Cycling safety and facilities a priority for City

The City is fine-tuning its Cycle Plan, following extensive community feedback on cycling routes, facilities and safety requirements.

Mayor Tracey Roberts said the plan, announced two months ago, highlights the City’s solid resolve to improve cycling in Wanneroo.

“The City’s vision is to make cycling an integral part of daily life in Wanneroo, allowing people of all ages and abilities to use bicycles safely for all kinds of trips.

“Cycling is healthy, environmentally-friendly and also has economic benefits for individuals and the community.  As a City we are committed to creating safe, active spaces to promote physical activity.

“One of the key components of the City’s cycling strategy is to create a traffic environment that actively encourages cycling through the community, and links major activity centres such as schools, commercial precincts and new residential developments within the transport hub. The plan also aims to identity where specific cycling facilities are needed,” she said.

The City is already partnering with the Departments of Transport and Sport and Recreation to deliver the Your Move program.  A big part of Your Move is promoting cycling as an alternative to driving. Two bike repair stations will be set up in Wanneroo, and signs will be put up to help and encourage cyclists to use their bikes to travel between local destinations.

Residents have helped shape the Cycle Plan, through website comments and community workshops.  Feedback from local cycling clubs, Bicycling Western Australia, RAC, Department of Transport, WA Local Government Association, City of Stirling, City of Joondalup and Main Roads WA will also be incorporated into the Plan.

The City has also been in talks with Chris Howard from the Northern Beaches Cycling Club to find opportunities for cycling facilities for casual, recreational and competitive riders.

The Plan will complement the Western Australian Bicycle Network Plan and focus on future cycling needs from 2015 to 2031.  The Plan’s development has been jointly funded by the City and the Department of Transport Perth Bicycle Network Grants Program.

“We want to get this right for the future use and health of our growing community.  Improvements take time to develop, budget, endorse and construct” Mayor Roberts said. 

The draft Cycle Plan will be available for further public comment on Monday 27 July, prior to a report to Council in August.