A BICYLE only bridge crossing the Swan River and connecting Fremantle is one idea floated by Fremantle City ward councillor Adin Lang.

At the last State Budget, the Government brought forward construction of part of the principal shared path (PSP) when it announced $18.7 million in funding to fill a gap along the Fremantle rail line from Cottesloe to Mosman Park in 2018-19.

Mr Lang said it presented an amazing opportunity.

“There is still no way to cross Tydeman Road or the Swan River,” he said.

“At the moment I would be happy with a simple and safe bridge to complete one of, not if, the most important bike path.”

The councillor said the Stirling Highway and High Street upgrade was key.

“The project is about safety and efficient moving of trucks but it still has the same route to the port,” he said.

“The inclusion of a bike bridge will go towards the whole strategy of making the roads around the port safer.

“We won’t be getting the outer port for a long time, need to make it safer all the way through Fremantle, more than just one corner.”

The benefits would extend beyond safety Mr Lang said, as the bridge would bring more people to Fremantle.

“Getting to the centre of Fremantle is the mission,” he said.

“A bike bridge would connect to the railway and get more people visiting on bike.

“We will have workers come into Fremantle and if they ride they free up car parking spaces.”

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said closing the Cottesloe gap was part of $134 million for cycling infrastructure in the next four years across Perth, and it would provide safety and an attractive tourist route.

She said the change in plans recognised the complaints about the PSP’s sudden stop in Cottesloe and cyclists having to use Curtin Avenue.

However, while PSP campaigners welcomed her announcement they said the greatest benefit would come when Perth, Cottesloe and Fremantle were completely linked.

“The real key is what’s called have ‘A to B-ism’ which makes the route even more attractive because you link main places, and having big gaps is still a big problem,” PSP campaigner Michael Thomas said.

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