As artistic director, Rose has overseen the creation of 100 musical bikes and 94 of them will move on Friday night as part of a one-hour choreographed spectacle of sound, speed, light and pedal power.

''It's about making musical instruments from what people don't consider musical instruments,'' Rose said.

''[The performance] asks questions about what is music and what is a musical instrument. I try to point out that everything can be music.''

And he means everything - a garbage can whose lid crashes down at regular intervals because it is attached to the turning of the front wheel makes a rhythmic if somewhat loud beat. A ukulele is geared down with a pick plucking its string, drums are attached to bikes and a stationary sculpture includes two violins.

All the bikes and most of the materials used in The Canberra Pursuit are recycled.

''It's an ecologically sound community event,'' Rose said.

''It's an exercise in speed and sound and rust and recycling, but it's also electronics.''

Students from the Melba Copland Chopper Program, under the direction of youth worker Jayson Perrin, have created a number of their own musical bikes that will take centre stage on October 18 and Paralympian Sue Powell is riding in the event.

Rose said more riders are welcome but they must be over 18 and bring their own helmets.

This is a free event and no bookings are required. It will be held at the Territory and Municipal Services depot hangar on Canberra Avenue in Fyshwick.

■ For more information, please visit www.canberra100.com.au/calendar/view/830/spin-the-canberra-pursuit/