Bassendean cycle and walking path to be upgraded

$2.5 million project to improve safety and connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians

Safety and connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians travelling in and out of Perth’s eastern suburbs is being improved with the State Government announcing upgrades to the path along the Perth to Midland railway line.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said work would begin this week on upgrading the cycle and pedestrian path between the eastern end of Railway Parade in Bassendean and the Guildford Road Bridge.

The $2.5 million investment into a 330 metre section of road and rail reserve will take about six months.  It involves widening the path to three metres and installing lighting, signage and drainage.

This project is funded by the State Government under the Western Australian Bicycle Network Plan 2014-2031, which aims to make Western Australia a place where cycling is safe, connected, convenient and a widely accepted form of transport.

“It’s part of Perth’s culture for people to ride for commuting purposes, exercise or leisure.  Since 2011, we’ve seen the number of cyclists using our paths increase by 32 per cent.  That is not only good for health, but takes cars off our roads and improves traffic flow,” Mr Nalder said.

“This project will significantly improve safety and amenity for users of this section of path and provide an important link in the Perth-Midland cycle and pedestrian path.”

Fact File

• Over the past seven years the State Government has invested $112.8 million in WA’s cycling networks resulting in:
•        246 kilometres of off-road shared paths
•        74km of on-road bike lanes 

The State Government has allocated $75.1 million over four years to improve safety and bike network connectivity for all West Australians, including:

•         $34.4 million for major cycling projects associated with major road projects
•         $37.7 million for local government grants and principal shared paths
•         $3 million in 2015-16 for the demonstration ‘bike boulevards’ program

Source: News Release, Government of Western Australia, 24 September, 2015

https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2015/09/Bassendean-cycle-and-walking-path-to-be-upgraded-.aspx