WestCycle | Bike Riding Western Australia

𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲, 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲, 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 💛 In National Road Safety Week WestCycle reminds everyone that every journey matters, whether you're on two wheels or four, we all play a role in keeping our roads safe. Let’s look out for one another, share the road with respect, and make safe choices every time we head out. Slow down. Stay alert. Share the road. Be a road safety champ. 🫵😎

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 WestCycle welcomes today’s Perth Park update that reinforces the importance of riding within one of Western Australia’s landmark new community precincts. The final design includes a fully lit, 845 metre multi-purpose track that will offer enclosed, safe day and night riding to the public while delivering a long-called for inner-city criterium track with exciting nocturnal racing possibilities. There will be potential to expand the track configuration with another 1.25km circuit available for special events and races. WestCycle CEO Wayne Bradshaw (right, in photo above) said Perth Park would be a major win for the riding community. “These facilities will give Perth riders a safe, accessible and exciting place to ride, train and compete close to the city,” he said. “The fully lit 845m circuit will create new opportunities for community riding, club activity and evening riding, and help showcase riding as part of a vibrant, multi-use destination for the whole community.” “It’s only through close consultation between ourselves, @AusCycling , the riding clubs, the broader riding community and the State Government that we have been able to achieve these fantastic outcomes.” With the precinct expected to be ready for use in late 2027, WestCycle looks forward to Perth riders, schools, clubs and community groups benefiting from this high-quality cycling infrastructure within a broader precinct that will also feature entertainment facilities, new parklands, walking and cycling paths, public amenities and more than 600 new trees.

𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗲-𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲) WestCycle welcomes the @roadsafetycommission_wa ’s amendments to the WA Road Traffic Code, that make it easier and safer for riders and walkers to move around as part of their everyday trips. The key rule changes that are now live are: 🛴 eRideables are permitted on all roads that have a speed limit up to 50km/h, including those with a centre line or median. 🛴 eRideable users can access bicycle storage areas at intersections. 🛴 Bike riders and eRideable users are not required to use hand signals if it would be unsafe to do so, such as steep descents If a device is fitted with brake lights, flashing light signalling devices or illuminated indicators then the rider is still required to use those. 🛴 Bike riders and eRideable users no longer need to keep left when travelling through single-lane roundabouts. For riders travelling short distances to work, uni, the shops or public transport, allowing eRideables on all roads with speed limits up to 50km/h provides much needed clarity and confidence, especially where footpath congestion and patchy bike lanes have long created uncertainty. These changes support safer, more intuitive journeys and reduce unnecessary conflict in busy pedestrian spaces like the Perth CBD. Extending bike storage area access at intersections to eRideable users, improving safety based flexibility around hand signals, and aligning roundabout rules with national standards all make it easier and safer for riders to get around with less conflict with walkers and other road users. WestCycle advocacy played a big part in pushing through these reforms, many of which have been raised by our members for several years. These changes demonstrate the value of listening to riders and treating eRideables as a legitimate part of our transport system - a positive step for active transport across Western Australia! #escooters #emobility #safestreets

𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝟭𝟬-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 The Federal Government’s announcement of a 10-year, $50 million per annum extension to the Active Transport Fund provides a welcome horizon for long-term planning. But more is needed. While this new 10-year commitment offers baseline certainty, and will undoubtedly help local governments fund some fantastic active travel projects, the annual funding pool remains modest when distributed across the entire nation. "A ten-year funding commitment is a structural step in the right direction, giving state and local governments the timeline security they need to plan. However, we need to be entirely realistic about the math,” said WestCycle CEO Wayne Bradshaw. “$50 million a year across the whole country leaves a relatively thin slice for Western Australia. Indeed this level of funding still treats active transport as an alternative add-on rather than a core pillar of our transport network.” WestCycle backs the call from @bicycle_qld that encourages @catherine_kingmp , the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, to leverage this commitment to safe and sustainable transport by introducing: • a positive provision policy for cycling and walking that is directly written into grants for all Federally-funded urban transport projects • compulsory declarations by importers to keep unsafe, illegal e-bikes out of our country. Bradshaw added: “The demand from local councils for shovel-ready projects far outstrips this budget, as indicated by the massive over-subscription of $1bn for projects around the country for the available $100m in the first round of this fund. This must be a floor for active transport investment, not a ceiling." WestCycle will continue working closely with local and state governments to ensure WA maximises its share of this federal pool, while continuing to push for to reshape our cities and regional towns for the benefit of all communities. @bicyclensw @werideaustralia @bike_sa @bicycle_network @pedalpoweract

Every person you see on a bike is someone first. A parent heading to work. A nurse finishing a long shift. A friend meeting someone for coffee. A neighbour riding for their health. Someone with people who love them and want them home safe. Out on the road, it’s easy to see a bike and forget the human being behind it. But when we recognise the person, our behaviour shifts. We slow down. We give space. We show patience. We choose safety over frustration. These small choices are what keep people safe. Not because they’re riders, but because they’re people. Just like us.

𝗠𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗲-𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿: 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗫𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 WestCycle rode over to the @CityofVincent offices recently and found mayor Alison Xamon in a feisty mood, refreshed from her daily ride into work on the trusty ‘Mayoral e-scooter’ she has owned since 2020. “I actually came across e-scooters when I was in Adelaide, I hired a scooter and thought this is a really good way to get around, I really liked it,” alisonxamon said. “And so when I came back I started looking at the possibilities for scooters. I particularly wanted a scooter I could fold up and put into a vehicle and that’s what I bought – I've been riding it ever since.” Xamon said she loves the convenience her cherished, tiny-wheeled chariot offers for the mostly local trips she undertakes on it. “I ride it mainly around Vincent. I can scooter around and not break a sweat, which is actually really quite good if you’re dressed up for a formal meeting. I don’t have to worry about end-of-trip facilities because I'm not getting hot. It's particularly good for the inner city because, firstly, I don't have to ever worry about parking, but secondly, it's just very easy to get around the local roads.” Read the full interview where Xamon expands on her active transport vision here: .au/me-and-my-e-scooter-town-of-vincent-mayor-alison-xamon-is-all-in-on-active-transport/ #escooters #micromobility #eMobility #activetransport

Overtaking in a group ride needs clear communication and predictable movements. ✋ Before moving out to pass, check behind, signal early and call your intention so the whole bunch knows what’s happening. Hold a steady pace, give enough space and only overtake when the lane is clear and it’s safe for everyone. Smooth, predictable overtaking helps make group rides safer for riders and drivers alike.

🛴 𝗠𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗲-𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿: 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🛴 E-scooter users talk about how they get around on their small-wheeled machines. Simon Diong rides his e-scooter 16km each way on his work commute and shared his e-tale with WestCycle... "My commute's mostly on the PSP, even before the fuel crisis. I’d imagine this wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated PSP path. I’ve also tried to get around the neighbourhood at other times but felt the existing suburban roads are not that ‘bike/e-scooter’ friendly. I don’t feel comfortable using an e-scooter with cars on the same road, especially when eRideable speeds are limited to 25km/h and all other users on bicycles (30-40 km/h) and cars are guaranteed to catch up and either tailgate behind or overtake. "I feel a good, well-built e-scooter (with effective braking, turn and brake lights and suspensions) could replace a lot of short car trips and ease parking and road congestion, provided they have dedicated paths. The majority of current infrastructure only caters for pedestrians (on foot paths) or cars (on roads) and bicycle/e-scooter riders are not wanted in either and viewed as a nuisance (i.e. doesn’t feel like belonging to either). The painted bicycle paths on the road today are scattered and disjointed and require riders to mix with vehicles on the road most of the times. "I think e-scooters are the best transport invention after many decades with either cars (congestion) or push bikes (laborious, need to change attire)." Thanks for your time Simon! Have an eMobility tale? We'd love to hear it - drop a comment here or mail us at [email protected]. Search 'WestCycle eRideables info hub' for more. #escooters #emobility #micromobility

A helmet only does its job if it’s fitted properly. 🚴 This guide shows the key checks every rider should make before rolling out: snug straps, correct position, secure fit. Small adjustments that make a real difference when it matters most.

𝗕𝘂𝗻𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 🚉 🚲 Trains will run again between Bunbury and Perth from 29 June with increased frequency and new railcars housing dedicated space for 14 bikes per train. A key difference from the previous service is that bikes can now board at any of the service’s stops rather than just Bunbury and Perth. Those stops are: Armadale, Byford, Mundijong, Serpentine, North Dandalup, Pinjarra, Waroona, Yarloop, Cookernup, Harvey and Brunswick Junction. The Australind service was taken offline in 2023 while the Armadale line was upgraded and is back with four new WA-made cars that will be introduced over the year featuring Indigenous art celebrating the South West. "The return of the Australind is welcome news for Bunbury and communities right across the South West, strengthening regional connectivity and delivering real benefits for residents, businesses and visitors,” said South West Minister and Bunbury MLA Don Punch. When all the cars are introduced the service is expected to run at increased frequency with bikes requiring pre-booking with @trans.wa at a cost of $20 per journey. A public competition to give the service a new name ends on 18 May. https://www.mysaytransport.wa.gov.au/australind-naming-and-first-train-competition The service’s return will be celebrated at a community event at the Bunbury Passenger Terminal on Sunday 28 June.

𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹’𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸, 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰’𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 – 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀! School’s back this week and so is increased traffic congestion around peak times, especially near schools and along key commuter routes. School trips account for something like a quarter of car trips, many of them less than 5 kilometres. Leaving the car at home and riding to school can be a fun, healthy and confidence building habit for kids. Here are some practical ways parents and caregivers can make it easier and safer to get active when it comes to getting to school. 📌👉 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 Look for quieter streets, shared paths and safe crossings. Riding the route on a weekend first helps kids feel confident and highlights any tricky spots. Many schools have safe routes to school marked out. 🚴🚴‍♂️ 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 Accompany younger riders, connect with a local bike bus or organise one with local families. Familiarity builds independence over time. 🛠️🪖 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗯𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝗮𝗿 Make sure bikes fit properly and are roadworthy: working brakes and gears, pumped tyres, and a well fitted helmet. Lights, bells and bright clothing all help with visibility. 🚴🛣️ 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 Work on signalling, looking over shoulders, stopping safely and navigating intersections in low traffic areas before school mornings get busy. 🚴🚉 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘂𝗽 Even riding one or two days a week makes a difference. Combine riding with walking or public transport if the full distance feels too far. 🚲👧 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝘂𝗻 Let kids help choose their bike, decorate it, or plan a ‘reward breakfast’ for ride to school days. Choosing riding for the school run helps reduce congestion, builds confidence and lifelong skills, is a proven cognition booster, and sets kids up for healthy, independent travel. 🚘🚸 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 Drive with care and reduce your speed to 40 km/h in school zones and children’s crossings between the hours of: 7.30am and 9.00am 2.30pm and 4.00pm

Everyone on the road has someone waiting for them at home. A moment of patience or a small decision to give space can be the difference between a close call and a safe trip.