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Camera Iconna Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

On the right path to better biking facilities

Staff ReporterSouthern Gazette

Earlier this month, work started on a $3.1 million upgrade of the busy path and work is expected to begin soon on a new path along the Midland rail line from Bassendean to Success Hill.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the two projects would make cycling safer in and around Perth.

His comment coincides with the release of the Western Australian Bicycle Network Plan 2014-2031, a blueprint for metropolitan and regional cycling facilities to encourage and support bicycle trips.

‘The number of people cycling to work and for leisure in Perth has increased more than fivefold over the past 15 years and there has also been a 14 per cent growth in cycling on paths around the CBD over the past year,’ Mr Nalder said.

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But Greens South Metropolitan MLC Lynn MacLaren said delivering the plan would take much longer because funding was slashed from the original promise to about $12 million a year.

‘This is an ambitious plan, but it will take too long or never be completed if serious funding is not committed now,’ she said. ‘Anyone living more than 15km from the CBD will have to wait until 2023 to get a principle shared path connection to the city.’

Mr Nalder said there would be continued focus on building bike paths, prioritising those along freeways and railway lines or within a 15km radius of the CBD.