Cycling footpaths: issues and evidence

The safety benefits of footpath cycling need to be weighed against the competing interests of other footpath users. The fact that there are already significant levels of illegal footpath riding in New South Wales suggests a requirement for either changing the amount of provision for cycling through bike safe streets, on-road bike lanes or separate bike paths or changing the law to decriminalise the common practice of footpath riding. This paper examines the evidence regarding the impact of allowing footpath cycling. Generally, mixing pedestrians and bicycles has been observed to be relatively benign. Sections of the community can be expected to have differing responses to footpath riding. It can be considered a threat by vulnerable pedestrians and it may result in increased levels of bicycle use, particularly by children. Legalising footpath riding is not a sufficient step for encouraging human-powered transport, either walking or cycling. Attention needs to be paid to adopting a regulatory framework that is effective and efficient and that also complements engineering programs.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Pagination: 191-206
  • Monograph Title: Proceedings, 1994 Australian Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety and Travel Workshop, Melbourne, Australia

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01435560
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: ARRB
  • ISBN: 0869106791
  • Files: ATRI
  • Created Date: Aug 24 2012 7:05PM