WA’s best junior bike riders gave the new Mooro-Beeloo Bridge BMX and Mountain Bike Facility the thumbs up as the $1m facility was officially opened by Transport Minister and Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti MLA this morning.
World under-12 BMX champion, Amelie Reid, and 15-year-old State track champ, Cooper Dunlop, praised the track’s design and flow.
“It’s brilliant fun for all kinds of riders,” said Amelie. “I can imagine coming here to practice.”
“It feels good to ride it,” said Cooper. “It’s a pretty sick track actually.”
‘Massive demand’ for bike riding facilities
Minister Saffioti said more spaces like the Mooro-Beeloo Bridge (formerly Redcliffe Bridge) underpass were set to come online as community sites that could include bike riding facilities.
“As we elevate rail and build new bridges we want to create spaces like this and we know there is a massive demand from bike riders who are either learning or very good like Amelie and Cooper,” said Minister Saffioti.
“It’s another great example of our expanded PSP network here below the Tonkin Highway. You can actually ride here very easily.”
The innovative 4-track facility, constructed by Three Chillies Design also features Aboriginal artworks, a yarning circle, a riverside sandy beach and CCTV. Soundwalls up top on the bridge itself limit vehicle noise to a distant hum.
Safe green spaces
WestCycle Mountain Bike Manager Marg McIlroy applauded the government for including bike riding facilities as part of major infrastructure projects.
“The transformation of the normally wasted area into a safe space for kids and young adults to participate in outdoor activities close to home is commendable,” said McIlroy.
“The pump track and mountain bike skills loop is constructed using natural materials with rocks and log features, replicating the natural environment to create a safe green space. The features and track design caters for the beginner and the elite rider providing opportunities for skill progression.”
She added: “Urban Mountain Bike facilities are in high demand and we have already seen a lot of interest from the mountain bike community in this facility.
The benefits it can bring to the community are well known, such as an increase in physical and mental health, reduced crime and vandalism rates and long term economic value to the community.”
While the track is open as of today (1 March), Premier Roger Cook announced a ‘community celebration’ of the facility would happen on Sunday, 14 April.
