Another piece of Collie's bike trail reputation has been put together with the Shire of Collie receiving more than $300,000 in state government funding.
The funding will be used to complete the fourth and final stage of the Collie River Trail.
The news comes just in time for Bike Week 2019, which runs from March 15 - 24 and celebrates Western Australians riding bikes for transport, fun and healthier lifestyles.
The funding comprises of two grants with $210,000 for the design and construction for stage four of the Collie River Trail.
This consists of a 3.3km long, 2.5m wide red asphalt shared path which will connect Jack Mears Spring to Minninup Pool.
The other $100,000 will be used for a shared path circuit around the northern and southern banks of the Collie River from the Coombe Street Bridge to the East End Bridge.
The shared red asphalt path of a 2km, 2.5m wide, will also connect to the start of the Collie Town Mountain Trails that are currently under construction.
Stage four will extend the Collie River dual-use-path to Minninup pool to provide a better quality trail and to link these natural attractions to the CBD, Collie Senior High School, Lions Park and Soldiers Park, and to the Munda Biddi and Bibbulmun trails.
Crank'n Cycles owner Erik Mellegers said there were two huge benefits to stage four of the project.
"From a community point of view is there is finally an accessible link to Minninup Pool without having to cut through the golf course or walk along the main road," he said.
"Over the years I have seen particularly kids and teenagers walking down Mungalup Road riding to Minninup.
"So I think it's important from that point of view that it is a safe link to one of Collie's biggest tourism draw cards."
Mr Mellegers said the trail would also link Soldiers Park to Minninup with some amazing views of the golf course and the river, creating a marketable asset.
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said the grants would improve the communities bike network, making it safer and more accessible.
“Improving our bicycle network will have a fantastic effect on the tourism potential of our town and goes further putting Collie on the map as a cycling destination," he said.
“Improving the surface of the existing tracks provides a safer route for cyclists and walkers and also allows people with wheelchairs or mobility scooters to use the shared paths.
“I encourage all residents to give riding a go to keep fit and see more of our wonderful town.”
Shire of Collie president Sarah Stanley said it was another piece of a very large puzzle coming together.
"This is just one really important part of our overall strategy that we are working towards to become Western Australians first recognised trail town," she said.
The shire is one of 40 local councils who are sharing more than $6.4 million in bicycle grants.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said across the board there was huge benefits in allowing Western Australians easier access to ride their bikes.
“To get more people riding more often, cycling needs to be accessible and safe, with facilities that encourage new riders to give it a go," she said.
“These grants support local governments to deliver high quality, continuous and safe cycling infrastructure that is connected to local amenities and integrated with public transport providing opportunities for those who want to ride their bike for leisure or as part of their daily commute.
“The grants program is just one of many ways we are working collaboratively with local governments to enhance recreational, commuter and tourism cycling experiences for residents and visitors to the state.”
The shire is one of 40 local councils who are sharing more than $6.4 million in bicycle grants.
For more information about Bike Week, go to www.westcycle.org.au/bikeweek/.
