For all passengers travelling during fare free periods using a single use ticket, please do not scan on and off when using Transport Canberra bus and light rail services until further notice. This is to ensure you do not activate your ticket during these fare free periods. You can still tap or scan on and off using a bank card, MyWay+ card or in-app QR code. No fares will be charged. For more information see using paper tickets during fare free periods.

Cycling




On this page:

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.

You can also use mobility devices such as e-scooters on shared paths, bicycle paths and footpaths, subject to speed limits. They are not allowed on roads or bicycle lanes, except if there is no footpath, shared path or nature strip available.

See the e-scooters and mobility devices page for more information.

Make sure to follow the road rules to stay safe when cycling or using any other transport.

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 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.

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. Cyclists, motorists and pedestrians are all responsible for safe and courteous use of roads and paths.

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.

The Australian Road Rules apply to all road users, including cyclists. Please see the Road Transport (General) Act 1999 for more information.

In the ACT, there are specific regulations for bicycles and e-bikes. These rules are designed to ensure safety and compliance with other transport laws. These rules apply to bicycles, e-bikes, tricycles, pedicabs and similar modes of transport. They do not apply to wheelchairs or vehicles with an engine or a power output over 200 watts.

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

Electric bikes

E-bikes have the same rights to use the roads as unpowered bicycles, provided they meet regulations.

Motor-assisted pedal cycles with electric motors (e-bikes) with up to 200 watts combined maximum power and Pedalecs (up to 250 watts continuous rated power) are exempt from registration as long as their maximum engine output does not exceed those limits.

These bicycles must be designed to be primarily propelled by human power, with the electric motor serving as a supplementary aid only.

Petrol-powered bikes and minibikes

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

Petrol-powered bikes

Petrol-powered bicycles are not permitted on ACT roads and road-related areas.

Bicycles with an internal combustion engine are not permitted on ACT roads under the Road Transport Legislation Amendment Act 2015. This includes footpaths, shared paths, cycleways and cycle paths. This amendment was made to address the safety risks associated with these bicycles, which have resulted in fatalities and injuries, including in the ACT.

Penalties for using a petrol-powered bicycle or any device with an internal combustion engine on ACT roads or road-related areas can be severe.

Please see the Road Transport Legislation Amendment Act 2015 for more details.

Minibikes

Minibikes are not permitted on ACT roads and road-related areas. This includes footpaths, shared paths, cycleways 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. The use of such motorised recreational devices is prohibited, and offences can result in heavy penalties.

Related links

Information and facilities for cyclists

Legislation

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.