The Bicycle Transport Alliance’s Peter Bartlett says riding to the station is the way to beat the new parking fee. |
Camera IconThe Bicycle Transport Alliance’s Peter Bartlett says riding to the station is the way to beat the new parking fee. | Credit: Supplied/Matt Jelonek

Beat new fee with your bike

Staff ReporterFremantle Gazette

Mr Bartlett said the introduction of the $2 parking fee last Tuesday should provide the necessary push for those who live close enough to their nearest station to jump on their bike and cycle to the train instead of driving.

‘Most journeys between people’s homes and the nearest train station are well under five kilometres, often they’re as little as one kilometre,’ he said.

‘Such short distances can be made by bicycle by almost everyone in our community, young or old and of all fitness levels.

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‘The problem isn’t that there are not enough car park lots at the stations, the problem is there’s a lack of attractive alternatives to get to the station, and bikes can help this situation.’

Mr Bartlett said Alliance was calling for improved local cycling infrastructure on the routes to the stations.

‘One car bay can accommodate up to 10 bicycles so encouraging cycling is a much more efficient use of space,’ he said.

‘We can spend more money on building more and more parking but this simply encourages more driving and takes funds away from other options such as improving bus services or safe cycling streets.

‘The great thing about all this is that investment in bike infrastructure offers fantastic value for money, provided that it’s done properly.’