WA Bicycle Network GrantsApplication GuidelinesFor 2021–22/2022-23 Grant Rounds

West Swan Road, City of Swan

Department of Transport

PURPOSE AND BACKGROUNDThe Western Australian Bicycle Network (WABN) grants program is an initiative of the Western Australian State Government, administered by the Department of Transport (DoT).

Grant funding is available to local governments in Western Australia, up to 50 per cent of the total project cost, for the planning and implementation of bicycle network infrastructure in accordance with State Government priorities set out in the WABN Plan.

Projects are encouraged to be staged over two financial years to facilitate high quality planning and design. To enable project staging, funding may be applied for in both the 2020–21 and 2021–22 financial years.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact DoT to discuss their project proposals before submission via wabngrants@transport.wa.gov.au, 6551 6474 (metropolitan projects) or 6551 6752 (regional projects).

Desired outcomesThe project being proposed should achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

à Increased safety for people on bikes

à Connection and access to strategic destinations, such as:

- education centres (schools, TAFE, universities, colleges);

- railway and bus stations;

- employment and business hubs;

- shops and activity centres;

- recreation opportunities (beaches, parks, sporting clubs/venues); and/or

- tourist attractions.

à Increased cycle tourism opportunities

EligibilityLocal Government Authorities (LGAs) are eligible for up to 50 per cent of the total project cost for:

à Bicycle infrastructure feasibility studies and concept planning

à Bicycle infrastructure detailed design

à Bicycle infrastructure construction

à Local bike plans

Project proposals must include details of planned activities relating to consultation, activation and evaluation elements of the project.

Project proposals will be strengthened where cycling infrastructure development is combined with any or all of the following:

à End-of-trip (EOT) and mid-trip facilities, such as bicycle maintenance stands, bike parking, rest locations, wayfinding

à Development of amenities and destinations adjacent to the path, such as bicycle skills tracks, natural planting, etc.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

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Grant funding cannot be used for infrastructure maintenance or minor upgrades. A significant increase to the level of service provided must be provided for the project to be deemed a major upgrade, such as replacement of a 1.2 metre footpath with a 3 metre shared path on a primary or secondary route.

Projects solely comprised of on-road line or symbol marking are not eligible for WABN funding.

Internal project management or administration costs (overheads) are limited to a maximum of 10 per cent of the requested grant amount.

All metropolitan-based projects submitted for grant funding need to be guided by the Long Term Cycle Network for Perth and Peel.

All regional projects submitted for funding within areas that have published or drafted regional 2050 cycling strategies need to be guided by the five-year action plan included in the strategy.

Assessment criteriaApplicants will be assessed against the following criteria:

à Demonstration of internal organisational collaboration between infrastructure and community services teams.

à Demonstration of Elected Member / Executive support.

à Demonstration of consultation undertaken (or planned) with project and community stakeholders e.g. Public Transport Authority, Main Roads Western Australia, local community, businesses and schools, residents, etc., with evidence of support for the project (where applicable).

à Alignment of the proposed project with a route identified in the endorsed Long Term Cycle Network for Perth and Peel or a Regional 2050 Cycling Strategy (if one is available), as well as in a local bicycle network plan and/or other strategic documents.

à Understanding of the project’s key issues and challenges and how they will be addressed.

à Connectivity to key destinations and existing/planned cycle network.

FUNDING LIMITSGrant funding is available for up to 50 per cent of the total cost of the proposed project. Combined funding from any State Government agencies is to be no greater than 50 per cent of the total project cost.

The remaining 50 per cent can be sourced from a combination of local or Federal Government funds and non-government sources, however a minimum of 25 per cent must come from the local government. Detailed budget estimates are required of shortlisted projects that progress through to full application.

If the total project cost does not meet these criteria, contact the Cycling Team to discuss eligibility.

Key dates

Expression of Interest (EOI) round open 2 – 24 June 2020

Shortlisted projects notified and invited to submit a full proposal Mid July 2020

Full proposal applications round open 20 July – 19 August 2020

Applicants advised of outcomes Late 2020

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GRANT INFRASTRUCTURE TYPESThe WA Bicycle Network Grants can be used to fund the following types of infrastructure:

Off-road infrastructure The DoT Shared and Separated Path Guidelines will be available mid-July 2020 to provide practitioners with guidance surrounding the planning and design of shared and bicycle-only (separated) paths.

Shared paths

Shared paths are appropriate where demand exists for both a pedestrian path and a bicycle path, but the expected intensity of use by either group is not sufficient to warrant separation.

à In the Perth metropolitan area and large regional cities/towns, red asphalt shared paths with a minimum width of 3 metres will typically be given preference.

à In small and medium regional towns preference will be given to paths with a width of 2.5 metres or more.

à Red asphalt is the preferred surface treatment, although DoT recognises in some locations concrete may be appropriate. In the case of concrete paths, locked-joints are required.

à The edge of the shared path must be at least 500mm from any obstacles e.g. power poles and at least 300mm from the back of kerb. Where this cannot be accommodated, the detailed design must include mitigation actions such as tapered line marking and reflective treatments.

Separated paths

Separated paths provide dedicated areas for bicycle and pedestrian movements on the same path. They should be considered where there are likely to be significant numbers of both pedestrians and bike riders wanting to use the path. Separated paths have minimum widths greater than the shared path minimums detailed above. Refer to the DoT Shared and Separated Path Guidelines for more information.

Exclusive bicycle paths are completely separate from pedestrian paths and may be appropriate where there is significant cycling demand.

On-road infrastructure Protected bicycle lanes

Protected bicycle lanes provide a physical separation of bike riders from motor vehicles on a road. Protection may include kerbs (concrete, rubber), planters etc. Lanes may be single or bi-directional. Protection can be provided for the full alignment, or only at key conflict areas depending on location and traffic volumes and speeds.

Safe Active Streets Program Safe active streets

Safe active streets are cycle routes on quiet local streets, where speeds have been reduced to 30 km/h to allow for a safer shared street space. With lower traffic speeds, the streets are much safer for pedestrians and riders of all ages and abilities, as well as for people driving.

Safe active street routes form part of the wider bicycle network, connecting to off-road shared paths and linking community amenities such as schools, railway stations or shops.

Additional landscaping and amenities also help make the streets more attractive places to ride and walk.

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Implementation of safe active streets can be complex and DoT recommends a three to four year program using the following steps.

à Route selection and feasibility

à Concept planning and consultation

à Detailed design

à Construction

à Activation, evaluation and asset management

More information on the Safe Active Streets Program can be found on the DoT website. If you are planning to apply for a grant for a safe active street, please contact DoT to discuss your project before submission.

Please note: Safe active street projects are now funded by DoT on a 50-50 basis with local government.

Intersection and traffic calming treatments

Intersection and traffic calming treatments are those that improve movements and safety, as well as increasing street amenity. These may include full intersection redesign, or the introduction of cycle phasing or lanterns.

OtherA combination of different types of infrastructure is also acceptable and can be selected and described in the application forms.

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PROJECT STAGING As a general guide, it is expected that infrastructure projects consider the following process, with six main stages:

1. Scope includes route planning, project scoping (including proposed timeline, feasibility studies, and budget), stakeholder mapping and setting out major milestones for subsequent stages. These items are requested in the application forms.

2. Concept and Activation, Consultation and Evaluation (ACE) includes consultation finalising a concept design, planning activation and undertaking pre-construction evaluation. Depending on the size and scope of the project, some of these items may overlap with the next stage.

3. Detailed design includes developing a design endorsed by the LGA, DoT and any other relevant decision-makers with detailed specifications suitable for construction and refined construction cost estimates and timelines.

4. Construction includes selecting the contractor, building the project, preparing to deliver activation, and installing signage and line marking. This phase is considered complete when the project acquittal form is received, including the mandatory bike video survey.

NOTE: Projects submitted for construction-only funding are expected to have a construction-ready design that has been consulted on with stakeholders and community and approved by relevant agencies.

5. Activate includes undertaking activation initiatives to encourage people to use the new infrastructure and delivery of any outstanding evaluation measures.

6. Monitor and improve improve occurs beyond the provision of grant funding and involves ongoing activation, maintenance, and evaluation of the infrastructure with the results shared with DoT. Improvement of the path through additional facilities and upgrades is encouraged.

Activation, Consultation and Evaluation (ACE) GuidanceThe WABN Grants ACE Guidance has been developed to assist in the planning, delivering and recording of the engagement and evaluation aspects of all grant projects. These are essential aspects of projects that have been embedded into delivery to ensure that projects can be implemented successfully, more fully serve the needs of local communities, attract different types of users, and leverage better returns on investment. An ACE Plan and Report Form is provided at the commencement of projects and ACE milestones are included in all grant agreement contracts, including bike planning, design and construction projects

There are several mandatory requirements for ACE and it is recommended that resources are assigned to undertake related activities

Mandatory ACE items:

à Activation – promotion of grant project through local media release and/or stories

à Consultation – consultation summary and connectivity map

à Evaluation – bike video survey (construction projects only)

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CONNECTIVITY MAPSThe connectivity map is an essential part of all EOI and Full Proposal applications. It should clearly lay out the location and alignment of the proposed project, as well as how it would connect to the existing pathways/cycle network and provide valuable connections to local destinations. When creating your connectivity map, please use the legend and layout below for guidance.

Legend:

Existing pathways / cycle network

Proposed path alignment

Future pathways

Education centres

Railway and bus stations

Employment and business hubs

Shops and activity centres

Recreation and/or tourist attractions

The map should be a minimum A4 size and while maps are accepted in different formats, PDF format is preferred. Hand drawn layers are acceptable provided they are legible. If you already have a concept plan, that can be attached along with the map in place of the site plan.

Suggested process: à Create the base map in your preferred mapping portal (e.g. Intramaps, Google Maps, etc.)

à Overlay the locations of paths (and other assets) and land uses

à Export to PDF and place in PowerPoint or Word Document and insert annotations (text boxes)

Layout: à Area map – showing the items outlined in

the legend across a broader area

à Site map – showing the proposed path alignment in more detail

Area Map Site Map

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Area map Site map

Example connectivity map: Shire of Augusta-Margaret River (created using Intramaps with annotation inserted in PowerPoint)

BICYCLE NETWORK PLANS AND OTHER FUNDINGBicycle network plans provide a vision for bike riding across a region and/or local government area or sub-local area, with key recommendations for promoting bike riding and improving bicycle access, connectivity, and safety.

DoT recognises the need for consistent bicycle network planning across local government boundaries and has been working in collaboration with local authorities to establish several long-term cycling network strategies across the state.

The following information provides an update on bicycle network planning work and how this affects the grants program.

Perth and PeelThe Long-Term Cycle Network for Perth and Peel has been drafted in collaboration with 33 local government authorities across the Perth and Peel regions and is currently being submitted for endorsement by Councils.

This aspirational blueprint will be critical for State and local governments working together towards the delivery of one continuous bicycle network over the long term. The network has been categorised according to the WA Cycle Network Hierarchy as outlined in the WABN Plan.

Importantly, the network identified is high-level and will be responsive to local and broader scale factors, with all updates to be agreed by State and local government and updates to occur periodically. It is anticipated that the prioritisation of projects to be delivered will be undertaken through local bike planning processes in consultation with the State Government.

Regional WADoT is working with local governments across regional WA to develop long term cycling strategies for identified regional centres and their surrounding areas. Eleven strategies are planned, with five already published. More information can be found online.

The regional strategies include a five-year action plan with prioritised projects, however this does not necessarily replace a local bike plan.

Local Bike Planning GuidelinesDoT’s Local Bike Planning Guidelines are currently under review and will be released in 2021 ahead of 2021-22 grants round projects commencing. If you are commencing the development of a Local Bike Plan in the mean-time, please contact us to discuss your proposed approach.

Connecting SchoolsTo be eligible for grants, schools must participate in the Your Move travel behaviour change program and encourage students to get active on their way to and from school. Grants range from $750–$15,000 and applications are completed through the Your Move website.

Schools are eligible for different grant packages based on the level of program accreditation achieved each year and the completion of hands up surveys at the start and end of the year.

The types of items that can be funded include bike racks and scooter parking, bike repair stations, bike shelters, bike and road safety education courses, wayfinding, or place making initiatives on school grounds. The grant scheme runs on a 100% DoT funding model and is based on the financial year with schools able to redeem grants for a period of six months from July–December each year.

Visit the Your Move website and search “Connecting Schools” for more information.

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APPLICATION PROCESS

How to applyContact the DoT Cycling Team via wabngrants@transport.wa.gov.au or 6551 6474 (metropolitan projects) or 6551 6752 (regional projects) to discuss your project proposal prior to submitting an application.

The application process comprises two stages:

Stage one: Fill out an EOI form and submit along with any required support material. EOIs will be shortlisted by DoT to ensure consistency with program eligibility criteria.

Required supporting material at EOI:

à Connectivity map (as described on page 7 of these Guidelines and page 5 of the EOI form)

Stage two: If your project EOI is shortlisted you will be invited by DoT to submit a detailed application via the full proposal application form.

Required supporting material at Full Proposal Application includes:

à Connectivity map (as described on page 5 of the full application form);

à Photos and/or video showing the current condition of the proposed project location (a video survey of the route is preferred);

à Extracts from, or links to relevant plans and/or strategies;

à Correspondence from key project and community stakeholders demonstrating support for the project; and

à Proposed project timeline using the template provided.

Unless otherwise discussed with DOT prior to submission:

à Projects commencing at detailed design must be submitted with a concept plan or bicycle network plan abstract with specific reference to the project; and

à Construction only projects must be submitted with design drawings and a consultation summary.

Submitting applications:Electronic submissions (not scanned) are required and can be emailed to the Cycling Team via the ‘submit form’ button at the end of the application document. The form must be completed with the required digital signature, not an inserted or scanned signature. Click the signature box and follow the prompts to insert/create a digital signature.

Successful applicants

Successful applicants will be required to enter into a Grant Agreement Contract with DoT. This agreement contract will detail the obligations of both parties, including but not limited to funding and payment details, reporting requirements, communication protocols, agreed outcomes and acquittal conditions.

An acquittal form will be provided by DoT and must be submitted on completion of the project with the following information included:

à A summary of project details inclusive of evidence applicable to the project for example a copy of the final design drawings, images of completed infrastructure (located on a map of the route);

à A statement of actual project cost and actual DoT funding request;

à A statement of expenditure with copies of invoices certified by an authorised signatory (usually Director level or above); and

à For construction projects, a bike video survey of the entirety of the route funded.

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© STATE GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Published by the Department of Transport 140 William StreetPerth Western Australia 6000

Telephone: 13 11 56Website: www.transport.wa.gov.au

This document is current as of May 2020.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is provided in good faith and believed to be accurate at time of publication. The State shall in no way be liable for loss sustained or incurred by anyone relying on the information.