The ACT Government manages and maintains the community path network.
The development of the cycling network is based on ACT and federal transport, bicycle and safety strategies.
Walking and cycling are encouraged as modes of transport as they:
- enhance fitness, health and general life enjoyment;
- reduce traffic congestion;
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and
- reduce public expenditure on new roads and car parking facilities.
Transport Canberra and City Services is responsible for the enhancement and development of cycle and pedestrian paths in established recreational areas. The Suburban Land Agency and Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate are responsible for developing paths in newer areas. Input is sought from Pedal Power ACT who promote commuter cycling and to develop a safe and effective network of cycle paths.
Community path maintenance
Requests to build missing links or to upgrade existing paths are received from members of the public. The ACT Government use a warrant system to confirm the need for, and priorities of all requests.
The warrant system assesses whether a safe path can be provided for all path users. Safety, real and perceived, is always identified as a major barrier to active travel. If the safety criterion is met, four assessment criteria are applied to prioritise the requests.
- Strategic—how the request completes the routes identified in the ACT Strategic Cycling Network plan or town/group centre master plans which outline the priority improvement corridors, connections to the proposed surrounding network and its value within the network.
- Community—proximity to community trip generators and attractors within residential areas, such as schools, shops, facilities, businesses and parks etc.
- Public transport—proximity to relevant public transport facilities to increase the possibilities of multi-modal trips.
- Demand—presence of desired lines or expected demand for a path, i.e. more compact developments are more conducive to active transport and public transport.
Policy for Footpath Maintenance (Word 119 KB) (PDF 118 KB)
Current program of works
Each year a program of community path improvements is carried out. This includes adding new connections into the community path network and upgrading existing connections as needed. For more information see the current program of works.
Lodge a feedback form
On a day to day basis the ACT Government sweep and repair cycle paths and their associated traffic control devices, such as signs, lines and guardrails. Prioritisation of maintenance is based on usage rates of sections of the network, which usually coincide with their proximity to urban centres. The footpath network is not routinely maintained, consequently members of the public are relied on as the sole source of information about the condition of the network. To provide information about the condition of the cycle path or footpath network please contact 13 22 81 or lodge a feedback form.
The ACT Government is also responsible for maintaining the condition of pavements in all shopping areas. If you are concerned about the condition of pavement please contact 13 22 81 or lodge a feedback form.
