First bicycle boulevards for Perth
- WA’s 1st bicycle boulevards planned for cities of Vincent, Bayswater and Belmont
- First connection to stations and schools project proposed for City of Joondalup
- $3 million allocated in 2015-16
- Encouraging people to cycle, rather than drive, for short trips, including the train station
Western Australia’s first three bicycle boulevards will be built in the cities of Vincent, Bayswater and Belmont, the State Government announced today.
Transport Minister Dean Nalder said expert analysis had identified the following streets as being suitable for potential bicycle boulevards:
- Shakespeare Street, City of Vincent
- Leake Street, City of Bayswater
- Surrey Road, City of Belmont.
“We will be working closely with local governments to consult with their residents about these options before a final decision is made,” Mr Nalder said.
A bicycle boulevard is a low-speed street where cyclists have priority, along with local traffic.
“We want to provide people with the infrastructure so they can leave the car at home and cycle for short trips. Bicycle boulevards encourage more people to cycle by creating slower speed environments that connect to the wider cycling network and give bike riders a greater share of the street,” the Minister said.
Mr Nalder said the Department of Transport had been liaising with local governments to develop the bicycle boulevards as part of a $3 million project.
“About half of all car trips are less than five kilometres, and many people drive three kilometres or less to get to their local train station. These trips can be made by bicycle if the appropriate infrastructure is available,” he said.
In the City of Joondalup, a cycle only path is being constructed from the Mitchell Freeway cycling/pedestrian path to the path near Lake Goollelal. This provides connections to four schools, a retirement village, shopping centre and Greenwood train station.
For further information on the Safe Active Streets program, visit http://www.transport.wa.gov.au
Fact File
- The State Government has allocated $75m over four years to improve safety and bike network connectivity for all West Australians, including $34.4m for major projects and $37.71m for local government grants and principal shared paths
- The Safe Active Streets program is a key action from the Cycling Imagineering Workshop held in March 2015
Source: News Release, Government of Western Australia, 24 October, 2015
https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2015/10/First-bicycle-boulevards-for-Perth.aspx