Bike lanes planned for Oxford Street

Two plans will be put to public comment, with the number of car parking bays the main variation between the two.

Phase 2 of the bike plan will see the inclusion of 3km of 1.7 metre wide, on-road bike lanes on both sides of Oxford Street, with parking bays on the street.

The first option would see the loss of about 24 verge trees and 24 on-road car parking spaces, with 53 additional spotted gums planted in the median islands and 23 paperbacks planted along the verges to accommodate the loss of existing trees.

The second option would result in the removal of 52 car bays but no trees would be lost and the same additional trees planted along the street.

Mayor John Carey said car parking would need to be lost to ensure the City’s Bike Network Plan could be developed.

‘While there is a loss of car parking, recent research has showed the cyclists bring positive economic benefits because they stop along the routes,’ he said.

Council also agreed to seek public comment on the Scarborough Beach Road bike lanes, between Fairfield and Charles streets.

This proposal would see 2.6km of 1.6 metre wide, kerb side on road bike lanes, with the road reduced to two lanes and 40 Chinese tallows planted.

The City has included more than $1.5 million in its 2014-15 draft budget to cover the cost of phase 2 of the plan.

– Vincent council has agreed to spend a $10,000 grant to build a secure bike parking facility at Beatty Park Leisure Centre.

The Perth Bicycle Network Grant will cover a quarter of the estimated $40,000 cost.

A report to council says public consultation revealed the majority of the 41 respondents were in favour of a secure parking facility, requiring members to use their fingerprints to gain access to the secure storage. Five bikes have been stolen in the past year from bike racks at the centre.