A COMPLETED Perth to Fremantle bike path through Cottesloe is pivotal to a new venture where volunteer guides take tourists on bicycles and fundraise for charity.
“It would make a significant difference because one of the major attractions for tourists is going from Perth to Fremantle,” Perth Charity Bike Tours proponent and Wembley resident Michael Keane said.
The State Government is currently spending $18.4 million to complete the first stage of the path’s missing Cottesloe section between Swanbourne and Mosman Park.
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READ NOWThe remaining route through North Fremantle should be finished mid-year.
Perth Charity Bike Tours volunteers will use expanding western suburbs, inner-city and Swan River cycling paths to take groups of up to four cycling tourists to beaches, the river, parks and shops for up to four hours.
“There are currently few bike tours for visitors to Perth, and we think they who like to cycle would welcome the opportunity to see the city and its environs from a whole new perspective,” Mr Keane said.
The tourists can donate to the charities CARAD, which supports asylum-seekers, and homeless meals on wheels provider Manna.
They will ride bicycles from Perth hirer VeloCity, and could travel up to 40km.
“But if someone comes to us and says they want to go for two hours, if they’re in the city we’ll probably go around the river, but if they’re in the western suburbs we’ll go to Fremantle for a coffee,” Mr Keane said.
A group of six volunteers is being sought to be trained to provide safe, informative and relaxed tours but they must have police clearances.
Volunteer guides can register their interest at pcbt@westnet.com.au, and more information is at www.perthcharitybiketours.com.