WA Bicycle Network Plan

The Western Australian Bicycle Network Plan (WABN) 2014-2031 was originally released on 29 March 2014, following an extensive public consultation period during which over 500 submissions were received.

The purpose of the WABN Plan 2017 Update is to report on progress towards the key actions and ensure the Plan remains relevant and reflective of current planning practices and government priorities. A detailed revision of the Plan is due in 2019.

The WABN Plan and consequent update outlines 11 initiatives that aim to make WA a place where cycling is safe, connected, convenient and a widely accepted form of transport.

For more information about these initiatives visit the Major projects and programs section.

Collaboration between State Government departments, local government, the private sector and the community is essential to achieve the WABN Plan's vision and objectives. The Plan's success depends on developing positive partnerships, communication and cooperation between various stakeholders.

To achieve this, the WABN Plan governance structure promotes a collaborative approach to initiative oversight.

WABN Implementation Reference Group

To achieve a coordinated approach in implementing the WABN Plan, the Implementation Reference Group (IRG) is responsible for:

• Overseeing and monitoring the implementation of the WABN Plan initiatives;
• Reviewing strategic bicycle infrastructure items;
• Reviewing and providing advice on safety, behavioural, educational and enforcement items; and
• Providing a forum for government and non-government agencies to share expertise on cycling projects and policies.

This group includes representatives from the following organisations:

• DoT.
• Road Safety Commission.
• Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
• Western Australian Police.
• Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
• Western Australian Local Government Association.
• WestCycle.
• Bicycling WA.
• Institute of Public Work Engineers Australasia.
• Australian Institute of Traffic Planning and Management.
• RAC WA.

WABN Operational Reference Group

The Cycling Operations Reference Group (CORG) has been created to ensure a forum for the discussion of operational priorities.

This group has a strategic focus and meets bi-monthly. Significant items and outcomes from the group will be reported to the IRG.

The ORG includes membership from the following organisations:

• DoT.
• Main Roads.
• PTA.
• Road Safety Commission.
• Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
• WA Police.
• Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
• Western Australian Local Government Association.
• WestCycle.
• Institute of Public Works Engineers Australasia.

Monitoring and reviewing the WABN Plan is an important function that ensures it keeps pace with changes in travel and recreational patterns, urban planning and development, and funding options.

To achieve this, the WABN Plan will be reviewed on a biennial basis and updated as necessary. Annual reports will also be publicly released.

In 2015, the Office of the Auditor General released its report Safe and Viable Cycling in the Perth Metropolitan Area. Recommendations in this report focused on ensuring robust governance arrangements and providing adequate resources needed for the design, planning, construction and delivery of a complete cycling network. A copy of the report can be found on the Office of the Auditor General website.

The Transport Portfolio undertook to progress ten actions in response to the report, an update on the progress of these actions is below.

In 2018, the Public Accounts Committee released its Further Along the Path report which made eight recommendations to address the issues identified in the Auditor General’s report. DoT’s response to these recommendations is below.