Cyclists on footpaths forced to ride at walking pace under Salisbury councillor plan

CYCLISTS riding on standard footpaths would be forced to do so at “walking pace” to reduce the chance of collisions with pedestrians, under a plan in Salisbury. HAVE YOUR SAY

Cyclist Gaby Gervasi (30 of Torrensville 0426 206 967) feels much safer riding on the footpath. She is pictured near Henley Beach. STORY: 70% of female cyclists are choosing to ride on footpaths since the law changes .. Pic: Tricia Watkinson

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A SALISBURY councillor wants to implement a rule that requires cyclists riding on standard footpaths to do so at a “walking pace” to reduce the chance of collisions with pedestrians.

But a local cycling group is not too keen on the idea, claiming it would be “a bit extreme”.

Cr Brad Vermeer last week asked council staff to investigate the possibility of creating a new by-law that would restrict cyclists who ride on standard footpaths within his district from riding any faster than the average walking pace of a person — about 5km/h.

Cyclists would still be able to ride at their chosen speed on shared footpaths — paths built specifically for shared use between pedestrians and cyclists — under the potential by-law.

Cr Vermeer wanted the restrictions to be imposed as soon as possible to improve public safety.

“The State Government this year instituted the ability for cyclists to ride on the footpath without essentially any consultation and now local government has to deal with it,” Cr Vermeer said.

“And while I think most cyclists are responsible and don’t ride on the footpath — or when they do ride, they do so at a reasonable pace — there have been numerous recent examples of reckless conduct by cyclists on footpaths, causing injuries to pedestrians.

“The walking pace will at least limit the speed in which cyclists can ride on these footpaths and allow police to have the ability to fine reckless cyclists. The aim is to make footpaths safer.”

Among the most recent accidents between a cyclist and pedestrian was at Currie St, Adelaide, on April 1, where a cyclist crashed into a female pedestrian and fractured one of her ribs.

In March, another cyclist slammed into a woman after swerving to avoid passengers alighting from a bus on Currie St, Adelaide. The pedestrian was knocked to the ground and the cyclist was thrown from her bike before continuing her ride along the footpath.

The cost of an infringement for breaking the by-law would potentially be included in the report.

But Salisbury District Pedellars was not supportive of the idea.

Leader Bryce Routley said the restrictions would be fine for beginner riders, but were more likely to be a burden on recreational riders who need to commute in a hurry.

“Beginner riders riding at a pedestrian walking pace is probably adequate for them, but I think a walking pace in general is a bit extreme,” Mr Routley said.

“I suspect that would be a little too slow for cyclists who want to get somewhere in a hurry. It’s going to take a long time if they’re riding at five kilometres an hour. They might as well walk.”

Bike SA chief executive officer Christian Haag said the rule was not needed.

“Prior to the new rule being enacted, it was legal for an adult to ride (on a footpath) with a child under the age of 12,” he said.

“So really all that’s occurred is an extension to (adults to) ride by themselves.”

Mr Haag said there had been very few collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians on footpaths.

“We always look for evidence-based support for any changes to laws and in this case there seems to be an assumption that conflict has increased because of these laws and that’s not the case,” he said.

Mr Haag also questioned how such a speed limit rule on cyclists could be enforced.

The report is due back to the council next month for further consideration by elected members.