ALMOST 60 per cent of Perth’s most popular sections of shared paths do not meet Australian lighting standards, according to research released this morning.
The Shared Path Lighting Review, commissioned by RAC, examined the lighting quality across 67km of path networks and found 77 per cent of the Kwinana Freeway path and 55 per cent of the Mitchell Freeway path did not meet relevant lighting standards.
The worst stretch was the Kwinana Freeway path from Cranford Avenue to Mounts Bay Road (9.3km), with 82 per cent not compliant.
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READ NOWThe best stretch was the Mounts Bay Road path to UWA (3.7km), with 12 per cent not compliant.
A case study of 900m of the Kwinana Freeway path around Canning Bridge — an important area for station access — was 100 per cent non-compliant because of insufficient spill lighting from the freeway.
The report recommends the installation of dedicated lighting at a cost of about $170,000.
“It’s concerning that much of the existing shared path network does not meet minimum lighting requirements,” RAC public policy general manager Anne Still said.
“This highlights the importance of increased funding to enable ongoing maintenance and upgrades of existing infrastructure, to complement the investments being made in expanding the network”.
In addition to calling for a network-wide review and the trialling of new technologies, opportunities for low-cost “quick-wins” were also identified through the study, including replacing worn globes and trimming overhanging trees.
“There are many factors which influence how easy, safe and enjoyable it is to walk and cycle, including the availability of suitable infrastructure and, for some people, separation from traffic,” Ms Still said.
“However, the importance of good quality lighting cannot be overlooked.”
Breakdown – Level of non-compliance:
Route: Kwinana Freeway path (Mounts Bay Road to Rowley Road) Length: 25km Percent non-compliant: 77.24 per cent
Route: Mitchell Freeway path (Aberdeen Street to Burns Beach Road) Length: 29km Percent non-compliant: 55.15 per cent
Route: Swan River path (circulating the river between the Narrows and Causeway bridges) Length: 9.3km Percent non-compliant: 40.2 per cent
Route: Mounts Bay Road path (Corner Point Lewis Rotary to Winthrop Avenue) Length: 3.7km Percent non-compliant: 11.9 per cent