Back in August 2010, 1200 responses where recieved from the initial consultation survey for the development of the City of Perth’s Cycle Plan.
In April 2011, three BTA board members attended City of Perth’s Community Forum and one of the questions asked was ‘Where is the Cycle Plan?’, with Frank Edwards (CEO City of Perth) responding verbally that it would be available for public comment in May 2011. This was later changed in writing to show August/Sept 2011.
So, in August 2011, BTA again attended the City of Perth’s Community Forum where the same question was asked ‘Where is the Cycle Plan?’. Response this time being ‘The draft cycle plan is a very complex and strategic document and has taken longer to develop than first anticipated.’
I followed this up via e-mail again this week, asking ‘Where is the Cycle Plan’. I’ve been asked to be patient whilst the City undertakes additional work on the document.
However, the City is now refering to the ‘Draft Cycle Plan’ in Council meetings. See Works and Urban Development Committee Minutes – 6-Feb-2012. The City is discussing ‘MURRAY STREET BETWEEN BARRACK STREET AND PIER STREET – FEASIBILITY STUDY INTO THE REMOVAL OF THE SEPARATED CONTRA FLOW CYCLE LANE AND INVESTIGATION OF ALTERNATIVE LAYOUTS’ where the Draft Cycle Plan is mentioned several times.
So, as a cyclists, how can I respond to the discussion on the removal of the contra flow cycle lane, when I have no visability of the overall direction for cycling in the City of Perth? Should I be worried that the City of Perth is discussing the removal of one of less than 6 dedicated cycle paths in the CBD area, or will the Cycle Plan provide several alternatives.
Is it right for the City of Perth not to provide an expected date of completion of the Perth Cycle Plan, in particular, when it was promised to be available for public comment back in May 2011?
I was one of the 1200 who provided feedback, I’m keen to see the plan however I am getting a bit cynical about what it might contain after seeing your blog on replacing pavers
This does not sound good and suggests that the “draft” is in fact “The” Cycling Plan and the City of Perth has no interest in proper due process or feedback from the community.
Very disappointing and something that should be raised with the Minister of Local Government for review by the Department.
Well done BTW for keeping the community informed on what is happening.
I just emailed the City of Perth at info.city@cityofperth.wa.gov.au and TrafficandTransport@cityofperth.wa.gov.au – these were the adresses that thanked me for my initial survey participation in 2010. I urge others to do the same!