Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Northern suburbs cyclists are turning it up a gear as the final stage of a 10km cycling path expansion along the Hillarys coastline has been completed.
The latest addition is a new 2.6km path linking Ocean Reef Marina to Burns Beach.
Travel connections to Mullaloo Beach, Ocean Reef Boat Harbour and Iluka Beach are also now accessible.
Ageing sections of the shared path, originally built between 1989 and 2001, were replaced with a new 4m-wide red asphalt surface so all users can feel safer and more comfortable.
Joondalup mayor Daniel Kingston said the coastline was one of the city’s “greatest assets”, and residents and visitors should be able to enjoy it safely.
“The upgraded path has been designed to reduce conflicts between users, improve visibility and provide the additional space needed to meet growing demand now and into the future,” he said.
“It also strengthens connections between some of our most popular coastal destinations, supporting recreation, tourism and active lifestyles while showcasing the natural beauty of our coastline.”
The $6.9 million project, delivered by the State Government, has been expanding the popular Hillarys cycle network in three stages over the past five years.
Stage one resulted in a shared path delivered along Hepburn Avenue in 2024, connecting Gibson Avenue to Whitfords Avenue.
Last December, another 5km coastal path was completed between Hillarys Boat Harbour and North Mullaloo.
The project responded to a surge in popularity along the path, as the number of bike riders increased by 25 per cent and pedestrians by 60 per cent from 2015 to 2020.
Locals have already been embracing the expansion, as Whitfords Nodes Park in Hillarys sees more than 9600 people cycling and more than 17,000 people walking throughout the precinct each month.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the project offered travel options away from busy road traffic.
“The coastal connection links locals and visitors to our stunning beaches and other recreational attractions, as well as local cafes and businesses, supporting the local economy and creating a more vibrant precinct,” she said.
“People of all ages and abilities now have even more reason to walk, wheel and ride more often around our northwestern suburbs, and can enjoy accessing the spectacular beachfront without needing to rely on the car.”
The project was also completed with a sustainability focus, reusing the existing path alignment and repurposing the original limestone to minimise vegetation clearing and environmental impacts.
