Cycling

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Cycling in Canberra

Canberra has a network of shared paths, on-road bike lanes and neighbourhood streets for safe and accessible cycling. Check the walking and cycling maps to plan your trip, including downloadable cycling maps for each region.

The ACT Road Rule apply differently to different kinds of vehicles and devices. Knowing how your device is categorised under the Road Rules will help you to follow the correct rules for the mode of transport you are using.

Under the Road Rules specific rules apply to bikes and e-bikes.

Different rules apply to scooters, e-scooters and other wheeled electronic devices. See the e-scooters and mobility devices page for more information.

Maps

Journey planner

Share the way

Bikes on public transport

You can take your bike on buses and light rail in the ACT. Make sure to follow the conditions of travel.

Bikes on buses

More than 90% of Transport Canberra buses are equipped with bike racks. Bike racks on buses each hold 2 bicycles with a maximum weight of 25 kg per bike. Bike racks are available on a first come, first served basis.

To use the bike racks, watch our bus bike rack video and follow these steps:

Remove loose items (s (e.g. water bottles, pumps, helmets) from bike and load bike from the kerbside.
Squeeze handle up to release latch then fold down the bike rack.
Lift bike into rack slots with the front wheel towards the spring-loaded bar.
Raise the spring-loaded bar up over the front wheel of the bike. If there is a bike already in the rack, load your bike with the handle bars in the opposite direction. Then the spring loaded bar will lock down the front wheel.

Select one of the images below to view instructions for using the bike racks.

Please note:

Bus drivers are not permitted to assist in the loading or unloading of bike racks.
Fold-up bikes can either be mounted on the bike rack or carried on board and stored out of the way in the luggage rack or on the floor.
Bus drivers have final discretion for the carriage of goods (including fold-up bikes) on board buses.
Transport Canberra is not liable for any damage, wear and tear, loss or stolen bikes.

For more information on bus bike racks including the conditions of use (including dimensions and weight limits) see policies.

Bikes on light rail

There are 4 bike racks in each light rail vehicle. For further information on which types of bikes can be brought onto the light rail, and conditions of travel with bikes, visit CMET.

Parking your bike

Bike rails are available across the city and at a number of bus and light rail stops. Bring a lock so you can secure your bike and continue your journey on public transport.

Transport Canberra manages 6 secure bike cages. As we transition from MyWay to MyWay+, you can continue to use your current MyWay card to access the bike cages.

To apply for new access please email mywayplus@act.gov.au your:

name
contact number
postal address and
preferred bike cage location.

We will send you a new card that will grant your access within 10 business days.

The ACT Government is not liable for any loss or damage to items stored in bike cages, lockers or on rails. For further information see our bikes on buses policy (PDF ).

For a map of bike rails and cages see the Bike & Ride map (PDF 716.5 KB).

Free car parks

Park your car for free and ride your bike the rest of the way. It’s a great way to incorporate exercise and save on parking costs. Car parks are available at:

Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum car park
Caswell Drive, Glenloch Interchange
Hackett Shops, Hackett Place
Kellaway Street, Hackett
Palmerville Heritage Park

Safety and road rules

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. The Road Rules apply to all road users, including cyclists. Cyclists, motorists and pedestrians are all responsible for safe and courteous use of roads and paths. For detailed rules and legal requirements in the ACT, see Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017.

Some road and path users are more vulnerable than others and sometimes safety is a matter of perception.

Look out for everyone, especially vulnerable road users, know the rules and make sure you can be seen and heard. Don't do anything unpredictable that could put you or others in danger.

Please see how to share roads and paths for more details.

In the ACT, there are specific road rules for bicycles and e-bikes. These rules apply to bicycles, e-bikes, tricycles, pedicabs and similar modes of transport.

Different rules apply for e-scooters and other mobility devices. Please see e-scooters and mobility devices for more details.

Shared e-bikes

Lime operates e-bike hire across Canberra. For more details see the micromobility (e-scooter and e-bike) operation area map.

Electric bikes

Legal e-bikes, including the shared Lime e-bikes, have the same rights to use the roads as unpowered bicycles. However, not all e-bikes sold in Australian shops or through online retailers are legal for road use.

Legal e-bikes need to be pedalled by the rider. The electronic motor on a legal e-bike is only intended to help the rider. There are limits on when a motor can kick in, and on the speed a motor can help a rider reach.

There are 2 categories of e-bike that meet the standards required in the ACT: a power-assisted pedal cycle and an electrically power-assisted cycle. The propulsion and motor requirements for these types of e-bikes are:

	Power-assisted pedal cycle (PAPC)	Electrically power-assisted cycle (EPAC)
What makes the bike move?	Pedalling, with a motor to help. Pedalling is required to move at any speed.	Pedalling, with a motor to help. Pedalling is required for speeds over 6 km/h.
Speed at which the motor cuts off	—	While pedalling – 25 km/h No pedalling – 6 km/h
How powerful is the motor?	Up to 200 watts. Over 200 watts means the bike is NOT a PAPC.	Up to 250 watts. Over 250 watts means the bike is NOT a EPAC.

A power-assisted pedal cycle must also have an adjustable seat and weigh less than 50 kg (including the battery).

A bike with an engine is not a legal e-bike.

Devices that exceed permitted power limits or otherwise do not meet ACT requirements may be classified as motor vehicles and be subject to registration, licensing and other regulatory requirements. If the vehicle cannot be registered it may only be used on private property.

Petrol-powered bikes and minibikes

Petrol-powered bikes and minibikes are not permitted on any ACT roads and road-related areas. This includes footpaths, shared paths, cycle ways and cycle paths.

Minibikes (also known as pocket bikes or monkey bikes) do not meet minimum Australian design standards for safety and cannot be registered.

Penalties for using a petrol-powered bikes or minibikes on ACT roads, footpaths, shared paths, cycle ways and cycle paths can be severe.

These vehicles must only be driven on private property.

Permitted bike and e-bike locations

Bike and legal e-bikes may use shared paths and on-road bike lanes.

Cyclists may ride on shared paths and footpaths, but must keep to the left and give way to pedestrians.

If bicycle lanes exist, an on-road cyclist must ride in the lane provided, unless it is impractical to do so.

It is legal to ride two abreast in the ACT.

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