Canberra is an excellent city for cyclists. Across the capital, you’ll find a network of shared use paths, on-road cycling lanes and free bicycle parking facilities. There are also plenty of bike trails that showcase our beautiful bushland.

Here are a few bike rides to check out.

For families: Lake Tuggeranong District Park

Lake Tuggeranong District Park was designed for lakeside recreation. About 6.77kms of shared use path encircles the lake. Most of the route is flat, making for a fun ride for families. Several sections have recently been upgraded, including path widening and line marking.

There is plenty of parking, plus public toilets and drinking water.

If the kids need to stop and rest, there are plenty of picnic tables, including some with shade. There are also a number of playgrounds around the lake. This includes the recently upgraded Tuggeranong Town Park Playground.

A big drawcard for families with young children is the learn to ride centre. It is designed to teach children from preschool to year 4 how to safely ride a bicycle or scooter.

Learn more about Canberra’s learn to ride centres.

Feeling adventurous? Tuggeranong Skate Park is near the western boundary of the park and has a section for beginners.

Find out more about Lake Tuggeranong District Park.

For mountain biking: University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park

UC Stromlo Forest Park has more than 50km of mountain bike trails. They are professionally built and maintained, and suitable for all levels.

If 50km sounds a bit overwhelming, there are six suggested loops designed for different levels of ability.

Find out more about the loops.

There are almost 500 parking spaces at UC Stromlo Forest Park. Next to the main car park, you’ll find Handlebar. This undercover bar and café is a great spot to refuel and soak up the amazing views. Public barbecues and picnic tables are also available.

Before you visit, make sure you’re familiar with the rules and guidelines for the park. This is especially important if it’s your first visit or you’re new to mountain biking. Read the Park Rules and Guidelines.

Find out more about UC Stromlo Forest Park.

For road biking: Lake Burley Griffin Eastern loop

This 9km route around the eastern portion of Lake Burley Griffin. It includes the Kingston Foreshore, Bowen Park, the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, the Molonglo River and Grevillea Park.

You’ll be treated to a nice mix of restaurants and cafes, parks and bushland. The Jerrabomberra Wetland is a waterbird wonderland with more than 170 different bird species.

From there, you can pop into Dairy Road where you’ll find a collection of places to eat and drink.

The shared paths of Eastern Loop are flat, making for a leisurely ride. There are beautiful views of the city, the lake and the surrounding bushland. There are also public toilets scattered along the loop.

Find out more about the Lake Burley Griffin cycling loops.

For newbies: Lake Burley Griffin Central loop

The 5km ‘bridge to bridge’ loop is one of Canberra’s most well-known walking and cycling routes. If you’re new to bike riding, it’s an excellent route because it’s so familiar. It’s also quite flat with a short climb up to both Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue bridges.

The loop will take you past some iconic Canberra destinations. You’ll pass the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Carillon and the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre. You’ll also ride along the Australians of the Year Walk and catch views of the Captain Cook Memorial jet and Black Mountain Tower.

There are plenty of spots to grab a coffee or something to eat on either side of the lake.

Find out more about the Lake Burley Griffin cycling loops.

For nature lovers: the Canberra Centenary Trail

This trail is 145 kilometres long and is divided into seven sections. The entire trail is a 3-day ride, averaging just over 45 kilometres per day. You can also explore each section individually.

The trail is a blend of urban and rural settings and includes nature forests, nature reserves and bushland hills.

You’ll see plenty of native flora and fauna along the way, including birds.

The trail is mostly flat, with some hilly sections which may require you to dismount. It’s designed to be accessible for cyclists with moderate ability.

Find out more about the Canberra Centenary Trail.

Learn more about cycling and mountain bike riding in Canberra’s parks and reserves.

Visit the Transport Canberra website for handy cycling resources including:

• A journey planner for cycling and walking routes

• A guide to cycling in Canberra

• A map of all cycling routes across Canberra

• Regional walking and cycling guides.

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