Mountain bike infrastructure ideas sought

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River will invite residents to form a community reference group developing a mountain bike infrastructure plan after recently receiving a $30,000 Department of Transport grant.

Shire asset services manager David Nicholson said the plan would “provide an opportunity for Margaret River to create a regional showcase for other towns to aspire to”.

A small group of Shire staff, councillors and guests recently attended a visiting Dutch professor’s talk about Amsterdam’s strong bike culture.

“His message was that any town or city can make a policy choice to encourage and promote cycling, and it’s not just about building infrastructure,” Mr Nicholson said.

Margaret River Off-Road Cycling Association member Rebecca Steele said riders wanted more mountain bike trails.

“There are a lot of people with a lot of ideas already out there,” she said.

“The more people to help carry them out, (the) better.”

Mr Nicholson said better cycling infrastructure would help to improve safety, reduce traffic congestion, and create social opportunities.

To get involved, email dnicholson@amrshire.wa.gov.au by January 30.