Good News for Cyclists At Fremantle Train Station

Media Release, 2 November 2007 

Greens MLC Giz Watson has applauded the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure for responding quickly to improve the lot of commuters who cycle to Fremantle train station.

Following concern by Freo local Margo O’Byrne, who regularly parks her bike at the station, Ms Watson put to the Minister, Alannah MacTiernan, that there were insufficient cycle rails available for short-stay commuters, and asked for more.

“It is evident that usage of the ‘Lock’n’Ride’ secure facility, which is locked between 9am and 3.30 on weekdays, is well patronised,” Ms Watson said.

“However there is a shortage of U-rails on the platform for those people who drop off and pick up their bikes between these hours, when the facility is locked.

“While there are 16 U-rails on the platform; by 8.30am these are fully taken, with other bikes chained to a platform fence, risking fines.”

In Parliament yesterday, the Minister responded positively.

“The Public Transport Authority will install additional U-rails on the Fremantle station platform next week, and will continue to monitor commuter demand for extension of this facility,” Ms MacTiernan said.

This was good news for cyclists, responded Giz Watson.

“We should be encouraging people to access public transport by bicycle, and this is a step in the right direction.”