Free bike checks for south-east community

Victoria Park and Canning locals wanting to get ‘back on the bike’ took advantage of an opportunity to have their bikes checked by a professional bicycle mechanic.

The bike checks were a recent initiative delivered as part of the Armadale Line Active Travel project, which is using the Armadale Line shutdown to encourage people to discover more active ways to travel for short trips, instead of driving.

Department of Transport Director of Active Transport Michelle Prior said the transformation of the Armadale Line was an ideal time for people to make changes to their travel behaviour.

“Many people have bikes available to them, but they may just need a small fix to get them working again,” Ms Prior said. 

“Having an expert bike mechanic available at a central location enables people to get their dusty bike out of the garage to ensure it’s going to get them around safely.

“The overall aim is to make it easier for people to choose to ride for short trips, instead of resorting to the car.”

Bicycle mechanic Ryan Scriven and bike rider Cheryl Dickinson.

The Armadale Line Active Travel project is being delivered by the Department of Transport in partnership with METRONET and the Public Transport Authority in collaboration with local governments and schools.

The project supports and encourages people to walk, wheel and ride for local trips such as school, shops and to bus stations during the shutdown period.

“People’s travel choices are habitual and with the Armadale Line shutdown, people’s travel habits are being disrupted,” Ms Prior said. 

“We’re encouraging people to use the disruption as an opportunity to kick start active travel habits.”

Future bike checks and other activities will be available throughout the year. Visit our Armadale Line Active Travel webpage to keep up to date.