Media Statement 12 December 2005

City of Perth at odds with commitment to healthy living

The City of Perth is undermining both the state and federal governments’ commitment to cycling, health and the environment, according to cycling advocacy group the Bicycle Transportation Alliance Inc. (BTA).

According to BTA President David Parkinson, the City of Perth’s decision to create a $100 penalty for cycling over the Claisebrook Inlet Bridge makes no sense.

“The bridge forms part of the Perth Bicycle Network yet by banning cycling over the bridge, the City of Perth has broken the link in the connected shared pathways route and has broken its commitment to a cycle friendly environment,” said Mr Parkinson.

To avoid the $100 penalty, cyclists need to dismount and cross the wooden bridge on foot, which is dangerous for people wearing cycling shoes, or they need to take a sharp, tight downhill path and then detour right around the outside of the inlet.

“The Department of Planning and Infrastructure is trying to create a safe, comprehensive network of shared paths to encourage cycling and reduce motor traffic, yet this is being undermined by the actions of the City of Perth which is not only discouraging cyclists, but creating additional hazards for them, “ said Mr Parkinson.

Some local residents have apparently complained about cyclists ‘speeding’ over the bridge; however the presence of mazes at both ends and in the middle of the bridge casts strong doubt on to the validity of this argument, according to the BTA.

“The combination of the traffic slowing devices and the slatted wooden surface of the bridge make it hard to believe that cyclists would be able to ‘speed’ across the bridge, even if they wanted to. It is a pity that in these days of increasing oil prices, pollution and obesity in our community that a local council could take such a retrograde step,” said Mr Parkinson.

It is interesting to note that the BTA is unaware of any consultation of cyclists regarding this issue. The BTA believes this continues the City of Perth’s trend of hostility and lack of consultation towards Perth’s cyclists.

For further information:

Mr David Parkinson

President, Bicycle Transportation Alliance

Tel: 9222 0576 (w)  0417 941500 (m)