomes improvements to the northern side, the more challenging part of the bridge-to-bridge route remains on the southern side of the Central Basin along Queen Elizabeth Terrace.

This section is heavily used, with people walking, running and riding converging around some of the lake’s busiest destinations. The café precinct in particular can become congested as people move between the paths, cafés and surrounding attractions.

Pedal Power would welcome the opportunity to work with the NCA on longer-term improvements in this area.

“We recognise the challenges of the southern side, particularly around the café precinct, and would welcome the opportunity to work with the National Capital Authority on longer-term solutions that better separate people walking and riding where possible.”

Until a longer-term solution is developed, Pedal Power supports retaining both southern routes as shared paths rather than restricting people riding to a single route.

“In the meantime, we believe it makes sense for both southern paths to remain shared paths so people can choose the route that best suits them on the day while longer-term improvements are developed.”

Good separation works best when alternative routes are convenient, clearly marked and designed around how people actually move through an area.

Courtesy still matters

New signs and path markings can help reduce confusion, but infrastructure alone cannot remove every conflict on a busy path network.

This will be particularly important between Rond Terrace and Blundells Cottage, where people walking and riding will continue to share the same path.

With walkers, runners, families, commuters and people riding all using the Central Basin, Pedal Power is encouraging everyone to pay attention to the new signs and look out for one another.

“Regardless of the path arrangement, we encourage everyone to be patient, considerate and respectful of other users so that the area remains safe and welcoming for everyone,” Cecily said.

People riding should follow the new directions, travel at an appropriate speed and give others plenty of space, particularly on narrower shared sections.

Better lighting is also on the way

The path changes are not the only improvements planned for the Central Basin.

The Australian Government has provided $10 million over two years towards a permanent lighting solution for the National Triangle and Central Basin, with preliminary design work already completed.

The proposed upgrade would replace ageing lighting infrastructure with a more consistent LED system, with the aim of improving safety, reliability and the experience of using the lake after dark.

The design is also intended to respect the nationally significant landscape around the lake. The NCA plans to apply ‘dark sky’ principles to minimise glare, light spill and impacts on wildlife while still providing safe access after dark. Smart lighting technology, including remote monitoring and adaptive dimming, is also being considered as detailed design work progresses.

Construction of the lighting improvements is expected to begin in 2027.

For now, people who regularly walk, run or ride the bridge-to-bridge loop should keep an eye out for the new signs and markings as the changes are introduced, particularly around Rond Terrace and Blundells Cottage where people walking and riding will continue to share the path.