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Changes to regulations to allow cyclists of any age on footpaths

New rules bring WA into line with the rest of Australia

Changes made as a result of widespread consultation with stakeholders

The State Government has again allowed common sense and safety to prevail in allowing cyclists of any age to ride along footpaths.

Deputy Premier and Road Safety Minister Liza Harvey said changes to the Road Traffic Code 2000 brought Western Australia into line with the rest of Australia and was a common sense move which would improve safety.

"From today, it is legal for parents to ride side by side with their child along a footpath. For example, if someone is not comfortable riding to the shops along the road, they can now choose to ride on the footpath without breaking the law," she said.

"This is a common sense change and targeted at parents and leisure cyclists who travel at low speed and do not feel comfortable riding on the road."

Under the previous rules, only children aged under 12 years could ride a bicycle on footpaths.

Mrs Harvey said the changes were made after extensive consultation, including the State Government's Cycling Safety Roundtable last year.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the Government's Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Group found permitting cyclists of all ages on footpaths had safety benefits and very low risks to pedestrians as evidenced in other States.

"However, local government bylaws can still ban cycling on specific footpaths if bicycle and pedestrians movements are deemed incompatible, for example outside aged care facilities," he said.

Mr Nalder said the State Government had allocated $75.1 million over four years to improve safety and bike network connectivity for West Australians.

"This includes $34.4 million for major cycling projects associated with road projects and $37.7 million for local government grants and principal shared paths," he said.

Fact File

Consultation extended to peak senior and disability organisations including Council on the Ageing, Blind Citizens WA, Inclusion WA, and People with Disabilities WA

The Cycling and Pedestrian Cycling Advisory Group included the Road Safety Commission, Main Roads WA, Department of Transport, WALGA, Blind Citizens WA, and Bicycling Western Australia

Deputy Premier and Road Safety Minister's office - 6552 5900

Transport Minister's office - 6552 6400