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Call to improve safety for cyclists

Staff ReporterFremantle Gazette

A number of cyclists use Tydeman Road, Port Beach Road and Curtin Avenue to get to and from work or for daily workouts, but Leighton Action Coalition spokeswoman Sue Harrington said the layout of the roads meant cyclists had a lot to dangers to contend with.

‘If you choose to cycle along these roads then you have to contend with large numbers of trucks and commuter cars,’ she said.

‘If you ride on the dual-use paths, then you have to be vigilant crossing driveways and slip lanes, as well as taking care around walkers and it can be frustratingly slow.’

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A 28-year-old cyclist was killed in a hit-and-run incident off Port Beach Road last year, while more recently, a cyclist was hit by a truck on Tydeman Road.

She said a previously promised bike lane next to the rail line would provide a fast, safe transit way for commuting cyclists and a dedicated recreational bike path next to the road would help put a buffer between cars and cyclists.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the area ‘was a concern’.

‘Funding for these areas need to be prioritised and should be part of the State Government’s principal shared path program as they are part of a key link between Fremantle and Perth for many commuters,’ he said.

‘Ultimately, Fremantle is working towards linked networks of bike paths so it is safe to ride all over the city and this will be part of the new bike plan that will be out for advertising in the next couple of months.’

RAC head of advocacy Matt Brown said 91 per cent of respondents to a recent cycling survey rated fear as one of the major barriers to them cycling.

‘With our population growing strongly, we are going to see more cyclists, more cars and more trucks on our roads,’ he said.

‘We need to drop the old prejudices and start thinking creatively about how we keep cyclists safe on our roads.’