inviting feedback on its bicycle plan that considers encouraging children to ride to school.
Camera Iconinviting feedback on its bicycle plan that considers encouraging children to ride to school. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis www.communitypix.com.au d481180

City of Kalamunda’s draft Bicycle Plan a chance to promote cycling for kids

Lynn GriersonHills Avon Valley Gazette

THE countdown is on to have a say on the City of Kalamunda’s draft Bicycle Plan, mapping out a vision where more children can safely cycle to school.

Cycling lessons at school are also suggested to ensure children learn about road safety.

According to the plan, most children live within 5km of their school, which is considered a comfortable cycling distance.

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Forrestfield Primary School principal Diane Greenaway has welcomed the plan.

“It is great to see that the City of Kalamunda is having a close look at how we can keep children safe when they ride bikes,” she said.

“Promoting a healthy and social activity such as bike riding helps to keep children fit and active.”

The draft plan proposes improving cycling safety by providing road spaces for recreational and competitive cyclists on principal shared paths, travel routes and Safe Active Streets.

A key part of the cycle network in the Hills portion of Kalamunda City is a north south spine linking Midland, Kalamunda and Lesmurdie, with the option of a two-way bike access (with no vehicles) via Zig Zag Scenic Drive, and an upgrade to Kalamunda Railway Heritage Trail.

Education and awareness programs will be delivered to support the new infrastructure and encourage the community to ride.

Another objective is to encourage greater use of public transport, including to and from the proposed Forrestfield train station, by improving connections to cycling networks, plus a plan to offer a ‘bicycle library’, at no cost to residents, for a few hours.

The flow-on effects of cycling are expected to improve health and wellbeing, and encourage more visitors to the area.

Residents have contributed their ideas at community pop-ups in Forrestfield and Kalamunda, and feedback is invited online until April 13.

Kalamunda City engaged consultants Cardno in 2017 to develop the draft Bicycle Plan, supported by a grant from the Department of Transport.

Hard copies of the proposed plan are also available from the City of Kalamunda’s administration building, libraries and recreation centres.

Click here for information.