New road rule proposal in Aussie state amid increase in cyclist deaths: 'Really important'

The number of e-bikes present on Aussie roads and footpaths has boomed in recent years, adding to the already significant number of cyclists and scooter riders sharing spaces with vehicles across the country.

But as the alternative transport option grows in popularity, so too does the amount of dangerous incidents and collisions, sometimes resulting in death, with calls for a new road rule to be introduced to improve the visibility of those on bikes.

Cyclist deaths in Australia have risen more than any other road user group within the last reporting period ending September 2023. According to Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) figures, 43 cyclists were killed on Australian roads – up 33 per cent on the previous 12 months.

To help curb the growing death toll involving cyclists on roads across Western Australia, a major road rule is now being proposed. The Nationals WA are considering lobbying the government to make high-vis apparel compulsory for cyclists and e-scooter riders on shared roads.

Nationals MP and deputy leader Peter Rundle said the move would be a simple way to reduce rising road fatalities. "Anything we can do to reduce the probability of someone getting injured or dying is really important," the Member for Roe said, the ABC reported.

While he admitted it would be a challenge for police to monitor and enforce, he hoped riders would embrace the idea. If passed in council, the Nationals MP said it would form part of their campaign going into next year's state election.

Current safety measures in place for cyclists

Across WA, five cyclists died on WA roads in 2023. Already, the state's government advises cyclists should wear "brightly coloured or reflective clothing to increase visibility," however it's not mandated. The same advice is given to South Australian residents and those in Victoria and New South Wales.

It is also compulsory for cyclists to wear a helmet with bike reflectors or lights also recommended.

According to Victoria's Transport Accident Commission, crashes involving bike riders are most common at intersections, when leaving a path or driveway or when a car door is opened into a rider’s path (dooring).

Frustrations grow among shared road users

The relationship between cyclists and motorists in Australia is undoubtedly challenging, with both sets of road users often feeling aggrieved by the others' behaviour on the road.

Often car users hit out at bike riders sharing the road. But CEO of Bicycle NSW Peter McLean previously told Yahoo News Australia there are a range of simple reasons why cyclists might not use a designated cycle lane when available, and instead choose to cycle on the road.

"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.

Keen cyclist Peter Moore agrees "being in hi-vis would highlight you," admitting some drivers can be complacent and "unaware" of their surroundings".

The head of WA's peak cycling body Wayne Bradshaw told the ABC more effort was instead needed to address risky behaviour behind the wheel, including distracted driving, speeding, and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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