White Gum Valley cyclists notch a win as City of Fremantle green lights $190k road safety works

Pedaling cyclists won over changes to the proposed road design.

City of Fremantle council backed changing works aimed at making Stevens Street in White Gum Valley safer at its meeting on February 25.

Stevens Street is considered an important part of the bicycle network by the city, but its straight stretch encourages some vehicles to exceed the speed limit.

There are currently two mid-block asphalt plateaus and 10 temporary traffic-calming rubber pads along Stevens Street.

A city report said this slowed traffic from 58 km/h to 34 km/h and reduced traffic from about 1,500 vehicles per day to about 900 vehicles per day.

During the community consultation, it was stated that 84 per cent of respondents supported the proposed design, but a small group wanted more bike-friendly options.

As a result, the city abandoned plans to replace six T-intersections and instead built five permanent plateaus and a “wombat crossing” near Nannine Boulevard to make going to Booyeembara Park safer.

The total cost is approximately $190,000, some of which may be covered by Main Roads.

“Bicycle awareness” signs, which will cost about $2,000, will also be installed to let drivers know there may be cyclists present.

Cr Geoff Graham questioned how many cyclists use Stevens Street and said it would be a fluke to get into double figures.

“I know there are e-bikes in the world now, so it’s easier for people to pass. But if you’re not on an e-bike, you almost have to be a Tour de France rider to go up and down Steven Street in both directions,” he said.

Cr Jemima Williamson-Wong said making the road safer would encourage more cyclists.

“I’m not sure if there will be Tour de France riders, but hopefully people who have e-bikes in their garage will feel safer riding their bikes,” he said.

Cr Andrew Sullivan said Stevens Street was “no more tortured” than other streets in the White Gum Valley.

“In many ways, it’s a better place to encourage cyclists to use it because it doesn’t have a driveway on one side,” he said.

A separate road along the northern edge of Stevens Street is being explored, but this would require State and/or Federal funding as well as “careful design” to preserve trees.

Wildlife-friendly curbs will be installed near new landscaping on Stevens Street.