Pedal Power ACT today launched a campaign calling on the ACT Government to invest heavily in cycling and other active travel infrastructure across the city.

The campaign calls on the government within the next five years to:

1. Build a connected, safe, and convenient cycle network, as the government’s (draft) Active Travel Plan proposes.

2. Immediately improve, in consultation with Pedal Power and other cycling/pedestrian organisations, the proposed cycling network as part of the final draft of the Active Travel Plan, and commit to an annual review of the cycle network and to construct add additional links within a nominated time.

3. Set a target that at least 90 per cent of cycle lanes, shared paths, and footpaths be maintained in good condition, and invest appropriate amounts of money to achieve this target.

4. Install raised pedestrian crossings at all road crossings (not protected by traffic lights) on principal cycle routes, and retrofit busy town-centre intersections in accordance with the recently published draft design guide.

5. Build a series of bike cages or other secure, covered bike parking and other end-of-trip facilities in each of Canberra’s town and group centres.

“It’s a known fact that adequate cycling infrastructure plays a pivotal role in encouraging more people to choose bicycles as a means of transportation,” Simon Copland, Pedal Power’s executive director, said.

“By supporting these demands, the Government can create a safer and more convenient environment for cyclists and pedestrians, reduce traffic congestion and emissions, help people with cost of living, enliven our streets, and promote a healthier lifestyle for Canberrans.”

Pedal Power also has a petition targeted at the ACT Government.  “By signing, participants will join a growing community of passionate cyclists and advocates, united in our pursuit of better active travel infrastructure for all,” Mr Copland said.

The campaign is supported by the Conservation Council ACT Region, the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS), Greater Canberra, Public Transport Canberra (PTCBR), the Fyshwick Business Association, We Ride Australia, SEE Change, Canberra by Bike, Braddon Collective, the Village of Hall and District Progress Association, and Living Streets Canberra.

Elle Lawless, executive director of the Conservation Council ACT Region, said: “The Conservation Council is signing on to the coalition led by Pedal Power as infrastructure for cycling and other forms of active travel needs to be explicitly prioritised and integrated with accessible public transport to empower Canberrans to make the move into affordable zero-emissions transport.

“Transport emissions contribute 63 per cent to the ACT’s direct greenhouse emissions. Our transport choices have a significant impact on our environment, the liveability of our city, and our productivity, health, and wellbeing. In the ACT, we have yet to see a significant reduction in emissions from transport, despite the unfolding climate emergency.”

Greater Canberra’s convenor, Howard Maclean, said: “Medium density suburbs and better cycling infrastructure go hand in hand. Creating safer, cleaner, and cheaper alternatives to commuting by car is an essential part of creating a more liveable and less congested city, all while meeting the ACT’s ambitious climate action goals.”

Dr Devin Bowles, CEO of ACTCOSS, said: “ACTCOSS echoes the call from Pedal Power ACT for the ACT Government to commit to and plan for full implementation of the Design Guide and Active Travel Plan. Both need to be fully funded, with clear timelines and targets. If we want to alleviate cost of living pressures, address climate change, improve our health and strive for transport equity, ensuring we build and maintain an accessible and cycle friendly city is essential.”

Robert Hallop, president of the Village of Hall and District Progress Association, said: “For 10 years, the Hall Progress Association has pushed for safe cycle and pedestrian access to be established by the ACT Government, who have indicated that although the plan has been included on the ACT community path priority listing for future works, it is not an immediate priority.

“The only cycling infrastructure that connects Hall to the major road is a very rudimentary track from the rugby field alongside Victoria Street to Clarrie Hermes Drive. This walking and cycle link that was scaped alongside Victoria Street has never been suitable for anything other than mountain bikes, and is unusable by other cyclists or casual walkers.

“The lack of a formed, sealed cycle and pedestrian path connecting Hall Village to Clarrie Hermes Drive presents an ongoing, serious road safety hazard to the ACT community. As the village of Hall continues to grow as a popular tourism and cycling destination, it is critical that safe infrastructure reflects the demand.”