COLLIE cyclists will be able to safely ride the six-kilometre route between Collie and Allanson under an ambitious plan to build a $580,000 cycleway joining the two towns.
After a push from the Collie Rotary Club and shire president Wayne Sanford, Collie council will seek funding for a continuous cycle pathway between Collie and the Allanson, weaving through the state forrest along the Coalfields Highway.
Under a staged approach, it would continue along to Ferguson Road, the Allanson bus stop and finish at the Allanson Primary School.
Cr Sanford told councillors in a report last week the benefits of a cycle path connecting the two towns would be extensive.
"Not only would a path linking Collie to Allanson provide a safe way to connect our communities, but it would also provide widespread benefit to other key stakeholders," Cr Sanford said.
"There is an opportunity to provide a link for Bibbulmun track users, cyclists and walkers and those who wish to access Black Diamond Pool and the Wellington catchment.
"There is an opportunity to partner with Main Roads WA and the Department of Parks and Wildlife."
Cr Sanford said the path would provide safety for cyclists and walkers at a time when traffic along the busy highway was only increasing.
He said there was wide community support for the plan.
The current cycleway heads out of town west along the highway, but stops at the Collie Cemetery gates.
Council plans to apply for several grants to help fund the new cycleway, including from the Department of Transport Regional Bike Network, Lotteries, South West Development Commission and other local sources.
Part of the funding will be for the development of a Collie Bike Plan.
Have your say. What do you think about council's plan for a new bike path to Allanson? Email josh.delpino@fairfaxmedia.com. au.
