Cycle strategy now a reality
Albany’s bold vision to become one of Australia’s premier cycling destinations has been touted as the way for local governments across WA to implement bike infrastructure.
The five-year Cycle City Albany Strategy, was launched last Thursday after the City of Albany adopted it in August.
Key funding partner the Department of Transport has welcomed the strategy, which is backed up by five key objectives to achieve the City’s 20-year vision.
Department of Transport regional manager Wayne Winchester said while most cycling funding committed by the State Government was allocated to metropolitan local governments, a three-year funding commitment to Albany’s plan under the Regional Bicycle Network was part of a renewed focus on regional areas.
Mr Winchester said $460,000 of RBN grants were awarded to the Great Southern in 2013-14, including $300,000 to Albany.
“It is a very good plan, no doubt about that — it has been very well planned out,” he said.
“The plan is going to be a great framework for future funding requests.”
More than $400,000 is allocated to a feasibility study for Hanrahan Road and Princess Royal Drive and the first stage of a Middleton Road on-road cycle lane from St Emilies to Tasman Street.
A shared path on Albany Highway and a shared path on Barnesby Road to link the school zone to the Centennial Park and North Road precinct is also planned.
Mr Winchester said there were more cyclists now than there were five years ago.
“Whether you love it or hate it, cycling is becoming a legitimate way of transport,” he said.
Mayor Dennis Wellington said Albany’s aim was to be the friendliest cycle destination in the State and the strategy would provide the needed direction.
“It’s a comprehensive, innovative five-year plan which includes infrastructure builds both on and off the road,” he said. “It also includes strategies and actions to encourage cycle tourism, build a share the road culture and encourage all types of cyclists.”
He said the strategy had taken a year to complete and was one of the more comprehensive consultations the City had undertaken.
“This has been an amazing collaborative effort,” he said.
“One of the reasons the development of this strategy has been so successful is because of the community ownership and participation.
“The idea of cycling everywhere in Albany is fantastic.”
The City also thanked members of the Bike Plan Project Control Group who were recognised as “cycle champions” for their efforts in helping develop the strategy.
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