Bike survey to find wheel deal
Is it a revolution or a fad?
The growing popularity of bike riding as a form of transport was put to the test yesterday in Australia's biggest bike count.
At more than 1000 sites across the nation -- including 147 in WA - volunteers counted bike riders and recorded their movements as part of an annual project dubbed Super Tuesday.
Bicycle Network chief executive Craig Richards said the data would help local councils plan infrastructure and facilities for bike riders.
"By establishing a consistent measure of Australia's bike riding patterns, we can show how many people are riding and where they are going," Mr Richards said. "This further strengthens the case for investment in better bicycle facilities.
"Providing the right conditions for riders encourages more people to jump on their bikes - and therefore reap the rewards of better physical and mental health."
Latest figures show almost one in five WA residents ride a bike in a typical week, mostly for recreation or exercise.
Three in five WA households have access to a bike - more than the national average.
