Canberra cyclists will no longer risk being run over as they turn into Stromlo Forest Park.

Until now, cyclists entering the park have had to compete with motor vehicles on Dave McInnes Road, Chris Steel, Special Minister for State, said.

While there have been no accidents, there have been “a lot of near-misses”, said Scott Saddler AM, the park manager.

Around 560,000 people use the park every year – and when there are big events at the park, the road can get congested, Mr Steel said.

A 500-metre extension will connect the Criterium cycling track, a popular training and racing facility, to the old Uriarra Road, and provide an 80-metre connection to the Stromlo Leisure Centre, so triathletes swimming at the Stromlo Leisure Centre can run and cycle in the Park.

The track will be six metres wide, same as the existing track – wide enough for racing. The government consulted AusCycling, the national governing body for cycling, to ensure it meets competition standards.

“It’s going to be a huge support for the biking community,” Mr Saddler said.

Work will finish in September, ready for triathlon events and major mountain biking events attended by thousands of people.

The government will also resurface the dirt carparks in asphalt to make them safer.

“As Canberra continues to grow, it’s important we also keep growing our great professional and community sports facilities like Stromlo Forest Park to meet local and visitor needs,” Mr Steel said.