Bike plan on a roll


A plan to revolutionise Albany’s bicycle network and transform the city into one of Australia’s premier cycling destinations is well on the way to becoming reality.

In recent months City of Albany staff and various other stakeholder groups have been hard at work on the City of Albany Bike Plan, a project which aims to create an interconnected, continuous and easy-to-use bike network made up of roads, dual-use paths and off-road trails.

The City has appointed Cardno, a leading transport infrastructure and planning company, to assist with the development of the plan, which will consist of on-the-ground research as well as community workshops and surveys.

From Monday to Thursday this week Cardno representatives got on their bikes and conducted a “saddle survey” around Albany to get a feel for the existing and potential transport network.

City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the bike plan was an exciting concept which was aligned with the City’s recently adopted long-term Community Strategic Plan.

“Albany is already home to a range of very high quality cycle paths and off-road trails, including several great dual-use paths, the highly-regarded Mt Clarence Downhill track and the truly world class 1000km Munda Biddi Trail, to name just a few,” he said. “The problem is our bike network lacks connectivity and perhaps hasn’t been promoted and branded as well as it could have been.

“There is a very healthy bike culture in Albany already and this plan will not only serve that local community very well, but will also increase Albany’s reputation as a Cycling City and make us a premier destination for lucrative cycle tourism and major cycling events.”

Cardno expects to be able to present a draft report on the Bike Plan to Albany City Council early next year.
The project’s control group is managed by the City of Albany and consists of several stakeholders, including State Government agencies, Albany bicycle groups, UWA and the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

A community survey and bike workshop is currently being planned to encourage feedback from the wider community.

For more information http://www.albany.wa.gov.au/your-council/media-statements-and-information-sheets/