THE heads of newly partnered lobby Bicycling WA and sports equipment hirer Quipmo say a complete principal shared path (PSP) through Cottesloe could lead to a recreational and tourism cycling attraction.
“But some reduction in the barriers to making it a clear and signposted route for cycling need to be applied, such as same-looking signs for tourists saying ‘This is where you go’,” West Leederville-based Bicycling WA chief executive Chris Gaskell said.
Last month, the State Government started the $18.4 million link from the PSP’s former dead end at Grant Street, Cottesloe to Victoria Street, Mosman Park.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWThe section will be finished mid-year, with plans for its section through North Fremantle expected to be completed in several months.
Mr Gaskell said the full PSP could be an attraction itself, with shops and cafes at each end, and beaches between.
However safety, such as warning pedestrians about serious and commuter cyclists, had to be addressed on some parts of the route.
“That shouldn’t be taken for granted, because somewhere like the City West train station they walk into each other,” Mr Gaskell said.
Bicycling WA lobbies for more cycling infrastructure, improved safety and cycling events.
Its 4224 members’ unused bikes, both off- and on-road machines, provide many of those hired by Internet-based Quipmo on a peer-to-peer basis to locals, visitors and tourists.
“Whether it’s a local bike shop looking for new customers or someone with bikes in their shed, anyone can now service that market,” Quipmo chief executive and Rossmoyne resident Chris Evans said.
He said it was vital for the tourism industry to provide the right equipment for people flying into the State, and a completed PSP was an opportunity to attract both recreational and serious riders to Perth.
Excited about the complete PSP? Send your cycling pictures with your details to news@wsweekly.com.au.