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.
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
Bikes on buses
More than 90% of Transport Canberra buses are equipped with bike racks. Bike racks on buses each hold 2 bikes and are available on a first come, first served basis. Watch our video to see how to use a bus bike rack or refer to the instructions (PDF 156 KB).
Fold-up bikes should be folded prior to boarding and stored out of the way in the luggage rack or on the floor.
Please note Transport Canberra is not liable for any damage, wear and tear, loss or stolen bikes and staff may refuse carriage of a fold-up bike for safety reasons. See our bikes on buses policy (PDF 132KB) and information about safety and conditions of use.
Bikes on light rail
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 access email your MyWay card number and preferred bike cage location to mywayplus@act.gov.au. We will grant your access within 5 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 131.6 KB).
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 Carpark
- 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 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
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.
