Free bike riding activities bring fun and enjoyment to WA communities

People of all ages and abilities will soon be able to enjoy free bike riding activities at locations across Perth as part of the Department of Transport’s third Annual Activation Program.

The program, funded by the Department and administered by WestCycle, aims to build motivation and confidence in people to ride bikes and increase their use of Perth’s primary cycle network.

Since 2017, the State Government has invested over $300 million to deliver more than 240 km of walking and riding routes, including around 103 km of principal shared paths (PSP), which form part of the primary network. A further $310 million is committed over the next four years to develop an additional 221 km of walking and riding infrastructure, including about 101 km of PSP.

From 23 March to 18 May 2024, the Annual Activation Program will host activities in the Cities of Vincent, Bayswater, Wanneroo, Joondalup and South Perth, and the Town of Victoria Park. They will include bike skills and maintenance sessions, as well as treasure hunts and local guided rides. Discovery of the new BMX pump track and mountain bike skills area, built underneath Tonkin Highway, will also feature as part of the program, with the recently activated space offering an accessible and interactive community amenity.

Since its inception, more than 2,000 people have participated in program activities.

Michelle Prior, Director Active Transport and Safety, Department of Transport said the annual program is a fantastic way for the community to discover local riding networks in a safe, fun and interactive way.

“The range of activities encourages people of all ages and abilities – whether a new, novice, rusty or seasoned rider – to safely connect with their community and build confidence to travel this way,” Ms Prior said.

“In 2023 our People’s Pulse Survey found that around 72 per cent of people who ride a bike do so for recreation and 54 per cent for sport, health or fitness.

“These sessions will help to shape positive riding experiences and get more people to extend their knowledge and skills to bike ride in the future.

“As an inexpensive way to get around, riding on the path network to access public transport, activity centres, schools and other key destinations can be as part of everyday journeys that saves on household transport costs as well as improves health and wellbeing.

“Thank you to our program partner WestCycle for making these activities possible; we also appreciate our additional supporters and collaborators: Leederville Connect, The University of Western Australia, Main Roads WA, local governments and schools.”

Wayne Bradshaw, Chief Executive Officer, WestCycle says the initiative does well to boost awareness of the primary cycle network and active travel.

“The program provides a vibrant opportunity for people to upskill and become more confident riding a bike,” Mr Bradshaw said.

“Having localised events really helps communities to become more familiarised with active travel routes and prompts them to consider leaving the car at home and using a bike for short trips.

“Bike riding is great for transport, fun and a healthier lifestyle, and through this program we are laying the foundation to make active travel a widely accepted form of transport in WA.”

For more information and to register:

• Open Streets event: https://westcycle.org.au/open-streets/
• Epic Bike Quest events: https://westcycle.org.au/epic-bike-quest/
• Beeloo/Mooro riding series: https://westcycle.org.au/beeloo-mooro-series/

Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au