Nightcliff MLA Kat McNamara calls for urgent review of Bagot Rd to improve pedestrian safety

A local politician is calling for an urgent review of the safety conditions for pedestrians and cyclists on one of Darwin’s most notorious roads, warning that without changes more people are likely to be killed.

Bagot Road is a known hotspot for traffic incidents and pedestrian deaths. (Photo by Helen Orr/Getty Images)

The local member for Nightcliff has launched a petition calling for an urgent review of Bagot Road in Darwin to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The 80km/h road is a notorious hotspot for traffic incidents, and has been the site of several pedestrian deaths in recent years.

NT Greens MLA Kat McNamara urged the Infrastructure Minister to build better pedestrian infrastructure around bus stops, improve lighting, and review speed limits on Bagot Rd.

On average 10 pedestrians die on Territory roads each year, most of them Indigenous, representing around 20 per cent of the total NT road fatalities.

Nationally, the percentage of pedestrian deaths in the road toll sits around 13 per cent.

“It’s time to make sure everyone is safe in our community,” Ms McNamara said.

“There have been a number of tragic pedestrian deaths on this road, and those living in the area witness or hear near misses all too often.”

Ms McNamara gave the example of a bus stop on the southbound side of the road only accessible by pedestrians from Ludmilla across six lanes of traffic, or by detouring several hundred metres to use the overpass.

“Either way, this is a significant safety concern, or a significant impediment to effective use of public transport for local residents,” Ms McNamara said.

“For cyclists travelling down Bagot Road, the only safe option is to ride down the footpath, which is uneven and often leads to dodging cars entering or exiting homes along Bagot Road. This is not safe nor does it lead to a pleasant riding experience.

“As a city we should be encouraging healthy lifestyles and minimising car use where possible to avoid congested traffic.”

So far 33 people have died on NT roads this year, three of them pedestrians.

Originally published as Nightcliff MLA Kat McNamara calls for urgent review of Bagot Rd to improve pedestrian safety