Perth Voice Interactive

CYCLISTS might soon be able to ride on the footpath under new state government legislation, but until then many newbie cyclists remain fearful of riding on the road. Westcycle and the RAC are holding adult bike skill sessions for folks who never learned the basic laws of helmets, bells and lights, road rules, or how to take off in a properly postured “power position”. There are three sessions (free for Vincent residents, $10 for aliens), May 16, 20 and 23 at the Loftus Street carpark, call 9273 6558 or email travelsmart@vincent.wa.gov.au to get on board.

HAVING ushered in $2.5 million for bike lane work throughout Vincent, mayor John Carey’s a little concerned about the state government’s plans to let cyclists ride on footpaths. Currently only kids under 12 can do so, but the government looks likely to let adults on too. “I think it masks the real issue, which is that state and local government should invest more in dedicated bike lanes,” Mr Carey says, adding footpaths should only be ridden on “when you can’t do anything else. It’s just not the preferred option. I suspect seniors and children won’t feel safe walking down the path [with riders], where the real solution is strong investment in dedicated bike paths.”

VOICE photographer Matthew Dwyer spotted a small hitch going on with the bike lanes along Oxford Street: drivers aren’t respecting rider space when they park their cars. He saw a couple of drivers parked out way too far, forcing cyclists to swerve into the roads. Vincent mayor John Carey says the council made the lanes much wider than industry standards required, in order to leave cyclists extra room. The council will embark on an education campaign and paint bikes on lanes for dopey drivers who can’t tell what they’re for.