State Govt commits $129m for new cycle paths across Perth

CYCLISTS have received a boost after the State Government committed to build nearly 100km of cycle paths across Perth.

The government will provide $129 million over the next four years to expand the cycling network by 95km.

This includes $55 million to fill gaps on the existing principal shared path network along the Mitchell Freeway from Glendalough Station to Hutton Street in Osborne Park and Civic Place in Stirling to Erindale Road in Balcatta.

Links will also be built along the Fremantle train line from Grant Street in Cottesloe to North Fremantle and Success Hill Station to Railway Parade in Bassendean.

New major road projects will incorporate shared paths, with $45 million committed over the next four years for paths along Reid Highway from Altone Road in Beechboro to West Swan Road in Middle Swan, Northlink WA from Tonkin Highway to Muchea, as part of the Roe Highway and Kalamunda Road interchange upgrade, rail extension to Yanchep, planned Murdoch Drive connection in Murdoch and along Armadale Road in Piara Waters from Tapper to Anstey roads.

The government is also doubling the amount of bike spaces available at Greenwood Station and will provide $29 million in grants to local governments to develop bike plans and deliver cycling infrastructure such as shared paths and bike boulevards.

Premier Mark McGowan said while Perth had a good level of cycling infrastructure there were still many gaps.

“This investment will make sure cycling infrastructure is safer and more integrated with public transport, making life easier for busy West Australians,” he said.

“Each new Metronet train station will also be cycle friendly as part of the solution to ease Perth’s traffic congestion.”

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti believed it would encourage cycling participation and help reduce traffic congestion.

“These projects will provide pedestrians and bike riders with extended lengths of safe, high-quality path which will separate them from road users helping to ensure that everyone is able to travel safely while easing congestion,” she said.

Conservation Council of WA director Piers Verstegen welcomed the funding.

“Cycling is on the increase in Perth, but the lack of dedicated and safe cycling paths remains a major barrier to more people enjoying the benefits of this healthy and sustainable transport choice,” he said.

“Not only is cycling a great form of exercise, but it is also emission free – which means the more cyclists in the network, the cleaner and safer our air will be.

“More people cycling means less cars on the road, so even those who choose not to cycle will still reap the benefits from those who do.”

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