Safe, connected and comfortable riding networks for regional Western Australia

Aspirational strategies have been developed for Avon Central Coast, Gascoyne, Great Southern and Kalgoorlie, setting out a blueprint to improve walking, wheeling and riding opportunities in and between regional centres for people of all ages and abilities.

The four long-term strategies identify potential bike networks to improve safety and connectivity for residents and showcase some of our State’s best natural assets and local attractions to visitors and tourists.

Key opportunities outlined as part of the strategies include:

• Supporting healthy, active and safe communities.
• Making better connections between destinations and town centres, as well as connecting the community to local jobs and services.
• Developing transport trails that provide unique leisure and tourism bike riding experiences, while also delivering a transport function.

Department of Transport Executive Director Urban Mobility Justin McKirdy said these strategies will play a key role in enabling connected communities and attracting visitors to explore their surroundings and support local businesses.

“These regions boast significant natural attractions including picturesque coastlines and iconic forests, offering locals and visitors world-class bike riding experiences.

“Partnership with local government and the community is critical to getting the network right and capitalising on these exciting opportunities.

“Strategically delivering regional cycling networks will help more people to walk, wheel and ride as part of their everyday journeys and experiences, and also supports connections to, and activation of, key destinations and activity centres.”

Joining the six regional strategies already published, this suite is intended to guide both local and state government investment into active travel infrastructure and programs through to 2050, with an initial focus on a short-term action plan to prioritise the delivery of infrastructure, activation and capacity building projects over the next five years.

This is already taking shape through a State Budget commitment of $17.5 million to extend the Wadandi Track in the south-west, which was identified as a core priority in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste 2050 Cycling Strategy.

The strategies are also key supporting documents for regional local governments to seek funding through the WA Bicycle Network Grants Program, with proposed projects typically guided by identified opportunities within each strategy.

These four new regional cycling strategies were developed collaboratively with 23 local governments, as well as members of the community, and are available on the Department of Transport’s website.

The final strategy in development is the Kimberley 2050 Cycling Strategy, which is expected to be released in early 2025.