State resorts to significant road rule change over increased road-related incidents

As the sun rises over the Australian landscape, so does the number of cyclists weaving through our bustling streets and serene country roads.

The sight of e-bikes and scooters gliding alongside cars is becoming increasingly common, a testament to our nation's embrace of alternative transportation.

Yet, with this surge in popularity comes a shadow of concern: the safety of these two-wheeled travellers is at risk, and the statistics are sounding the alarm.



In the latest reporting period ending September 2023, the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) delivered a sobering statistic: 43 cyclists lost their lives on Australian roads, marking a staggering 33 per cent increase from the previous year.

This rise in cyclist deaths outpaces any other road user group, signalling a need for urgent action.


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There has been an increase in cyclist deaths on Australian roads. Credit: Shutterstock


Western Australia, in particular, is feeling the weight of this tragic trend. With five cyclist fatalities recorded in 2023 alone, the state is now considering a significant road rule change.

The Nationals WA, led by deputy leader Peter Rundle, are advocating for a law that would make high-visibility apparel mandatory for cyclists and e-scooter riders on shared roads.

'Anything we can do to reduce the probability of someone getting injured or dying is really important,' Rundle stated, acknowledging the potential life-saving impact of such a measure.

While enforcing this rule may present challenges for the police, the hope is that riders will voluntarily adopt the practice, recognising its potential to safeguard their lives.

If the proposal gains traction, it could become a cornerstone of the Nationals' campaign in the upcoming state election.



Currently, safety measures for cyclists in WA include recommendations to wear ‘brightly coloured or reflective clothing to increase visibility’, however, it’s not compulsory.

This advice is echoed in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.

Helmets are mandatory, and the use of bike reflectors or lights is strongly encouraged. This is especially true given that, as reported by Victoria's Transport Accident Commission, the majority of bike-related crashes occur at intersections, when exiting paths or driveways, or due to 'dooring' incidents.

The relationship between cyclists and motorists is complex, often marred by frustration and misunderstanding.

Motorists sometimes express irritation at cyclists on the road, while cyclists argue that bike lanes are frequently obstructed or poorly maintained, forcing them onto the road for safety reasons.



Peter McLean, CEO of Bicycle NSW, highlighted issues such as debris, access, and surface problems as reasons why cyclists might avoid designated lanes.

‘Sometimes there's debris in the lanes, and they're not always well cleaned. Often there's access issues as well as obstructions and problems with the surface,’ he said.

Cyclist Peter Moore supported the high-vis proposal, acknowledging that ‘being in hi-vis would highlight you’ as sometimes drivers are complacent and ‘unaware of their surroundings’.

However, Wayne Bradshaw, head of WA's peak cycling body, argued that more needs to be done to address risky driving behaviors, such as distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence.
Key Takeaways
  • Cyclist deaths in Australia have increased, leading to calls for a new road rule to make high-vis apparel compulsory for cyclists and e-scooter riders on shared roads in Western Australia.
  • The proposal is being considered by The Nationals WA, with deputy leader Peter Rundle highlighting its importance in reducing road fatalities.
  • Current safety advice includes wearing brightly coloured or reflective clothing and the compulsory use of helmets, with bike reflectors or lights recommended.
  • Tensions exist between cyclists and motorists, with cyclists sometimes avoiding cycle lanes due to issues such as debris, obstructions, and problems with the surface.
Have you had close calls on the road? Do you believe high-vis apparel could make a difference? Or perhaps you have suggestions for improving cyclist safety? Share your thoughts and stories with us in the comments below.
 
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Helmets, lights and hi-vis vests shoud be mandatory for cyclists.
If they don't want to comply or are not interested in trying to improve their safety then get off the road.
They are disadvantaged from the start by the large speed differential when compared to vehicles. This is not helped when they suddenly appear off a footpath onto the road, ride through red lights or against the flow of traffic. I think it's time for cyclists to have a road users rule book similar to vehicle drivers. They want to share the roads then have the same responsibility.
 
Any fatal accident is a tragedy for the family and friends of the deceased.

However I recall working with a cyclist who was injured in a accident with a government bus.

He was adamant that the fault lay with the 'inattention' of the bus driver and this was the basis of a campaign by cyclists who demanded buses be banned from cycle lanes.

Fortunately the police thoroughly investigated the incident and found witnesses who observed the cyclist had been riding reclessly fast the wrong direction down a one way street while not wearing a helmet and had attempted to beat the bus across the intersection.

So I wonder how many of the 43 cyclist fatalities (3.4% of the total 1,266 road deaths) were not obeying the road rules themselves.

And I feel sorry for the police who will have the unenviable task of trying to enforce this proposal, if it is implemented, on people many of whom still refuse to wear helmets.
 
Cyclists use the road as if they have the right of way. They seem to think that every otehr driver has to take on the responsibility for the riders safety and they themselves has no obligation to ride safely and take it seriously. Riding two and sometimes three abreast is commonplace in Perth and surrounds.
 
If cyclists want to share the roads with other vehicles, the rules of driving and for vehicle registration should be the same for all users of the roads. Regos and third party insurance should be mandatory. So many cyclists disregard the road rules, blaming the motor vehicles, but get away with it. It’s little wonder the bicycle riders’ injuries and fatalities are on the increase.
 
All comments so far, have brought up valid arguments. It is high time that every state and territory begin by making every bike rider become licensed & registered road users. Complete with insurance. Lanes have been specifically made for them.

And yes, they believe they have the right to use the whole road any time, and anywhere they want.

They must be made to obey all the road rules that car and motorbike riders adhere to.
Helmets, lights and hi-vis vests shoud be mandatory for cyclists.
If they don't want to comply or are not interested in trying to improve their safety then get off the road.
They are disadvantaged from the start by the large speed differential when compared to vehicles. This is not helped when they suddenly appear off a footpath onto the road, ride through red lights or against the flow of traffic. I think it's time for cyclists to have a road users rule book similar to vehicle drivers. They want to share the roads then have the same responsibility.
And bells.
 
So Wayne Bradshaw, head of WA's peak cycling body thinks more should be done about drivers inattention, like what. Driving under the influence and speeding, there's already laws against that.
I would have thought, if he had any brains, that he would back these new proposals for bike riders to take some added responsibility for their own safety.
So many of them still don't wear helmets
They seem to think they are a law unto themselves, no wonder so many of them are getting injured and killed.
 
Mare them pay insurance so our premiums stop rising and they should ride single file on rural roads.
Another misunderstood viewpoint. If you look at all the road rules. You'll see what you suggest won't make much difference. A lot of drivers don't know, the law is you must leave your lane to overtake. (Exceptions are in some states where the 1 and 1.5 metre rules are in place.)
 
Cyclists use the road as if they have the right of way. They seem to think that every otehr driver has to take on the responsibility for the riders safety and they themselves has no obligation to ride safely and take it seriously. Riding two and sometimes three abreast is commonplace in Perth and surrounds.
It's everyone's responsibility to not cause harm to others. Drivers and riders do break the law. So enforcement, not road rage is the answer.
 
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Almost 3 years ago, when these electric pests were not as common as now, I moved off after a red light had turned green. I had moved half a car length (IE just across the 'STOP' line, when a scooter came from my left and the rider put his hand on the bonnet of my car as he sped past.
Two points.
1. the rider ran a red light.
2 the rider was going way too fast on the footpath.
 
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Almost 3 years ago, when these electric pests were not as common as now, I moved off after a red light had turned green. I had moved half a car length (IE just across the 'STOP' line, when a scooter came from my left and the rider put his hand on the bonnet of my car as he sped past.
Two points.
1. the rider ran a red light.
2 the rider was going way too fast on the footpath.
Enforcement issue. Also, there is no training and skill tests .
 
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@Arg, it is apparent that you are a proponent of the lycra clad clan of idiots who think that road rules do not apply to them. This is evident by the number of :( emojis in response to EVERY post on this subject.

I live in an area of Perth where cyclists flaunt the law EVERY minute of the day. Going through roundabouts without regard to other road users, going from road to footpath and back again, putting pedestrians at risk from the unpredictable and erratic behaviour. There are numerous pedestrian/cyclist shared pathways where cyclists race round at speeds of over 50 kmh and missing pedestrians by mere centimetres! The law states that pedestrians and mobility appliance users HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY on these shared pathways.

It has got to the stage where I am seriously considering purchasing a two metre length of heavy gauge metal pipe and coathanger the offenders!

@Arg, what is your response to the above or will you slink away in denial?
 
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not only is it important to wear a helmet , it also helps if it is done up. So many , especially kids dont do the strap up so if the rider comes of the bike the helmet falls off, not much protection then
 
In W.A. motorists are now, by law, required to allow 1 metre when passing a cyclist.

Members have stated correctly that many do not wear hi-viz clothing making them unseen on the roads.

The recommendations should be made Nationally to protect all cyclists & motorists alike. Regulations for cyclists would also protect them but who will police these regulations? Our Police Force who are already understaffed to the point many officers are being recruited from overseas?

CYCLISTS STAND UP & TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS. REMEMBER, THE LIFE YOU SAVE COULD BE YOUR OWN!

SLIP, SLOP, SLAP. Slip on a helmet. Slop on your hi-viz clothing. Slap your brain into smart mode & stay alive. Road rules are there to protect every road user.

MOTORISTS. REMEMBER THE SLOGAN FROM YEARS AGO:-
LOOK LEFT, LOOK RIGHT, LOOK BIKE.

WE ALL WANT TO GET HOME SAFELY NO MATER WHAT FORM OF TRANSPORT WE USE.
 
not only is it important to wear a helmet , it also helps if it is done up. So many , especially kids dont do the strap up so if the rider comes of the bike the helmet falls off, not much protection then
We used to have a Postie who wore his helmet the same way on his scooter. The postal depot didn't seem to care too much about this when bought to their attention. Just hope he never had an accident where he needed to rely on his helmet.

Some children carry their helmet on the front handle bars. Not going to help them in a fall.

One of our daughters fell off her bike & if not for the helmet, we may not have her today.
 
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That was a slogan from the Motorcycle Riders Association from the 1980s, not anything to do with cyclists.

I had an identical sticker on my motorcycle helmet at the time.
I know a professional cyclist who had this sticker.

Don't you think this applies to all two wheeled vehicles which includes cyclists?
Why should it just apply to two wheel motorised machines?
 
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