In this age of soaring insurance premiums with people eager to blame and avoid accountability both public and private organisations are looking for ways to reduce their liability and risk. Unfortunately it imay seem easier to simply block access to an area or facility rather than to address the risk. The outcome is that the majority of the community are penalised to restrain the small percentage of ignorant or selfish individuals who won't behave in a sensible, considerate way.

How can we reduce cyclist-pedestrian conflict? Easy! Turn the cyclists into pedestrians.

This issue returns regularly the City of Stirling's proposal that cyclists dismount on the coastal path was just one more example. Thanks to the efforts of vocal cyclists the proposal was defeated. Read more about the successful campaign.

Pedestrian Safety Zones on dual use path read Peter Bartlett's letter to the City of Stirling

The construction of the dual use path has provided the opportunity for people to exercise by walking and cycling along the coast, particularly important in this time of growing obesity. The fact that large numbers of people use the path and that is now causing occasional congestion in places, is a testament to its success.

In places the path clearly needs redesigning and enlarging to cope with the increased use, perhaps (gasp) giving up some car parking and or road space. These 'hotspots' are just such areas.

Our experience with some (but fortunately not all) councils is that when faced with a 'problem' rather than examining the problem as a whole and seeking a solution, they move instantly to 'ban' mode. More signs and more fines. Others like South Perth, acknowledging the popularity of the foreshore path, provide (and is currently rebuilding) separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians.

It is also our experience that when 'banning' action is proposed by councils, the justification tends to be anecdotal, often reflecting a general annoyance rather than specific incidents. Draconian action is then taken that inconveniences many as a result of the bad behaviour of a few. In this instance we understand that a video recording was made of the area to try and quantify the extent of the ‘problem’. Over the period of recording 12 incidents were noted, the cause of which was predominately confusion over path useage. The council, to its credit, has painted in line markings to help reduce directional confusion, and I understand that conflict levels have already reduced.

One of the cycling groups that regularly use this path report that congestion is primarily between 6.00 and 10.00 in the morning. They also comment that they would prefer to use the road during these periods to bypass the area altogether, but unfortunately the installation of raised median strips has effectively narrowed the roadway to the extent that it is difficult for a car to safely pass a cyclist. Consequently all but the fastest of cyclists find riding on the road intimidating, as traffic banks up behind.

Solutions

The Queensland Government has some practical process guidelines for reducing conflict (pdf) between cyclists and pedestrians. Unfortunately or fortunately most planning decisions are made by local government.

State Government can assist by setting policy that supports a sustainable transport system. As demonstrated by the Trafalgar Bridge saga, it cannot necessarily enforce such policy where local Government holds jurisdiction.

Cyclists need to be vocal and involved if they hope to have their needs considered. BUGs can influence local Government by demonstrating that the community does care about cycling facilities.

You can help by taking every opportunity to be heard - through the media, local community groups and by letting your Council know that you are watching their decisions. Let us know when your Council does well or when they make a short sighted decision. The BTA publishes a regular list of 'thumbs up' and 'thumbs down'

From the Minutes of the Ordinary meeting of Council of 5 June 2007

13.2 NOTICE OF MOTION - COUNCILLOR STEWART 'PEDESTRIAN ONLY SAFETY ZONES'
Councillor Stewart submitted the following notice of motion prior to the Council Meeting of 5 June 2007 for consideration at the next meeting of Council:-

“A report be prepared that addresses the implementation of 'Pedestrian Only Safety Zones', along the coastal dual use pathway between Scarborough Beach and Waterman's Bay in relation to hot spots where the interaction between pedestrian beach access from and to the dual use pathway and vehicle parking are identified. Such zones will require cyclists to dismount and walk their cycles through the 'Pedestrian Only Safety Zone'.

The report is to comment upon the following points but not be limited to those identified:

• Hot spots: Scarborough Beach; Trigg Beach; Clarko Reserve; Mettams Pool;Hamersley/Centuar Pool and Waterman's Bay
• Legality
• By-law
• Proposed location and length within the identified hot spots
• Design
• Financial implications
• Agency comment - MRWA, Dept of Transport, WA Police & Bike West
• Community Consultation”

Officers Comment
The City is currently working with the Department for Planning and Infrastructure on a number of initiatives to quantify and control conflict on shared use paths and is gathering data from the Coastal Shared Use Path. It is therefore recommended that a report be presented upon completion of this research to include the issues contained within the Councillor’s Notice of Motion.Council Resolution

Council Resolution
Moved Councillor Stewart, seconded Councillor Ham.

A report be prepared for presentation to the August 2007 Infrastructure and Community Development Committee that addresses the implementation of 'Pedestrian Only Safety Zones', along the coastal dual use pathway between Scarborough Beach and Waterman's Bay in relation to hot spots where the interaction between pedestrian beach access from and to the dual use pathway and vehicle parking are identified. Such zones will require cyclists to dismount and walk their cycles through the 'Pedestrian Only Safety Zone'.

The report is to comment upon the following points but not be limited to those identified:

• Hot spots: Scarborough Beach; Trigg Beach; Clarko Reserve; Mettams Pool; Hamersley/Centaur Pool and Waterman's Bay
• Legality
• By-law
• Proposed location and length within the identified hot spots
• Design
• Financial implications

• Agency comment - MRWA, Dept of Transport, WA Police & Bike West Community Consultation

The motion was put and declared CARRIED. Contact the City of Stirling