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Western Australian McGowen Government increases funding for cycling by 50% over four years
WA cranks up cycle funding

In an historic turn towards active travel in Perth, the McGowen WA Government has increased funding for cycling by 50% over the next four years.

This is the largest increase in funding for cycling in the state’s history – a $46.3 million boost to previous investment – and represents the fulfillment of a McGowan Government election promise.

The allocation of the $129 million over four years will deliver at least 95km of new cycling path will be built, with some key missing links provided and some new network developed.

The strategic roll-out will prioritise paths within a 15 kilometre radius of the Perth CBD – “reinforcing the McGowan Government's plan to create a network of well-connected activity centres across Perth” declares the government media release.

An allocation of $55 million goes towards filling gaps on the current Principal Shared Path (PSP) network around Perth, including:

Mitchell Freeway PSP

  • Glendalough Station to Hutton Street missing link; and
  • Erindale Road to Civic Place missing link.

Fremantle Line PSP

  • Grant Street to North Fremantle extension.

Midland Line PSP

  • Success Hill Station to Railway Parade cul-de-sac missing link.

An additional $45 million will be invested in paths alongside new major road projects over the next four years, with paths to be included in the NorthLink WA construction, Roe Highway and Kalamunda Road Interchange upgrade and Reid Highway duplication.

"More principal shared paths are vital for encouraging cycling participation,” says Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.

“These projects will provide pedestrians and bike riders with extended lengths of safe, high-quality path which will separate them from road users helping to ensure that everyone is able to travel safely while easing congestion.”

A tranche of $29 million is earmarked for local governments grants for community-level active travel development.

“To ensure a consistent approach to walking and cycling connections across the state, the $29 million for local governments will help develop bike plans and the delivery of new cycling infrastructure such as shared paths and bike boulevards,” explains the government media release.

In more good news for transport diversity, cycling infrastructure will be “better integrated with public transport in line with METRONET objectives” says the government media release.

This will include upgrades to increase availability of secure bike parking at stations and capacity at existing secure parking facilities.

"This investment will make sure cycling infrastructure is safer and more integrated with public transport, making life easier for busy Western Australians,” says Premier Mark McGowan. "Each new METRONET train station will also be cycle friendly as part of the solution to ease Perth's traffic congestion."