New laws giving bicyclists unrestricted access to footpaths are not being policed

THE free rein given to adult cyclists to share the footpath with pedestrians has not resulted in any increased police fines and cautions.

Adult cyclists can now legally use footpaths, but like these two, must give way to pedestrians.

THE free rein given to adult cyclists to ride on footpaths has not resulted in any increased police fines and cautions.

In October 2015, the State Government changed road rules – without going to Parliament – to make it safer for riders.

But despite thousands more cyclists riding on footpaths, police have not been cautioning or fining those who refuse to give way to pedestrians or keep to the left of the path.

Figures that SAPOL has been forced to release because of State Government information laws show that in the past financial year there were only two cyclists caught for “failure to give way to pedestrians on footpath” with both let go with a caution.

This compares to three caught in 2014/15 – the year before the new rules were introduced – with two of these given cautions.

Cyclists are also not being caught for “failure to keep left on a footpath when riding a bicycle” with only three expiation notices in 2016/17 – the same number caught in the 2014/15.

Despite this, and a large increase in offences for cycling fines such as not wearing helmets and ineffective lighting, a SAPOL spokeswoman said the changes were working and the message was getting through to motorists and cyclists.

“Robust marketing around the new cycling laws was and remains extensive as has the overall road-safety campaign,’’ she said.

“We have seen an escalation of motorcycle deaths on our roads but certainly not in cyclists.

“This is confirmed with five cyclists killed last year and only one this year to date.

“So it is encouraging from the statistical returns that cyclists, pedestrians and motorists may finally be getting the road-safety message when it comes to cyclists.”

Cyclist fines range up to $150, much less than for motorists breaking the law.

The spokeswoman said police figures only showed fines and cautions and did not include the times police stopped cyclists to discuss the 2015 law changes and if they were following them.

“When police detect any breaches of cycling laws there are a number of options available to the individual police officer,’’ she said.

“This includes issuing a fine, issuing a caution or simply speaking with cyclists about the laws and their obligations through information and education.

“The foot has not come off the pedal in any form when it comes to road safety and, in particular, cyclists and pedestrians.

“Cyclists and pedestrians are among our most vulnerable road users and police urge them to obey all road rules and safely share the roads.”

Other road rules which have not changed show police are being more lenient with cyclists.

In 2014-15, 3814 cyclists were caught not wearing helmets – the most common breach – with 1657 let off with a caution or 43.4 per cent.

But, in 2016-17, this increased to 4562 with 2205 of these being cautions – a higher 48 per cent.

The second-most common breach of laws by cyclists relates to not having the correct warning lights.

In 2014-15, 1795 riders were caught committing this offence with 902 let go with cautions – or 50 per cent. In 2016-17, 2313 were caught with 1233 let go with cautions or 53.3 per cent.