Pedal power puts you on right path
Perth is built for cycling.
According to local rider and author Brent Meyer, the city is full of endless riding opportunities that allow cyclists to explore, enjoy the scenery and get to places on their own steam.
"With more sun than any other capital city in Australia, hundreds of kilometres of smooth flat roads and paths plus stunning views in every direction, there is every possible incentive here to get on your bike," he said.
"While some cycle commuters criticise Perth's bike paths and routes for not linking together to provide a seamless run to work, what they have achieved is some outstanding, quality paths in scenic locations.
"They are perfect for short family bike rides away from traffic and often safely away from speeding commuter cyclists aiming for a podium finish in their personal Tour de Work."
Meyer, a television producer, has written a new book that identifies 75 bike rides around Perth, including 24 for children. WheretoRide will be launched with a family bike ride from Mounts Bay Sailing Club tomorrow morning.
Meyer said the book just scratched the surface of the riding possibilities around Perth, but it provided a range of rides "to whet your appetite".
"You can challenge yourself with big climbs and impressive distances but the real enjoyment comes from exploring, seeing sights that make you smile and getting to places under your own steam that you (and most non-riders) would not have thought possible," Meyer said.
"In putting together this book, I have gone riding with all levels of rider, from one of the top female road cyclists in the world to my mate David who left a long barbecue lunch on Rottnest Island to grab his old rusted bike, stick on a pair of thongs and knock our nearly 30 windy kilometres with me.
"There are rides of assorted terrain from short flat jaunts the kids can knock out in a morning to rough hills that seem to go on for ever and long rides that actually do go on for ever.
"The one thing I discovered in riding the many kilometres it took to create this book is how easy and enjoyable they were when I had mates alongside me."
Cyclists in Cottesloe. Picture: Michael O'Brien/The West Australian
One of the rides, the Ultimate Cafe ride, was inspired by a story in The West Australian about some of Perth's best cafes.
In the book, each ride features a rider's log and details on terrain and elevation.
They are also awarded a rating, from one to five, based on each ride's distance, elevation and predominant ride surface.
British trail designer Jim Walker, in Perth this week for the WA State Trails and Outdoors conference, said dedicated trails and paths were an important factor in encouraging people to get outdoors.
"People could have the best intentions in the world to go out for a walk or a ride on their bike," he said.
"But unless they know where to go or where the best places are, they may never make it.
"That's why it's so important to have trails that offer safety, good scenery and something interesting along the way."
For the past 20 years, Mr Walker has been designing trails across Britain, including a 60km walk trail for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
He was also the chief adviser on walking and cycling for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
On his first visit to Perth in 10 years, he is very impressed with the growth of dedicated trails, including canoeing and diving trails.
"They give people the opportunity to appreciate your great city without fear of getting lost or trespassing on private property," he said.
