The Ginnindera Advocacy team has been hard at work, making major changes within Belconnen. This article highlights some of the major wins, including but not limited to the Duplication of the Gundaroo Drive and the new shared pathway at Lake Gininderra. The team works tirelessly to make your riding experience more enjoyable and safer, although there is still much work to be done. There are still many projects that need funding, including exciting paths that could connect Belconnen Way straight into the City Centre. Have a read of what projects are going on around you.

Light rail prep is wrapping up, with underground works finished, trenches refilled, and safer, well-signed bike routes plus new separated paths in place. At Garema Place, access to shops is maintained despite the central excavation, with new tiles laid on the north side. The Garden City Cycleway continues to impress, wide, smooth, car-free, and perfect for a comfortable 20 km/h cruise.

Updates for Aug 14

This week we are highlighting one of our Bike Library volunteers Hank. If you have ever wondered where your donated bikes have gone then Hank van Apeldoorn has your back. Hank is one of the outstanding members of the Bike Library Volunteers, hand delivering bikes that have been donated to the members of our community. He has gone above and beyond sending endearing messages to the recipients of the bikes and ensuring to the generous donators that their bikes have been delivered safe and sound.

At human-powered speeds, walking, riding, or rolling, instinct is your first line of defence. Chapter 7 explores how we naturally avoid collisions, why faster travellers have more responsibility, and how small actions like ringing a bell, holding your line, or giving extra space build trust on shared paths. We also show how the Share the Path guidelines mirror these instincts, making our busy, diverse active travel network safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Pedal Power has teamed up with ANU Security and ACT Policing to tackle the rise in bike theft on campus. Through free bike engraving, education, and promotion of the Bikelinc registration system, this new initiative is helping Canberra cyclists safeguard their bikes and improve recovery rates. Whether you ride to study, work or play—take steps now to protect your ride.

Pedal Power has joined leading bicycle organisations across Australia in calling on the Federal Government to take urgent action on unsafe, non-compliant e-bikes. These unregulated machines pose serious risks to riders and the community. We’re urging the Government to reinstate import standards and provide national leadership to ensure all e-bikes sold in Australia are safe, road-legal, and fit for purpose.

In Woden, we’ve been busy advocating for safer, more connected cycling routes as the town centre transforms. From pushing for end-of-trip facilities and slow-speed streets in the new Woden Village to fixing the notorious Matilda Street bikeway blockage, we’re making cycling easier and safer. Wins so far include the upgraded Melrose Drive underpass and the freshly resurfaced C4 path between Mawson and the town centre. With exciting projects ahead – like the Molonglo River recreational loop, the long-awaited bridge at Coombs, and light rail stage 2B – we’re keeping cycling front and centre in Woden’s future.

Discover what they’ve achieved so far and what’s next for cycling in Woden.

Work on raising London Circuit and the light rail is progressing despite recent rain delays, with paths between the Allara Street footbridge and Commonwealth Avenue bridge still muddy and busy with Floriade setup. Riders can already see big changes: the wide bike path on the eastern side of Commonwealth Avenue is nearly ready, and the south-west corner of London Circuit has transformed from a messy worksite to a tidy area – even with a small “duck pond.” Garema Place remains fully accessible, though its centre is fenced off for works. Expect damp conditions, but it won’t be long before bikes can ride the full circuit on new paths.

Updates for Aug 1

Over the past three years, the team has been advocating for better cycling infrastructure and services across the region – from safer access to the Gungahlin Town Centre to revitalising off-road cycling opportunities like the Yerrabi Jumps tracks. They’ve also been supporting the growth of the Bike Library Canberra, which provides repaired donated bikes for anyone who needs one.

Discover what they’ve achieved so far and what’s next for cycling in Gungahlin.

When you’re riding, driving, or flying, speed changes everything. Chapter 6 explores why the old “see and avoid” instinct fails once wheels turn faster than human power, and why safety depends on clear rules and smart design.

We look at how traffic rules protect high-speed networks, why slower streets suit bikes, and how features like wombat crossings make crossings safer. You’ll also see how Canberra’s Dryandra Street upgrade turned a risky spot into a smoother ride for everyone: kangaroos included.

When Canberra local Roehl decided to donate his trishaw to Pedal Power’s Cycling Without Age program, he turned a personal act of love into a gift for the entire community. Originally purchased to take his parents on rides, the trishaw will now bring joy and freedom to older Canberrans in aged care, giving them the chance to reconnect with the outdoors.

What do faster speeds, instinctive hazard scanning, and the humble bike bell have in common? They’re all part of how we manage risk on the move. In Chapter 5, we dive into why speed changes everything – from how far ahead your brain focuses to how quickly mistakes escalate. We explore the science behind stopping distances, the “see and avoid” instinct that helps us dodge collisions, and why awareness (yours and others’) is the key to staying safe. Whether it’s shifting your attention forward, slowing down when unsure, or using sound to snap others to attention, these small actions make riding smoother and safer.

Construction is everywhere in Canberra right now, but bikes remain the easiest way to navigate the City. From new protected lanes on Northbourne Avenue to soon-to-open paths around London Circuit and Commonwealth Park, there’s plenty happening for riders to know about.

Whether you’re weaving past light rail works or detouring through Floriade preparations, we’ve rounded up all the latest changes to help you plan your route.

Updates for July 18

When Lil Bryant-Johnson volunteered for Big Skills for Small Bikes, she helped kids go from nervous beginners to confident riders, and discovered how rewarding it is to give back to her community.

Want to know how volunteering can change lives, and why Lil says she’d do it again in a heartbeat?

Liam’s weekend ride in Thredbo ended with a fractured collarbone and weeks off work. Luckily, his Pedal Power membership had him covered—literally. From medical costs to lost income, the included insurance helped him get back on the bike faster than he expected.

Find out how Pedal Power can have your back too.

Long-time Pedal Power member Peter Granleese has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his tireless work in the Canberra community, particularly through Fitability and tandem cycling. At 79, Peter is still riding strong, mentoring others, and inspiring us all to stay active and connected. He will formally receive his medal in September.

The city’s construction zones are transforming fast – with wider, smoother footpaths and bike paths, improved sightlines, and clearer signage making it easier to get around on foot or by bike. Even small tweaks, like see-through hoardings at tricky corners, are improving safety for everyone.

Safety note: At the West Acton basin, two high-speed bike paths now cross near the footbridge over Parkes Way. Visibility is limited, so slow down and take extra care at this junction to avoid collisions.

Updates for July 4

What do quiet suburban streets, modal filters, and rat-running cars have in common? They all highlight how Canberra is rethinking its roads, not just for cars, but for people too. In Chapter 4 of our series, we explore how bike-friendly rules and smarter infrastructure are reshaping the ACT’s transport culture. From pragmatic road laws to COVID-era upgrades and ideas borrowed from Paris and London, discover why Canberra is closer than ever to becoming a city where cycling isn’t just possible, it’s practical.

Pedal Power ACT welcomes the ACT Legislative Assembly’s support of a motion by Independent MLA Thomas Emerson calling for better lighting in public spaces to improve women’s safety while exercising. Lighting is a vital first steps, and we’re encouraged to see safety on the agenda. But we also know that real change goes beyond infrastructure. Our Executive Director, Cecily Michaels, spoke to the issue and shared why a safer, more inclusive city benefits everyone

From Olympic dreams to countryside solo rides, Handlebars of Happiness captured the many ways bikes transform our lives. Hosted by Canberra by Bike and inspired by Bike Story Night, this event brought together a joyful crowd to hear tales of transformation, adventure, and community. Funny, moving, and deeply human—these stories from Canberra’s cycling community might just inspire your next adventure.