Why We're Launching Ride Guides
Cecily Michaels | Executive Director
As Executive Director of Pedal Power, I'm reminded almost every day how fortunate I am to be able to cycle in Canberra.
Earlier this week, riding home on a crisp winter evening, I found myself reflecting on just how special it is. The views around Lake Burley Griffin and along the C5 are a constant source of delight. The air was cold but invigorating, and the busyness of the day seemed to fade with every turn of my pedals.
There is something uniquely satisfying about travelling under your own steam. Cycling gives you the opportunity to notice the world around you in a way that is often lost when travelling by car. What strikes me most is the sense of connection. Cyclists acknowledge one another. We share a smile, a nod, a quick "good morning". There is a sense of community that comes from being part of the world rather than simply passing through it.
Yet despite all these benefits, I know firsthand that getting started isn't always easy.
When I moved to Canberra to take up the role of Executive Director, I arrived with a bicycle but no idea how to get around by bike. I could ride perfectly well, but I didn't know the paths, the connections between suburbs, or the best routes to travel safely and comfortably.
A week after arriving, our President at the time, David Whitney, kindly offered to show me the route from home to work.
What could have been an intimidating journey became one of the reasons I quickly fell in love with Canberra. Instead of navigating busy roads, I discovered beautiful off-road paths through bushland and open green spaces. More importantly, I gained the confidence to explore further. From that day on, cycling became my gateway into the city and its community.
That experience has stayed with me. Sometimes all it takes is a little local knowledge and a friendly person willing to share it.
That's why we're launching Ride Guides.
Ride Guides connects members willing to share their local cycling knowledge with newer or less confident riders looking for support. Whether it's suggesting a comfortable route to work, recommending a recreational ride, answering questions about local paths, or accompanying someone on a journey for the first time, Ride Guides is about helping people discover Canberra by bike.
The program will operate through TeamApp, where members can post requests for help and others can respond if they're willing and able. Participation is entirely voluntary and flexible.
We believe Ride Guides has the potential to do more than help people find their way around Canberra. It can build confidence, independence and connection. It can make cycling a more realistic option for everyday transport at a time when many households are feeling cost-of-living pressures, while supporting healthier lifestyles and a more sustainable future for our city.
If you'd like to be a Pedal Power Ride Guide and share your local cycling knowledge, please email membership@pedalpower.org.au.
Together, we can help more people find their way by bike.
