CYCLISTS wants laws changed to allow anyone to ride on footpaths in Victoria and NSW.

The two states are the only ones that don’t allow bike riders on pedestrian walkways and the Bicycle Network is pushing for change ahead of the Victorian state election.

At the moment you are only allowed to ride on footpaths in Victoria until you are 12 years old. In NSW children can ride up to footpaths until they are 16.

According to the Bicycle Network, these laws force children who are still building their bike skills and confidence to mix with traffic and trucks. It discourages them from riding to school and living a healthy, active lifestyle.

It also separates siblings if for example, one is 11 years old and the other is 12 years old.

But not everyone is supportive of the campaign.

Pedestrian groups say sharing with footpaths with cyclists puts them in more danger.

A study commissioned by Victoria Walks, Vision Australia and the Council on the Ageing shows changing the rules could make walkways more unsafe and expose people to accidents.

“The research review found between 6 and 17 per cent of all cyclist crashes in Australia and New Zealand occurred on footpaths, even though footpath cycling was not allowed in most areas,” Victoria Walks executive officer Ben Rossiter told the Herald Sun.

“Footpaths are not designed for cycling. Most are narrow, often in poor condition, with overhanging trees and high fences blocking views of vehicles coming out of driveways.

“While we understand the risks cyclists face on busy roads, making our footpaths less safe for everyone is hardly a solution.”

Should cyclists be allowed to ride on footpaths? Comment below.