THE Fremantle Bicycle Users Group has reconvened amid growing community concern over the lack of safe, connected walking and cycling routes in and around Fremantle.

“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,” said Freo BUG spokesperson Annie Matan. 

“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 working with the Mosman Park BUG and the Perth to Port group, and has launched a petition calling on the government to address safety and accessibility issues caused by the bridge works.

• The Fremantle traffic bridge closure has prompted the reconvening of the Fremantle Bicycle Users Group to advocate for better and safer routes – all the way in to the port city. Photo by Jean Paul Horre

“We 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,” Dr Matan said.

“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.”

Residents are also pushing for completion of the Fremantle Principal Shared Path (PSP) to ensure the new bridge will be accessible for all.

“Funding has been allocated to construct stage 5 and 6 of the Fremantle PSP – connecting the river, Fremantle Train Station and Esplanade Reserve – which 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,” Dr Matan said.

“Stage 4 of the Fremantle PSP – from North Fremantle Train Station to the River, including crossing Tydeman Road – remains unresolved and unfunded.”

The petition is available at https://shorturl.at/z4NMm.