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There is a new way for Canberra commuters to avoid pay parking, but the catch is it involves a scenic lakeside bike track. Australia's first Park and Pedal station has been launched on edge of Lake Burley Griffin and has active travel experts tipping it will change commuter culture in Canberra. Riders bring their own bike and park for free in the 64 space Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum carpark. There will be a coffee van operating from 6.30am to 9.15am and the carpark is a 30 minute ride to the city, Woden, parliamentary triangle and Barton precincts. A government spokesman said it would operate on a first-in-best-dressed basis and the carpark, close by the National Rock Garden, would be patrolled by security throughout the day. As 63.3 per cent of Canberrans were overweight or obese Heart Foundation active living coordinator Annie Kentwell said it was crucial to target obstacles to daily exercise. Not only was the scheme good for people's wallets, it was just as good for their health. "People are so car bound in outer suburbs like Tuggeranong, Gungahlin and Belconnen," she said. "If they can get out of their car and get their 30 minutes to and from work in one trip they have almost reached the 75 minutes of moderate exercise recommended for adults each week." Bec Cody MLA, an avid triathlete, launched the site on behalf of Transport and City Services Minister Meegan Fitzharis on Thursday. She said the Park and Pedal reduced the barriers to commuter cycling by offering a stress free track separated from traffic to the city and business hubs. But the scheme was part of the government's greater plan to provide alternatives to car use. "This is about keeping people active, fit and healthy. It will of course work in with Light Rail to lessen the burden of traffic on our roads. But this is a really good opportunity to break down those barriers such as travel distance which will encourage more people to ride." Pedal Power ACT executive office John Armstrong said just 3 per cent of the 87000 regular riders in Canberra commuted to work. Similar schemes had proven popular internationally and Mr Armstrong said he felt the facility was a first step in changing commuter culture. "It has to be easy, convenient and fun," he said. "The truth is these are happening informally. This is a formal recognition but also a facility that helps remove the obstacles which have prevented people from jumping on their bikes." Canberra's Walk and Ride to work week from March 17-24 is a perfect time to try the new spot. The ACT government will be collecting data about the active travel users throughout the city during that time through a GPS tracking smartphone app. More information is available under the active travel tab of the Transport Canberra website. The Park and Pedal scheme starts on Monday 13 February.

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