A new type of bike track has opened near the Evatt Community Playground in Belconnen, the result of years of work by disability advocates.

The ‘All-Abilities Bike Precinct’ looks a lot like existing setups by Lake Tuggeranong and Lake Ginninderra – a bike track designed to mimic a road environment complete with footpaths, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, line markings and road signs.

But it also includes a few key differences.

The paths are wider, and the signage and road markings are clearer. Most importantly for Abilities Unlimited Australia (AUA) co-founder Fiona Jarvis, it’s also not located near bodies of water.

“For children with additional needs, the existing centres weren’t particularly accessible, and both are near water, which is obviously a boundary risk for kids who are runners,” she says.

Between 150 and 200 children take part in the AUA’s Cyclability program every Saturday at the Bonython Primary School. The program is described as “a therapy-based program aimed at teaching road safety and cycling skills to children of all abilities, but particularly children with disabilities”.

Belconnen’s other learn-to-ride centre is located near Lake Ginninderra. Photo: ACT Government.

“Obviously, the risk of road incidents is significantly higher for those with disabilities,” Fiona says.

“Plus, for children with Down syndrome, only about 20 per cent ever learn to ride a bike, so it’s about closing that gap too.”

Volunteers provide one-on-one lessons with the children, starting with a focus on balance and gliding, then using the pedals and finally handling skills, strength and stable technique with off-road cycling.

Some children pick up the skills within two weeks, whereas others might struggle to put a helmet on and “it takes them two years”.

“But we provide that support to the whole family.”

The ACT Government allocated land just outside the fence line of the Evatt Primary School for the new track. It provided $425,000 from the 2024 Community Sports Facilities Program to fund its construction.

Local consultancy Indesco provided all of the engineering work pro bono.

The result was officially opened on ‘Empowering All Abilities Day’ by ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry, along with local Paralympians Vanessa Low, Scott Reardon, Michael Milton, Cameron Crombie and Sue Powell.

A number of sporting organisations, therapy providers, and community and disability organisations also joined to cut the ribbon.

The new Evatt location includes clearer signage than Canberra’s other learn-to-ride centres. Photo: Abilities Unlimited Australia (AUA).

“The facility will allow inclusive instruction for young bike riders of all abilities to gain essential road safety awareness,” Ms Berry said.

“An active, healthy lifestyle is a basic right for all children, and the ability to ride and ride safely is like a passport to childhood. Supporting organisations like Abilities Unlimited Australia who provide services for children make that possible.”

The new track complements a ‘dirt skills’ track and pump track at the same location and is open to the public.

“The new track is really a gift to the community,” Fiona adds.

“It’s been a four-year journey for a heap of our volunteers, not just from the perspective of hosting our programs here, but also for the community … It’s a testament to what community can do if we work together.”

Visit AUA for more information on the Cyclabilities program.