They lobby government, local authorities, businesses and the community on behalf of cyclists, for a better cycling environment.

The organisation was originally named Cycling Advocates' Network until it was formally changed at the annual general meeting on 20 March 2016.

[21] Chainlinks is the magazine of the NZ Cycling Action Network (CAN), which as of 2017[update] is published three times a year as an electronic newsletter.

[23] CAN is the parent organisation for some 20 local cycling advocacy groups around the country,[24] including Bike Auckland and Spokes Canterbury.

[26] CAN works closely with Living Streets Aotearoa, the national walking advocacy group.