West Torrens Council wants to make it compulsory for cyclists and mobility-scooter riders to wear high-vis clothing
AN Adelaide council is pushing for all cyclists to wear high-vis clothing – but Bicycle SA’s CEO says it would make the state a ‘laughing stock’.
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SOUTH Australia will become a “laughing stock” if a West Torrens Council push to make it compulsory for cyclists and mobility-scooter riders to wear high-visibility clothing is adopted, Bicycle SA Chief Executive Officer Christian Haag says.
The council last week voted to ask the Local Government Association to lobby the State Government for a change to the Australian Road Rules to require all cyclists and riders of mobility scooters, or gophers, to wear “high visibility identification on helmets and their person at all times”.
According to the council meeting’s minutes, the move would improve safety.
But Bicycle SA chief executive officer Christian Haag said it would only serve as a barrier to getting South Australians on their bikes.
“West Torrens is seeking to enable a policy that would actively dissuade parents and children from getting physically active,” Mr Haag said.
“Such a mandatory requirement would effectively be an additional tax burden to those in our community who are doing it tough – very often those on low incomes rely on their bicycle to get to and from work or school, or to purchase everyday groceries.
“As the home of the Tour Down Under, Adelaide would become a laughing stock across the world, by requiring all cycle tourists arriving at the airport and into the state to purchase a high visibility vest and helmet cover.”
Raising the matter at last week’s council meeting, Cr Arthur Mangos said he had twice reversed out of his driveway and nearly hit children riding bikes, despite driving slowly and with care.
He initially called for all children to wear high-visibility crosses on their chests and high visibility stickers on their helmets.
“This is critical for public safety,” Cr Mangos said.
Cr Rosalie Haese questioned why the idea should only apply to children.
“If you prefer all cyclists, I’ll put all cyclists,” Cr Mangos responded.
Cr George Demetriou told his fellow councillors they should also consider the safety of mobility scooters driving along the streets and should include them in the proposal.
“They’re becoming more prominent in our area,” he said.
The councillors passed the proposal seven to six after acting mayor Kym McKay made the casting vote.
The council will submit the proposal for inclusion on the agenda at the Local Governemnt Association Annual General Meeting in October.
Local Government Association president Dave Burgess said all motions submitted by member councils to the LGA’s annual general meeting would be considered at the meeting.
“To guide good decision making the LGA Secretariat provides written comments on each notice of motion submitted,” he said.
Transport minister Stephen Mullighan said the State Government could make changes to the Australian road rules but was unlikely to support this proposal.
“We believe current provisions are sufficient,” he said.