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Safety and rules
Find out how to safely use and share paths and roads when walking, wheeling and riding.
We want to make sure it is easy, safe and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities to share our roads, streets and paths whatever mode of transport they choose.
On this page you’ll find information about safe riding and walking. Be sure to check out our sharing paths and roads page for information on sharing these spaces.
Bike riding safety and rules
Before starting to ride, it’s important you know about the rules and how to share paths and roads with people walking, wheeling, riding and driving.
The Department of Transport’s Your Move program has put together some handy tips and information on how you can stay safe on your bike.
For information about riding rules and regulations visit the Road Safety Commission website. Tips include:
- wear a helmet
- be visible and let others know you are there
- lights and reflectors
- riding to conditions
- sharing roads and footpaths
- be aware of offences and penalties.
Remember, there are standard requirements that need to be met before a bike can be considered legal for use on public roads and shared paths. For rules and regulations related to bikes, including eBikes visit the Road Safety Commission website.
eRideable safety and rules
More and more people are using eRideables, including eScooters, to get around. Western Australia legalised use of eRideables in 2021. It’s important to know the rules that keep eRiders, and others using our paths and roads, safe.
Visit the Road Safety Commission website for eRideable rules on safe and sensible riding. Tips include:
- one person per device
- wear a helmet
- 16+ age requirement
- be visible and let others know you are there
- keep to the speed limit - 10 km/h or less on footpaths and 25 km/h or less on shared paths
- know where you can legally ride your eRideable.
Thinking about getting an eRideable?
Visit the Road Safety Commission website for what to look for if you’re considering buying an eRideable. It’s important to make sure your eRideable is compliant with the regulations.
Staying safe when walking
People walking (pedestrians) form the largest single road user group in Western Australia. Not surprising, given walking can be one of the easiest modes of transport and most certainly the cheapest!
When out walking or running, safety requires good judgement, awareness and common sense. Some tips to help keep you safe:
- Be courteous and patient with others sharing the path.
- If there is a dividing line separating bike riders from those on foot, keep to the appropriate side.
- Keep your dog on a short lead when walking on a path shared with others.
- Avoid or minimise distractions, stay alert of your surroundings.
- Stay visible, especially at night by wearing something reflective.
- Choose a safe place to cross the road, at a crossing or traffic lights, or find a location with good visibility.
- Be aware of turning vehicles, even in situations where you have right of way.