The Fremantle BUG (Bicycle Users Group) has recently reconvened due to community concerns about the lack of safe, connected walking and cycling infrastructure in Fremantle. The pending Traffic Bridge has highlighted the issues.
Dr Annie Matan, spokesperson for Freo BUG, says –
“The closure of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge is a critical opportunity to act now to enable walking and cycling routes to Fremantle to be safe, accessible and comfortable, providing people with an attractive alternative to driving during the closure. We also need to ensure the new Swan River Crossing is adequately connected to walking and cycling networks once complete.”
The Fremantle-based group is collaborating with other impacted communities through the Mosman Park BUG and the Perth to Port group.
Together, they have initiated a petition, that you’ll find below, asking the State Government to address the immediate safety and accessibility issues caused by the bridge works, and to engage with the community regarding the planning and completion of the Fremantle Principal Shared Path (PSP).
Dr Matan said the group are asking the Government to prioritise urgent funding to deliver much needed safety measures so people can walk and cycle across the Stirling bridge during the bridge closure. She points out that:
“Local residents and commuters are struggling to cross Tydeman Road safely. This is only going to become more dangerous in coming months. Safer crossings are also needed at convenient crossing points on Canning Highway and High Street so people can walk or ride from the local area to the Stirling bridge.
“There is growing concerns among residents about being able to access the beach, river or train station safely on foot or by bike to avoid the worsening traffic.”
Residents are also keen to resolve the outstanding issues regarding the completion of the Fremantle PSP so that the new bridge will be accessible for all people walking, wheeling and cycling when complete.
Funding has been allocated to construct stage 5 and 6 of the Fremantle PSP – connecting the river, Fremantle Train Station and Esplanade Reserve – which Dr Matan says “is great, however people walking and riding that will use the path have not been consulted, and early plans indicate a route that would not be safe or comply with best practice.”
What’s more, Stage 4 of the Fremantle PSP – from North Fremantle Train Station to the River, including crossing Tydeman Road – remains unresolved and unfunded. Dr Matan said that crossing Tydeman Road was voted the worst spot on the Bike Spot survey.
The Freo BUG says it looks forward to working with Government and affected communities to get positive outcomes for people of all ages and abilities to walk, ride and scoot during the bridge closure and into the long-term future.
Your support for improvements advocated for by Freo BUG by signing the petition would really help the public case.
Here’s the Online Petition. It closes 1 December
By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News
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