DTMI recently presented at a webinar focussing on the aspirations and strategies to prevent eRideable injuries in Western Australia.
Hosted by Injury Matters, our Urban Mobility Policy Manager Alison Bunbury was in the line-up of speakers and shared insights about the occurrence of eRideable related injuries in WA and other jurisdictions.
Alison also spoke to the key recommendations of the ‘Ride Safe’ report, the Parliamentary Inquiry into the safety, regulation and penalties associated with the use of eRideables and eBikes.
“As the lead coordinator of the State Government’s response to Ride Safe, it’s a privilege to have these kinds of opportunities to engage with stakeholders and work together to mitigate risks, but also optimise the opportunities of respectful eRideable use.
“It was great for industry and local government to come together and get a fuller picture of challenges and planned next steps as it is far reaching with many agencies involved.”
eRideables are an increasingly popular way to get around and Ride Safe recognises them as part of the solution in supporting mode shift to cheaper, more active, healthy and environmentally friendly options of travel – whether it be for commuting, getting to local places, or for leisure. Ride Safe reforms are aimed at improving safety and regulation of electric mobility devices for everyone.
To better reflect how people travel and to improve safety for all users, earlier this month, new road rule changes came into effect for bike riders and eRideable users. Rule changes for eRideables included:
- being able to use eRideables on all roads with speed limits of up to 50 km/h
- you are no longer required to give hand signals if it would be unsafe to do so
- eRideable users can now use bicycle storage areas (the green boxed protection zones at traffic lights) on relevant roads
- riders are no longer required to keep left in single-lane roundabouts.
More than 100 people registered for the online session, which also saw presentations from WestCycle and The University of WA.
Visit the Road Safety Commission website to learn more about eRideable rules and safety.
