Stage 1 of the Garden City Cycleway — a safe cycle route connecting Watson, Downer, Hackett, Dickson, Ainslie and Braddon with the city — is almost complete. The news has been welcomed by both the Canberra cyclist community and independent MLA Thomas Emerson.

Construction of the final section, Stage 1D, has begun. The new section along Cooyong Street, Braddon, will link the existing path to the intersection of Lonsdale and Cooyong Streets, completing a continuous route from Angas Street, Ainslie, to Bunda Street in the city.

“The Cycleway provides an important active transport connection to the city and the lake via the inner-city cycle loop on Bunda and Allara streets,” Tara Cheyne MLA, minister for city and government services, said.

“This … infrastructure improves connectivity between schools, local centres and greenspaces, helping to … get people out of their cars for short trips,” Ms Cheyne said. “Walking, cycling, and scooting are at the centre of our plans to make Canberra a liveable and sustainable city.”

The ACT and Australian governments have jointly funded Stage 2 of the project.

Pedal Power ACT

Cycling organisation Pedal Power ACT welcomed the start of construction on Stage 1D as “a critical step towards a safer and more connected cycling network in Canberra”.

Executive director Cecily Michaels said it would strengthen a key corridor from the inner north into the city, and make everyday trips more accessible.

“This is exactly the kind of infrastructure Canberra needs,” Ms Michaels said. “With rising fuel costs, more people are looking for affordable ways to get around, and safe, connected cycling routes make that a real option.”

Ms Michaels said Pedal Power has long advocated to fix missing links like this.

“Every new connection like this makes it easier for people to choose to ride, whether that’s getting to work, school or local shops. It also helps reduce congestion and creates a healthier, more liveable city.”

Pedal Power will launch a new initiative, Pedal Partners, so cyclists can ride together, share local knowledge, and build confidence on the network.

Thomas Emerson MLA

Independent MLA Thomas Emerson said: “The Garden City Cycleway is a regular part of my commute and a good piece of community infrastructure. I regularly hear from cyclists and pedestrians in the inner north who are confused by how abruptly the Cycleway ends, so it’s encouraging to see work on it continuing. We need a lot more dedicated bike paths like this across the ACT. ”