Advocacy

Our Advocacy Wins & How You Can Help

Our Advocacy

50 Years of Pedalling Change

For five decades, Pedal Power has been Canberra’s leading voice for better cycling infrastructure and safer streets. Our work has shaped policies, improved infrastructure, and empowered everyday Canberrans to take action. Here are some of our recent victories, and how you can join the movement.

Pushing for Better Policy: Active Travel Plan

We successfully advocated for the release of the ACT Government’s Active Travel Plan and Design Guide. While the Plan has its shortfalls, it signals a growing commitment to prioritising active travel. The Design Guide, in particular, lays the groundwork for safer and smarter infrastructure, especially at intersections, and is already being implemented across parts of Canberra.

Delivering Better Bike Paths

Thanks to our advocacy, the ACT Government has rolled out several major path upgrades. Recent projects include:

  • Belconnen Cycle Way

  • Garden City Cycle Route

  • Kingston Cycle Route

  • Gungahlin Town Centre Upgrades

  • Sulwood Drive Shared Path

But we’re not stopping here. Many of these projects are moving too slowly, and we’re continuing to push for faster, better, and more widespread improvements.

Making Light Rail Work for Cyclists

We’ve held the Government accountable for past mistakes, like failing to include separated bike paths in Stage One of the Light Rail. Our advocacy has ensured this won’t be repeated:

  • Stage 2a includes separated cycling infrastructure and two best-practice intersections.

  • Stage 2b will feature a separated bike path from Woden to the City.

Our Campaigns in Action

Hundreds of members have joined our campaigns to amplify the call for safer, more connected bike infrastructure. Some highlights:

  • A petition for improved cycling infrastructure with 1,200+ signatures

  • A campaign to build a separated bike-only path along Northbourne Avenue

  • A petition to increase safety around Jamison Shops

We are regularly called upon for advice on how proposals will impact cycling. We are known and respected for the quality and consistency of our submissions. You can read some of our submissions here

Want to help make change happen? There are easy ways to start.

Advocacy Tools: Make Your Voice Count

Fix My Street

Report path damage, debris, missing ramps, and more to City Services. It’s quick, effective, and helps keep our bike network safe.

Write to Your MLA

The ACT is small, which means your voice has power. MLAs are accessible, and advocacy from constituents like you can shape decisions.

Top tips for writing to your MLA:

  • Get to know your local MLAs via the Legislative Assembly website.

  • Contact all sides, opposition and crossbenchers included.

  • Be clear, concise, and attach a photo of the issue.

  • Include your name and contact details for a reply.

Explore Government Resources

Join the Advocacy Team

There’s strength in numbers, and we’d love for you to join us. Whether you're interested in campaigns, policy, or just helping improve your local area, we have a place for you.

📧 Get in touch: advocacy@pedalpower.org.au
📣 Join the Campaigns Team: Help us run petitions, meet with MLAs, and build momentum.

Why It Matters

"Local policy choices have a huge impact on cycling investment and participation.”
— John Pucher & Ralph Buehler, authors of Cycling for Sustainable Cities

Big change starts locally. With your help, we can keep the wheels turning for a safer, more cycle-friendly Canberra.