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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I have seen small number plates years ago too, but usually had the bike owner's name in it. Similar to these.

View attachment 58850
Never seen these in W.A. yet but then we are behind the rest of Australia, aren't we? Perhaps it has something to do with the big divide in the middle of Aust. between us & the Eastern States?
 
Never seen these in W.A. yet but then we are behind the rest of Australia, aren't we? Perhaps it has something to do with the big divide in the middle of Aust. between us & the Eastern States?
Having lived less than 1% of my life in Perth, please keep it that way!

The three eastern states, namely NSW, Queensland and Victoria are the pits compared to Western Australia! I have lived in all three for about 10 years minimum.
 
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The amount of bike riders not wearing helmets is still ridiculous and you still see riders flying out of side streets on to the 3 lane highway with only a quick scan of the traffic and sometimes even travel into the oncoming cars until they can flick over to the medium strip to do it all again. I'm sure if these riders are hurt the finger is always pointed at the driver and not the recklessness of the riders.
 
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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?
Don't buy them!!
 
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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?
Are you OK?
 
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A few months ago, whilst at traffic lights, a stupid off road bike rider, no helmet, up on one wheel came zooming through the intersection and against the traffic lights straight in front of us how he was missed I'll never know ,,,, no hat on either. In the past couple of years there have been two other bike riders killed at the next intersection. But what can be done? these off road bike riders don't pay road tax nor insurance -we do. Can you just imagine what it was like for the innocent drivers unlucky enough to be the ones the bikes ran into? They will not forget, even thought it was NOT their fault.
 
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A few months ago, whilst at traffic lights, a stupid off road bike rider, no helmet, up on one wheel came zooming through the intersection and against the traffic lights straight in front of us how he was missed I'll never know ,,,, no hat on either. In the past couple of years there have been two other bike riders killed at the next intersection. But what can be done? these off road bike riders don't pay road tax nor insurance -we do. Can you just imagine what it was like for the innocent drivers unlucky enough to be the ones the bikes ran into? They will not forget, even thought it was NOT their fault.
And the relevance of being "offroad bike rider"? Just another idiot committing an offence. Punish the action, not the machine.
 
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.)
OK, don't let them on the road then, they don't pay rego or insurance and they're a hazard to themselves and everyone else.
 
And the relevance of being "offroad bike rider"? Just another idiot committing an offence. Punish the action, not the machine.
The first thing that comes to mind is that this type of machine wouldn't be licenced & was being ridden illegally in that location. Punish the rider & impound the bike as if it were a car.
 
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A few months ago, whilst at traffic lights, a stupid off road bike rider, no helmet, up on one wheel came zooming through the intersection and against the traffic lights straight in front of us how he was missed I'll never know ,,,, no hat on either. In the past couple of years there have been two other bike riders killed at the next intersection. But what can be done? these off road bike riders don't pay road tax nor insurance -we do. Can you just imagine what it was like for the innocent drivers unlucky enough to be the ones the bikes ran into? They will not forget, even thought it was NOT their fault.
Was the person in question riding a mountain bike or a motorised trail bike? Most trail bikes are registered for road use in Australia.
 
OK, don't let them on the road then, they don't pay rego or insurance and they're a hazard to themselves and everyone else.
As I said. If you understand
The first thing that comes to mind is that this type of machine wouldn't be licenced & was being ridden illegally in that location. Punish the rider & impound the bike as if it were a car.
Again. It is the operator. Some offroad motorcycles can be and are registrable. Please don't paint everything with the one brush. It's like saying all truck drivers, take drugs and all Vovo drivers can't drive. Illegal and dumb shit happens and authorities have to take appropriate actions, as the injury and death toll continues to rise.
 
Hmm - having been nearly ploughed over as a speeding cyclist wove his way along a crowded footpath, ignoring the parallel bike path, & a friend badly injured ditto by a cyclist who shot off down the footpath taking no responsibility, I suggest: 1/ they should pass a cycling test to get a licence after learning all the road rules for cyclists, 2/ their bikes have a registration plate so offenders can be tracked down, 3/ and if they have to ride on the road, ride on the opposite side to motor traffic so they can be seen.
4/ No cycling on footpaths at all.
 
... Illegal and dumb shit happens and authorities have to take appropriate actions, as the injury and death toll continues to rise.
I recommend you check the statistics I posted earlier. You will see that the statistics regarding cyclists deaths over the last 11 years does not show a continuing rise.

In terms of all Road Deaths, Australia's fatality rate dropped by 11.4% between 2013 and 2022. Though the rest of the OECD had a better result, with a 20.8% decline in the same period.
Bitre.gov.au
 
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As I said. If you understand

Again. It is the operator. Some offroad motorcycles can be and are registrable. Please don't paint everything with the one brush. It's like saying all truck drivers, take drugs and all Vovo drivers can't drive. Illegal and dumb shit happens and authorities have to take appropriate actions, as the injury and death toll continues to rise.
You said, 'Some ....can be..' Isn't that the same as saying, 'NOT ALL ARE?'

How many actually register their machines? All those l have seen being ridden on the road or on the back of trailers in W.A. are all unregistered.

( Did you mean Volvo drivers & not Vovo drivers? )
 
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You said, 'Some ....can be..' Isn't that the same as saying, 'NOT ALL ARE?'

How many actually register their machines? All those l have seen being ridden on the road or on the back of trailers in W.A. are all unregistered.

( Did you mean Volvo drivers & not Volvo drivers? )
Merry Christmas 🎅
 
I recommend you check the statistics I posted earlier. You will see that the statistics regarding cyclists deaths over the last 11 years does not show a continuing rise.

In terms of all Road Deaths, Australia's fatality rate dropped by 11.4% between 2013 and 2022. Though the rest of the OECD had a better result, with a 20.8% decline in the same period.
Bitre.gov.au
And injuries?
 
And injuries?
Only hospitalisations are available, and they show a significant rise between 2012-2016 (34,024 - 38,963), after which there was a review of the methodology.

I don't have the time to go through the report to see the reasons for this.

After the review a much slower rise between 2017-2019 (39,339 - 39,866) was identified followed by a significant fall in 2020 (37,966), with an incomplete bounce back in 2021 (39,505)
Bitre.gov.au

So again no statistical data of a sustained increasing trend in recent years.
 

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