Page 1812 - Week 06 - Thursday, 5 June 2014
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Evidence received through the inquiry led the committee to conclude that there is no single policy response that results in better protection for vulnerable road users. In order for this to occur, a coordinated and collaborative approach across a number of government agencies and directorates will be required.
The committee’s report includes 28 recommendations across a variety of areas, and I will take this opportunity to highlight the recommendations. Recommendation 1 recognises the need for a review of the road rules at intersections to be undertaken to mitigate risks to vulnerable road users. Recommendation 2 is for a review of cycling education programs in ACT schools, and that consideration be given to compulsory training in ACT primary schools.
Recommendation 3 calls on the government to provide an update to the Assembly about traffic conditions at the intersection of Athllon Drive and Beasley Street following the implementation of a reduction in speed limits during specified times. That is directly in relation to the witness statements from Melrose high.
Recommendations 4 and 5 suggest initiatives to improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists when using shared paths. Recommendations 6 and 7 relate to pedestrian crossings, and include a recommendation that the requirement for cyclists to dismount at pedestrian crossings be amended to enable cyclists to remain on their bikes but that they must slow to a walking pace prior to entering and when on the crossing.
Recommendations 8 and 9 seek to improve licence testing and ongoing training opportunities for motorcyclists. Recommendations 10 and 11 relate to the development of brochures and other promotional material to raise awareness about vulnerable road users. Recommendations 12, 13 and 14 relate to improving the way accident data is collected and shared between agencies. Recommendations 15, 16 and 17 relate to consideration being given to amending the road rules to mandate a minimum overtaking distance that must be allowed when passing cyclists, and that an education and awareness campaign would be required to educate more road users.
Recommendations 18, 19 and 20 are that changes be made to the drivers licence testing process to better create a focus on drivers becoming more aware of vulnerable road users. The committee has also recommended that further research be undertaken about the possible inclusion of testing driver attitude in the licence testing process.
Recommendations 21 and 22 are that an examination be undertaken about the possible introduction of a strict liability scheme in the ACT. Recommendations 23 and 24 relate to the reviewing of speed limits in different areas across the ACT. Recommendation 25 suggests that the Minister for TAMS evaluate the current trial of separating cyclists from other traffic in six locations around the ACT.
Recommendation 26 suggests a trial of motorcycle lane filtering, following the successful trial undertaken in New South Wales in 2013. Recommendation 27 suggests a targeted education campaign to promote the safety benefits of wearing protective clothing when riding a motorbike. Finally, recommendation 28 is that road rules be amended so that motorised scooters are recognised as a separate category.
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