The ACT Government has recently released its Draft Active Travel Plan with a vision of getting more Canberrans walking and cycling. After being released in 2022 however, this plan remains in draft form, with no clear date as to when it will be finalised. Furthermore, while the plan is a good broad document, it has no timelines or commitment to increased funding. It remains unclear when key projects and policy reforms will be delivered.  

If we do not implement the Active Travel Plan, and soon, Canberra will become a more car-centric environment, spread out, and hostile to active travel alternatives.  
 
We the undersigned call on the Government to implement the Active Travel Plan as soon as possible. As the top priority we call on the Government design, build, and upgrade Canberra’s active travel and cycling network within the next five years and build upon this network through invited feedback from the community to identify additional missing links. This is a feasible and valid social investment that will increase people’s health, reduce emissions, and assist in the cost-of-living crisis.  
 
We call on the ACT Government over the next five years to:    
 
1. Build a connected, safe, and convenient cycle and active travel network, as proposed as priority two of the ACT Government’s (draft) Active Travel Plan.
 
2. Immediately improve, in consultation with Pedal Power and other cycling/pedestrian organisations, the proposed active travel network as part of the final draft of the Active Travel Plan and commit to conducting an annual review of the active travel network to add additional links to be constructed within a nominated time. Improvements should prioritise:
 
     a. The identification and construction of missing links, such as Lonsdale and Mort Street in Braddon and large missing sections in Weston Creek and Tuggeranong.
 
     b. The construction of safe and convenient cycling and active travel routes to and from all Canberra schools, health facilities, town centres, and major public transport stops.
 
     c. The conversion of on-road cycle lanes to be replaced by adequately protected, separated cycle lanes or cycle-only paths.
 
3. Commit to setting a target that at least 90 per cent of cycle lanes, shared paths, and footpaths be maintained in good condition, are compliant with anti-discrimination law 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 and active travel routes, and a firm commitment to retrofit busy town-centre intersections in accordance with the recently published draft design guide.
 
5. Invest to build a series of bike cages or other secure, covered bike and travel device parking facilities and other end-of-trip facilities in each of Canberra’s town and groups centres.
 
Find out more about Pedal Power's advocacy work here.
 
By signing this petition, you will be kept updated on the progress of our active travel network campaign.