In the 1970s, the State Government recognised the need to provide facilities for cyclists within the Perth metropolitan area. Since the 1980s, state governments have supported the creation of a network of cycle paths with each successive report or bike plan recognising the need for a network of connected cycling infrastructure – refer Appendix 2.
The 1975 Cycleways for Perth report recognised many of the issues that remain in 2015:
‘Cycleways should lead to activity centres such as…parks, shops, schools, libraries, local employment centres and transport interchanges’, and ‘should avoid arterial roads wherever possible because bicycles are incompatible with high-speed, high-volume traffic…’
The 1985 Perth Metropolitan Region Bikeplan provided detail of infrastructure requirements and design while the 1996 Perth Bicycle Network Plan (PBN Plan) identified the engineering works and funding required to complete a broad scale cycle network.
The 2014 Western Australian Bicycle Network Plan 2014-2031 (WABN Plan) guides the expansion of cycling facilities and focuses on moving people via a network of connected cycling infrastructure. The first key action of the WABN Plan is the completion of the Principal Shared Path (PSP) network within 15 km of the Perth CBD by 2023.
The Department of Transport (DoT) is responsible for ensuring the delivery of WABN Plan key actions in partnership with the state’s Transport Portfolio agencies, Department of Planning (DoP) and local governments. DoT coordinates agency activities to deliver cycling facilities, distributes grant funding and evaluates its own effectiveness in achieving the State Government’s cycling objectives. DoT responsibilities include to:
- define a network of strategic bicycle routes
- develop a strategy for the development of the PSP network
- implement Connecting Schools and Connecting Stations pilot projects
- monitor and report on bicycle use
- fund infrastructure construction to fill selected gaps in the cycle network
- encourage cycling and integrate promotion with health campaigns and TravelSmart
Main Roads is responsible for the expansion, construction and maintenance of the PSP network and traffic signals. It is also responsible for approving line markings for all roads and a review of traffic management guidelines on local roads that involves regulatory devices.
The Road Safety Commission (RSC) is the agency responsible for the state’s road safety initiatives, including the Towards Zero Road Safety Strategy. RSC provides road safety advice and runs road safety awareness campaigns.
Local Government Authorities (LGAs) are responsible for providing and maintaining bicycle infrastructure on local roads and paths. With assistance from DoT, they prepare local bicycle plans that integrate with the WABN Plan and neighbouring LGA plans. LGAs should also use Main Roads and DoP guidelines and standards to ensure the design of roads, parks and other council facilities include adequate consideration of cyclists.