While Canberra's tagline as the nation's car capital is often reiterated, there can be little argument cyclists in the capital are not a maligned minority.
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Just over six months ago, a study by the Australian Bicycle Council revealed pedal power was more popular than in any other state or territory.
This prompted a glowing assessment of the ACT's cycling scene by Canberra Cycling Club president Stuart Jones calling the city's infrastructure "excellent" and one of the easiest cities to commute in via bicycle.
Fast forward six months and cyclists are whistling an altogether gloomier tune – now the problem isn't whether they ride, it's how often and where to.
While Mick Gentleman points to a long list of cycling initiatives the government has funded, the numbers speak for themselves – only 15 per cent of Canberrans are riding or using public transport to get to work.
While Pedal Power ACT executive officer John Armstrong's claims that Canberra has "among the worst figures in the world" may be true; his assertion that cyclists' concerns are brushed off and infrastructure is lacking are arguable.
The ACT government has created some excellent conditions and made commitments to making the city cycle-friendly including new legislation for minimum passing distances and allowing cyclists to cross pedestrian crossings at slow speeds.
By the same token, the case for some form of mandatory cyclist insurance has to be taken seriously, as risk is always present on our roads.
While the Chief Minister and lawyers can rightly point to the availability of market options for insurance, this is little comfort to those injured in accidents with cyclists who don't do the right thing.
Responsible cyclists are already paying in the order of $125 for a household membership with 24/7 insurance – surely a government scheme would impose no greater burden.
As the city continues to grow, its road network is struggling to meet the competing demands of cars, trucks, motorcyclists and cyclists but all road users need to learn how to coexist.
There can be little doubt there is more strain on the capital's roads than ever before.
Drivers have to learn cyclists are also entitled to be on the road and should provide ample clearing space but, by the same token cyclists are not a law unto themselves, and need to adhere to the rules of the road.
While the ACT government's commitment to cycling has been commendable, it needs to invest more in developing the capital's cycle paths and lanes to ensure it does not fall behind other major cities.
This should include a coordinated approach to cycling, walking and active transport options – along with its multi-million-dollar light rail grand plan.
Correction: An earlier version of this story stated Pedal Power ACTpresident Jan Brooks made the claim that Canberra had "among the worst figures in the world" for cyclists. Pedal Power ACT executive officer John Armstrong made that claim.
