SEEN IN FREO - Sunday’s Stirling Bridge Guided Bike Ride

As we reported during the week, DTMI – the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure – yesterday offered Freo cyclists the opportunity to enjoy a guided bike ride across Stirling Bridge from Freo to North Freo and get the feel of it. Our Jean Hudson took up the offer and here’s her report on a good afternoon out!

Yesterday afternoon, Penelope (my push bike) and I headed into Freo by train and joined another 20 or so cyclists beneath the Ferris Wheel in anticipation of our guided Stirling Bridge bike ride.

DTMI had kindly offered to host a free, scenic guided bike ride across Stirling Bridge from 2–4 pm, as part of the ‘Swan River Crossings Project’ – the closing of the Old Traffic Bridge and the opening of the New Bridge.

The activity was designed to improve bike riding skills and confidence when navigating between Freo and North Freo while the New Traffic Bridge is under construction.

Before we set off, we learned the ABC of what to check before you go for a cycle – Air, Brakes, and Chain, along with how to ride in a group and give correct hand signals. If properly pumped, your tyre should feel like an apple when you press on it, and one should gently squeeze both brakes together—of course all you cyclists know these things!

We stopped at 10 locations along the ride and learned about Fremantle’s history from Maeve Harvey, a local historian. Maeve is part of the Fremantle History Society.

The Old Fremantle Traffic Bridge closed on 1 February 2026 and is expected to remain shut for up to 12 months, impacting commute times particularly along Stirling Highway and Canning Highway. The guided ride is part of DTMI’s broader push to encourage active travel alternatives during this period.

It was a fun afternoon, cycling a different route to Stirling Bridge and my first time crossing the Stirling Bridge on my bike.

We ended up at the North Freo Bowlo for soft drinks. A great afternoon was had by all, even those like me who didn’t have an e-bike. Thank you WestCycle and Maeve Harvey.

Maeve Harvey

Looking ahead, DTMI is also planning a Glow Ride along the North Fremantle Heritage Trail on Saturday 2 May, starting from Gilbert Fraser Reserve in North Freo at sunset, where families can decorate their bikes with glow sticks. Participants will receive a food voucher and can enjoy face painting, music and other activities.

*Words and photographs by Jean Hudson

Jean Hudson is our regular Shipping and Sailing Correspondent and also a regular feature writer, reviewer and photographer here on the Shipping News. You may also like to follow up her informative Places I Love stories, as well as other feature stories and Freo Today photographs, right here.

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