One of Canberra's peak cycling bodies is calling for more investment in paths, off-road tracks and rider safety to capitalise on the sport's boom after the city was ranked the No. 1 cycling destination in Australia.
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An American company has included Australian cities in its worldwide rankings for the first time this year, with Canberra at the top of the list and ranked 34 overall.
Alice Springs and Melbourne were the second and third best destinations in Australia, while the Eurobodalla was also included in the top 100 for worldwide cycling spots.
The rankings combine a calculation of the city's network score based on cycling networks, and a community score based on perceptions of cycling.
Almost 25 per cent of Canberrans cycle at least once per week, but Pedal Power chief executive Ian Ross says more needs to be done to invest in tourism and infrastructure to make the city the cycling capital.
Only three per cent of Canberrans ride to work or school.
"Stromlo Forrest Park has the potential to become the premier destination in Australia for cycling tourism."
He also wants to see more funding aimed at safe and direct cycle routes in and around town centres because many people are discouraged to cycle by meandering paths of poor quality.
"Real investment in cycling infrastructure means creating a network of safe, separated paths and cycleways where people can ride from point A to point B without having to encounter hazards," Mr Ross said.
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"Canberra's climate and terrain are really well suited to cycling. We have invested in an extensive off-road path network which runs round our lakes and town centres, and we have wonderful and accessible mountains and national parks on our doorsteps with many well-developed trails through them.
As well as funding for maintaining its existing paths and networks, Pedal Power says it wants to expand its infrastructure and travel budgets, and target funding towards supporting a shift to active travel, as it says encouraging more people to take up cycling is crucial.
The PeopleForBikes model for ranking cities is used to "emphasize the importance of building safe, comfortable and connected bicycle networks".
Director for innovation Kyle Wagenschuts said: "[Canberra is] the only city we rated in Australia with a network score above 50. Out of 770 cities we rated globally [this] year, less than 10 per cent of communities have achieved this milestone."
Canberran cyclist Hugh Ebbs says he rides to and from work at least five times per week and longer treks along Canberra's "lakes and many hills" on weekends.
"Cycling has been my main and sometimes exclusive form of transport. I find it keeps me fit, is environmentally conscious, low cost, and during peak hour can often be faster than alternatives," Mr Ebbs said.
