WA news LIVE: Perth ranked as one of worst in world for cyclists

Perth has been ranked as one of the worst cities in the world when it comes to embracing cycling and scooters, a new survey has revealed.

Compare the Market’s new data, which surveyed more than 120 cities, shows Perth is also the worst nationally, coming in sixth place just behind Brisbane.

The survey states that Perth’s ranking was pulled down by a modal cycle share of only 1 per cent, and 1258 searches on average for cycle-related terms – the second lowest in Australia.

The modal share is the percentage of all traveller trips or commuters in a specific area who use a bicycle as their primary mode of transportation.

However, Perth does have 715 cycle routes to be enjoyed around the city – more than Australia’s number one city Melbourne which has just over 500.

The nation as a whole fell well short of other countries included – unsurprisingly it was a city in the Netherlands in at number one.

Here’s what’s making headlines today:

• The man accused of running down Helen Haines claims he had no grudge against the politician and that striking her repeatedly with his car was entirely accidental.
• The Liberal and National parties are showing their first signs of strain since they split earlier this year, as the junior Coalition partner stakes out aggressive stances on free trade and artificial intelligence.
• The Israeli elections have, at least for now, produced a deadlock, with neither the pro nor anti-Benjamin Netanyahu blocs able to form a majority in their own right.
• Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican candidate for governor of Ohio, was shocked by the recent botched execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee. “It’s unacceptable,” he says. For Ramaswamy, the lesson is clear: when you execute someone, it must be swift and effective.
• Apple after two decades of spurning the idea, unveiled an overhauled MacBook Pro that includes a touch screen, giving its flagship laptop a feature that has become a must-have in the personal computer industry.