What is the Great Southern 2050 Cycling Strategy?

    The Great Southern 2050 Cycling Strategy will set out a long-term vision for cycling across the region, including an aspirational bike network covering key townsites and interregional connections. The strategy will also identify a range of travel behaviour change and community initiatives to encourage more bike riding across the region.

    Who is developing the strategy?

    The strategy is the initiative of the Department of Transport (DoT) in partnership with the City of Albany and the shires of Broomehill-Tambellup, Cranbrook, Denmark, Gnowangerup, Jerramungup, Katanning, Kent, Kojonup, Plantagenet and Woodanilling. Outdoors Great Southern has been contracted by DoT to assist in developing the strategy.

    Why is the strategy needed?

    The Western Australia Bike Network (WABN) Plan 2014-2031 identifies a key action to improve planning for bike riding in the regions – specifically, to identify any gaps in existing networks, plan for future growth corridors, and produce strategic and operational plans for key regional centres and their surrounding areas. This action reflects the growing demand for high- quality cycling infrastructure in regional Western Australia (WA).

    As regional centres grow, residents and visitors expect a higher level of bicycle connectivity between work, home and key destinations. In some regions there are also opportunities to improve connectivity between towns. Cycle tourism, in its various forms, is increasingly popular and there are many opportunities in regional WA to capitalise on this industry.

    People riding bikes also have a wide range of abilities and purposes, such as children riding to school or around town, families and tourists riding to enjoy our beautiful region, people riding to work or the shops, or people riding long distances at high speed for exercise. That’s why the Strategy will adopt the philosophy that cycling needs to cater for all ages and abilities.

    By designing a walking and bike riding network that caters for the youngest and most vulnerable users, we create a network that everyone can use. At the heart of this approach is fairness and enabling all people to use the network regardless of age, ability or the wheels they use.

    Are similar strategies being developed in other regions?

    Yes. The Great Southern 2050 Cycling Strategy is one of eleven regional strategies completed or in development. and will follow a similar layout of strategies already published. These regional strategies are being developed alongside the Long-Term Cycle Network for Perth and Peel. Combined, these documents will establish the long-term vision for cycling across the State. Further information is available at: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/activetransport/long-term-cycle-network.asp

    How can I find out more about the project?

    There is a project page with more information, including email contact details on DoT’s website: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/activetransport/long-term-cycle-network.asp