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Junior cyclists training in car parks

Lucy JarvisNorth Coast Times

He said the club was still "homeless" five years after forming, and juniors had to train in car parks.

"The club has the second highest junior participation rates in the Perth metro area and, at the other end of the age spectrum, recently won the West Coast Masters team criterium series," Dr Howard said.

"We have to use public car parks and the streets in order to teach and train our kids " training has to cease each time a car requires access.

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"If you imagine a footy game having to stop at random intervals for a car to drive through the field, you have an idea of what it's like."

Dr Howard said the club could lose local talent because it did not have facilities similar to the Midvale Velodrome, used by the state's most successful junior club, Midland Cycle Club.

"The club currently has 185 children lined up to complete a rider education and competency program but is yet to find a suitable local training facility " that number is projected to double in 2016.

He said demand for cycling was evident, with WA's first school cycling academy starting at St James Anglican School in Alkimos this year.

"There is a bike in almost every garage, and participation rates for cycling exceed AFL, cricket, netball and soccer, yet there is not one cycling facility in the northern suburbs," he said.

"A major obstacle for parents letting their kids ride for recreation or sport is perceptions of safety. Having a safe environment takes precedent over even the most basic facilities like clubrooms and stadiums. With a local rider education site and an off-road circuit, we can meet the huge demand."

Dr Howard said the club had been lobbying local government for resources for years, but had not had any financial commitment but he hoped the 2015-16 budget would include funds.

"We support all sporting associations" drive for facilities and would happily work with them, but the disparity between funds spent on field sports and cycling is obvious. Im encouraged by the City of Wanneroo developing a bike plan, but the threats to safety are right now, and can't wait years to be addressed," he said.

Dr Howard said the club's "inspiring" junior riders were "motivated to ride in all conditions to pursue their dreams".

"We ask that all road users be on the look out for our junior champions " be considerate of their safety, and supportive of their dreams to one day represent Australia," he said.

The City of Wanneroo held public meetings on development of a bicycle plan in Girrawheen, Butler and Wanneroo in March. The final plan is expected to go to the council for consideration in late 2015.