In 2024, the ACT Government started works to deliver Stage 1 of the Garden City Cycleway, better connecting the city to Ainslie, Braddon and Dickson.
This final section, known as Stage 1D, marks a significant milestone for active travel in central Canberra.
"Canberra consistently ranks highly as one of Australia's best destinations for cycling, and we know more Canberrans will walk and ride if it is safer, more accessible, convenient and enjoyable," said Minister for City and Government Services, Tara Cheyne.
"This is just one part of our significant investment in active travel infrastructure. Between the ACT and Australian Governments, $10.4 million was jointly funded to deliver Stage 1 of the cycleway for Canberrans."
The ACT Government is already progressing Stage 2 of the cycleway.
In the 2025-26 Federal Budget, the Australian Government committed $5 million to further extend the Garden City Cycleway into Canberra's inner north. The ACT Government also committed $6 million to deliver this next stage.
Design for Stage 2 is currently underway, with project teams refining the alignment, intersection treatments, crossing locations, landscaping opportunities and supporting infrastructure.
"Design work is focused on developing a safe, efficient and user-friendly active travel corridor while balancing the needs of residents, community groups, businesses and road users," Minister Cheyne said.
Once the detailed design is complete, it will be shared with the community and key stakeholders before construction commences.
Construction for Stage 2 is expected to commence in 2027.
Once completed, the whole alignment for the Garden City Cycleway will provide a safe cycle route connecting Watson, Downer, Hackett, Dickson, Ainslie and Braddon with the city. Using a variety of streets and places, the route will accommodate both cyclists on local trips and visitors exploring the city.
"The project forms part of the ACT Government's commitment to encouraging active travel, reducing reliance on private vehicles for short trips, and providing high-quality infrastructure that supports walking, riding and scooting for people of all ages and abilities," Minister Cheyne said.
Quotes attributable to Alicia Payne, Member for Canberra:
"When Labor governments work together, we get things done, and the completion of Stage 1 of the Garden City Cycleway is a great example of that.
"This is about making it easier and safer for Canberrans to get around our city, whether that's riding to work or taking the kids to school.
"We're not stopping here. With another $10 million committed by the Commonwealth and ACT governments for Stage 2, we're continuing to build a better-connected Canberra, giving people more transport choices and making our city an even better place to live."
