A LOCAL road safety trial reference group consisting of Bayswater west ward councillors, community groups, cyclists, schools and residents will be formed to help finish the stagnant Bayswater to Morley Bike Boulevard.
The project, funded and led by the Department of Transport, was put together to create a safe and comfortable riding route between the Swan River foreshore and Morley Town Centre.
Stage one, which runs along Leake and May Streets, opened in September 2017.
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READ NOWIn April, the council rejected stage two which would have ran along May, Edward and Catherine streets, in light of concerns over location and design from Bedford residents.
Following pushes from Bayswater Primary School and John Forrest Secondary College’s parent and carer associations for council to reverse its refusal of stage two in June, councillors voted 9-1 for Mayor Dan Bull’s motion to establish a reference group at last night’scouncil meeting.
The group will look at priorities and opportunities to increase cycle-ability and walk-ability within west ward, meet with the Department and provide recommendations to the council for the progression and completion of the boulevard as soon as practicable.
Councillor Giorgia Johnson tabled a petition with more than 400 signatures expressing concerns that stage two was rejected and requesting the council reconsider connecting stage one through to the Morley Town Centre.
Cr Bull said the group could come up with a cost-effective and safe solution and route for kids and cyclists.
Cr Filomena Piffaretti, who voted against the motion, said her concern was the “terms of reference” of the group as possible P and C association members might not have experience in planning to form solutions.