13/3/98
Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today the State Government was investing more than $25 million to improve cycling facilities in Western Australia and would continue to expand and improve cycleways and dual-use pathways around the city.
At a special breakfast to launching Bikeweek ‘98, Mr Charlton said the Government had a commitment to promote the use of the bicycle as a part of the State's transport system.
"Statistics show that cycling is becoming increasingly popular, with more than 235,000 bicycle trips being made in Perth every day," the Minister said.
"The Government recognises the growing importance of the bicycle as an alternative to motor vehicle travel and has put plans and programs in place to promote cycling and try to double the number of bicycle journeys by the year 2029.
"Through Transport's Bikewest and Main Roads WA we are spending more than $25 million to expand and upgrade the Perth Bicycle Network around the metropolitan area so that cyclists can have a safe and efficient facility on which to travel."
Mr Charlton said the Perth Bicycle Network was based on the policy framework of the Metropolitan Transport Strategy (1985) and its subsequent bicycle strategy; Bike-Ahead: Bicycle Strategy for the 21st century.
The Government's Bikewest concept had received recognition as a national leader with South Australia and Queensland establishing similiar organisations.
Today's breakfast in Forrest Place was Perth's 10th annual ‘Bike-to-Work' promotion and attracted more than 1,500 cyclists.
It marked the start of Transport's Bikeweek, which aims to raise the profile of recreational and commuter cycling and increase public awareness of the facilities available to cyclists.
During Bikeweek, which runs until March 22, a range of events and promotions will be conducted under the banner of ‘Cycling Makes Sense'.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333
