Bicycle Network: Metro Routes

Perth doubles up

30 January 2013. Perth plans to double bike travel by 2016, and one of the techniques to be used will be the convert the central city's notious high speed one-way streets into calmer two-way streets.

The City of Perth has realeased two key documents: the Cycle Plan 2029 and Cycle Implementation Program 2012 – 2017.

Cycling to and around the Perth CBD for short trips has become an integral part of the 'movement network' mindset for Perth. The movement network sees the city remaining a destination of choice, with a "to–not through" philosophy.

This will for instance entail 'Pedestrian Priority Zones' where vehicle access is significantly restricted, implementation of two way streets and reduced speed limits to make the city more permeable to cyclists and pedestrians. 

Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said the Cycle Plan is an exciting first for the city that will encourage the use of bikes to and from, as well as within, the CBD area, by making cycling an attractive every day transport choice for city residents and workers.

"By 2029, Perth will have a much more robust cycle network including on-road cycle lanes, shared paths, cycle routes, directional signage and bike parking making bicycle use easier and safer for all cyclists," Cr Scaffidi said.

The below figures illustrate the ambitious scale of the transformation of the Cycle Plan - Strategic Network that is underway. Entirely new key north-south and east-west routes will be introduced.

In addition to catering for cyclists of various skills and abilities, specific types of cyclists will be encouraged in the vision of a more cycle-friendly city.

"The Cycle Plan 2029 has a strong focus on providing infrastructure for all types of cyclists," Cr Scaffidi said. "To encourage and promote more people to ride, the City will initiate training programs to build confidence for cyclists and educate road users on the correct use of new cycling infrastructure as it is introduced."

The Cycle Plan 2029 covers the long term goals and strategic vision the City has for cycling, while the delivery of the plan is covered in the Cycle Implementation Program 2012 - 2017.

The City has allocated financial resources over the next five years for the implementation of the Cycle Plan 2029. The City of Perth said the Cycle Implementation Program 2012 - 2017 is ready to be put into action with works for the introduction of on-road cycle lanes along Stirling Street and Aberdeen Street set to happen this financial year.

Perth launches ambitious bike plan

28 June 2012. City of Perth has issued its draft bike plan for public comment with commitments for long term growth of a complete bike network, and immediate steps over the next five years to get more people riding.

Titled Cycle Plan 2029, the document outlines plans to encourage more people (particularly women and city residents) to cycle as part of their everyday trips.

"We want to take cycling from a recreational or sporting activity to an integral part of everyday city life and for Perth to be seen as a cycle-friendly city and example of best practice," Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said.

"There are a lot of positives to cycling: Cycling is good for individuals; it’s good for waistlines and wallets; Cycling is good for business—those on bikes shop more regularly and locally, and it is is good for the community as getting people out of cars encourages engagement with others in their local area."

The goals of the plan are:

• Cyclists of various abilities will have access to an integrated, accessible and safe strategic cycle network.
• The City of Perth will have an informed community that participate in cycling and both acknowledge and appreciate the environmental, economic and social benefits that cycling provides.

To achieve these goals the City of Perth will endeavour to:

• Create a strategic cycle network to introduce key east-west and north-south routes and implement complementing key infrastructure.
• Plan an active role in the encouragement and promotion of cycling.
• Provide more education and training for all road users, and increase the viability of cycling to develop an inclusive and vibrant cycling culture.

The implementation program includes the delivery of on-road cycle lanes, shared cycle paths, cycle routes, directional signage and bike parking across the city.

The plan will also encourage and promote cycling and offer education and training to build confidence levels and increase the number of people cycling.

The draft plan is open for public comment until 10 August 2012.