Barriers to cycling: not meant figuratively

When we discuss obstacles to cycling, it is often meant figuratively, but not this time. As a cyclist, you will quickly notice the number of obstacles that are thrown in your path. The older areas of Canberra were not built for the cyclist.

Good and direct bike paths save time

Cycle infrastructure is lagging in Coombs. Despite the Concept Plan being finalised in 2012 and the suburb established since 2015, the cycle infrastructure is still not complete or sufficient. As the crow flies, Coombs and Belconnen are about the same distance from Civic centre, however, while commuting from Civic to Belconnen in 30 minutes is possible, it is not from Coombs.

Isochrone plot infrastructure study

How easy it is to get around Canberra depends upon from where you start the trip. In some places the infrastructure is better than others. One way to study this is with isochrone plots. This article compares the distance one can ride in 60 minutes and 30 minutes from various town centres, testing the ease of cycling in Canberra.

Cycle infrastructure in Wright and Coombs

Once the suburb is built, its design is set in stone. A coherent network of continuous bike paths across the city needs a master plan for bike path infrastructure, upon which new suburbs can be designed and realised so that the new infrastructure interconnects. Suburb design starts with the end in mind. The suburb is a small unit of the much larger and longer endeavour, to build active travel networks across the city.