Better bike infrastructure and facilities remains at the top of the “wish list” among WA cyclists, based on a recent online poll by Bicycling WA.

The need for a connected cycling network and more bike lanes and off-road cycling paths is based on the perception that cycling is not safe without them.

“We know from previous surveys that being able to ride in an environment that offers some level of protection, whether that be on-road bike lanes or off-road cycle paths, is a key driver to getting more people on their bikes,” Bicycling WA chief executive Jeremey Murray said.

Camera Icon Cyclists in Applecross. Credit: The West Australian/Sharon Smith

The poll results come as WA’s 2017 cycling participation rate showed a slight fall on last year. But the rate of 41.9 per cent — which equates to 483,100 West Australians riding a bike at least once a week — is still well above the national average of 34.2 per cent.

In means, WA continues to have the highest participation rate of any State, largely because of the higher participation among children and young adults. Men are more likely to ride than women, with one in four households having three or more bikes.

The Bicycling WA survey also found many wanted to see more education of drivers and riders, along with changes to legislation such as the introduction of minimum passing distance rules and greater consideration for lower speed limits on local suburban streets.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the Labor Party had committed to increasing dedicated cycling infrastructure.