The West Australian government says is delivering on its election commitment to crank up cycling infrastructure across Perth by providing the most significant investment in the State's history.
According to the government they will be investing $129 million over the next four years, which, will go towards a chain of new projects across the state's cycling network creating not only construction jobs but focusing on wellness for commuters into the CBD.
The $129 million will allow at least 95kms of cycling path to be added to the network as well as a range of community cycling initiatives.
The funding will also include $55 million towards filling gaps on the current Principal Shared Path (PSP) network around Perth and $29 million in grants for local governments.
In addition $45 million will be invested in paths alongside new major road projects over the next four years.
The $55 million PSP roll out will complement the government's METRONET vision, which they believe will transform Perth's transport network with designated paths that cyclists and pedestrians can use.
The strategic roll out will prioritise paths within a 15km radius of the Perth CBD reinforcing the plan to create a network of well-connected activity centres across Perth.
The gap-filling PSP expansion will include the following locations:
- 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.
To ensure a consistent approach to walking and cycling connections across the State, the government says 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.
PSPs will also be considered as part of all new major road projects, with paths to be included in the NorthLink WA construction, Roe Highway and Kalamunda Road Interchange upgrade and Reid Highway duplication.
Image sourced from Flickr cc: Kari Bluff