Boosting pedal power

Esperance is on track to become a cycling destination with a network of mountain bike trails in the pipeline.

Shire of Esperance, Western Australia, is home to around 150 km of cycle paths from pavement to dirt, most with enviable coastal views.

A recently awarded grant of $242,500 from the Federal Government to extend the cycle paths along the foreshore by an extra 1.5km, will be put towards connecting the foreshore and some of the surrounding outer suburbs.

Common Ground Trails has teamed up with the Shire to investigate opportunities to develop possible mountain bike trails in Esperance.

A specialised mountain bike planning and design consultancy, Common Ground Trails will undertake a feasibility study to identify areas potentially suitable for mountain bike facilities and a locally significant network of trails.

The study will also highlight appropriate trail types, taking into account different lengths, degree of difficulty and skill levels.

Shire of Esperance recently played host to Firey Productions who were in town shooting “Caravan and Camping WA” for Channel 7 television. The episode focused on Esperance’s extensive cycle paths.

Also putting their money where their mouth is, Shire staff have caught the cycling bug and are embracing a more sustainable way to travel – electric bicycles!

The staff members wanted to be seen as sustainable leaders within the community, reducing their carbon footprint, and promoting healthy work and lifestyle choices.