5.3.7 The bicycle network
Central Perth has the potential to be a place that
contributes substantially to improved participation
in cycling, particularly for commuting but also
as a recreational endeavour. The relatively flat
terrain, the large number of medium-length trips,
the density of destinations such as workplaces,
businesses, educational campuses and social and
recreational attractors all enable cycling to fill an
important function between walking and other
transport modes. Along with public transport it
has potential to be a replacement for many private
motor vehicle trips.
The prospect of increased cycling helps address
issues of great relevance to central Perth. These
include congestion, health improvement, vehiclerelated
pollution, transport and infrastructure
costs, social interaction, energy use and
robustness of the transport network.
Despite these advantages, there are gaps in the
cycling routes within central Perth. There are
limited clear and direct connections between
destinations for cyclists that allow travel with a
degree of safety, priority and well-suited travel
time. This includes between the city centre and
the surrounding areas of central Perth.
Reflecting the multiple role of central Perth’s
streets, and to improve the balance in transport
modes, a network of strategic bike connections
is proposed here that fill the gap between
the current principal shared path system
(predominantly grade-separated off-road priority
paths), and the current local bike routes. These
local routes generally trace indirect streets with
no continuous marking or priority.
The strategic bike routes form a regional network
around central Perth and would generally consist
of:
• clear, primary and direct routes between major
destinations;
• a level of bike priority and continuous marking
for users;
• dedicated on-road or off-road cycle lanes, paths
or similar; and
• hospitable environments for cycling.
Examples of places considered important to link
with these routes include the universities, activity
centres, train stations, recreational attractions and
the central city area, thus catering for commuter
travel between home and these destinations, and
between the destinations themselves.
Strategic bike routes
68
Perth Capital City Planning Framework
Strategic bike routes would integrate with the
local routes on generally cycle-friendly local roads,
where lower traffic speed creates a safer road
environment. Collectively, these elements will
make for a broad and flexible biking network.
Within central Perth, cycling for recreation is a
popular activity along the designated recreational
cycle routes. These paths are an off-road network
of separate shared paths and follow areas of
recreational interest such as the Swan River and
Lake Monger. It is important that this system be
preserved and enhanced to continue to allow for
all skill levels. In areas where the highest demand
exists there is likely to be justification for the
duplication of parts of this system to avoid conflict
between pedestrians and cyclists in crowded
conditions.
In reading the strategic bike route plan, note that:
• The network of routes would cross local
government jurisdictions and have some level
of cycle priority and greater legibility. In some
cases, such as along Canning Highway, they
would be a long-term proposition.
• There are two proposed cycle routes northsouth
through the city that will significantly
improve circulation into the city between the
current principal shared path network and
recreational paths.
• Finer cross-neighbourhood trips would continue
to rely on the use of the local streets where it
is hoped continued improvements in design will
further encourage bike use. This plan shows
only the routes where cycling should be given
some level of priority.
• A new link is proposed that connects South
Perth to the city centre via Heirisson Island. This
would be a more direct link to and through the
city centre for many people and would provide
better cycling conditions than the narrow path
that currently exists on the Causeway.
• The Western Australian Bicycle Network Plan
2012-2021 Draft for Consultation from the
Department of Transport aims to refine and
enhance these commuter-focused strategic
routes within the larger network.
The wider recognition of cycling as a viable and
safe mode of transport involves many aspects, not
only a high-quality route network. The availability
of appropriate end-of-trip facilities, is one of these,
much the same as facilities beyond the road
network are available for private vehicle users.
Further supply of these amenities in central Perth
should continue to be promoted, as outlined in
the vision of the The Australian National Cycling
Strategy 2011-2016.