WITH the Tour D’Esperance just around the corner, the Esperance Shire has received $42,000 in funding from a State Government scheme designed to improve cycling facilities in regional WA.

The Country Pathways Grant Scheme (CPGS), administered by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DPI), is designed to bring much-needed cyclist and pedestrian shared path facilities to regional areas.

The money will be used to create a 1,762 metre asphalt shared path on Twilight Beach Road, to provide additional walking and cycling opportunities for residents and the many tourists who visit the area.

The paths will connect pedestrian and cycle traffic with the existing shared path network to the popular town beaches.

DPI minister Alannah MacTiernan said shared pathways played a vital role in regional areas.

“Shared paths help residents increase their fitness, either through walking or cycling and provide more sustainable transport options within a community,” Ms MacTiernan said.

"This year, a total of 80 project applications were received for the CPGS, which demonstrates a strong demand for these paths and the success of the program.”

The application was particularly fruitful for the Esperance Shire, with only the Shires of Port Hedland, Busselton and Denmark being awarded more funds.