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