There will be a major expansion of Perth's cycleway network under plans announced by Premier Carmen Lawrence today.
It would involve the building of a network of `bicycle freeways' or `veloways' along existing freeway and railway reserves.
"This expansion will boost Perth's current standing as one of the world's best cities for cyclists," Dr Lawrence said.
"Cycleways are about people, families and communities actively enjoying Perth's clean environment.
"They bring communities together, offer people wide recreational opportunities and give workers alternative ways of getting to and from their workplace."
Dr Lawrence said the new `cycle freeways' would provide safe and quick routes for cyclists between suburbs.
They would link Fremantle, Midland, Armadale, Wanneroo and the southern end of the Kwinana Freeway allowing fast and relatively uninterrupted travel for cyclists away from potential hazards.
The Premier said Perth was internationally recognised as one of the `top 10' cities in the world for cycling.
"On current trends, up to eight per cent of all trips made in Perth will be made on bicycles by the end of the century. This means that by the year 2000, bicycles will account for about 360,000 trips a day," she said.
Perth consulting engineers GHD (Dwyer) Ltd would conduct a four-month design study for the construction of 3.5 metre-wide `veloways' along the Fremantle, Midland and Armadale railway reserves.
The study would cost $43,000 and was budgeted for under the Government's Social Advantage strategy.
The `veloways' would link into a secondary network of dual-use paths and on-road routes being identified by Bikewest.
Safety on some of these secondary routes would be improved by providing wider kerb side lanes or additional sealed shoulders.
As part of the improved cycleways, there would be improved signposting of cycle routes.
