Labor candidates have promised to construct a new Garden City Cycle Route through Canberra’s northside, which they say would make active travel safer.

An Albanese government would spend $5 million to improve cycling connections on the Northbourne Avenue corridor through the inner-north suburbs of Canberra, Senator Katy Gallagher and Alicia Payne MP said.

“This investment will make it easier and safer for Canberrans to get around Canberra’s north on two wheels,” said Senator Gallagher.

The Garden City Cycle Route would cover over five kilometres across the inner north, with cycle connections, travelling through the suburbs of Watson, Downer, Dickson, Ainslie, Braddon, and the City.

The cycle path would include a mix of off-road shared paths and protected on-road cycle lane, and be in direct proximity to approximately 17,000 homes in the inner north corridor.

“Canberra has the highest cycling participation rate in the nation, so this announcement will be very welcome news to the capital’s cyclists,” Ms Payne said.

“This already impressive participation rate has the chance to grow even larger through this improved cycling infrastructure – which will make the capital even more accessible by bike.

“We know cycling is good for health, good for the environment, and makes a strong contribution to the ACT’s economy.”

Federal Labor and the ACT Government would construct the route in partnership, as part of a shared commitment to encourage low and no emissions transportation and greater active travel options.

Federal Labor would contribute $5 million for the priority stages of the route.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr (ACT Labor) said he welcomed Federal Labor’s commitment.

“This will deliver the project’s priority stages; it supports our community, and promotes active travel across the ACT,” Mr Barr said. “Under an Albanese Government, the ACT will have a Federal Government that is willing to work with us on joint infrastructure priorities that also help create and protect good, local jobs.”

Labor politicians claimed the investment would build the infrastructure Canberrans in the inner north need to meet the demands for a growing population; reduce congestion on busy roads; and encourage people to be active and improve their health.

“Labor has a proud track record of delivering the infrastructure that our growing city needs,” said Senator Gallagher. “It is Labor that delivered the light rail network, it is Labor that has delivered major road projects like the Majura Parkway, and it is Labor that has significantly expanded our walking and cycle paths.”

The politicians said Federal Labor’s investment in the Garden City Cycle Route complemented ACT Labor’s commitments to protect the Bush Capital and to combat climate change.