As part of the Department of Transport’s Safe Active Streets program, the Western Australia Government is set to drop speeds to 30 km/h on more streets across Perth and the regions to make roads safer for bike riders and pedestrians.
The Safe Active Streets Pilot Program began in 2015 and has already developed 10 safe active streets which have seen huge increases in active transport. Based on this success, the government plans to reduce the speed limits on 11 more streets.
Along with reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h, a range of treatments are used such as narrowing road widths, implementing slow points and changing intersections to create an environment where vehicles will naturally travel at 30 km/h.
Modifications to streets in Nedlands, Western Australia that were rolled out in 2020 as part of the program have proven to be a success as there have been huge increases in both rider and pedestrian numbers in the area.
Michelle Prior, the Department of Transport’s Director of Active Transport and Safety, explained that the program was aimed at creating safer streets for the entire community.
“With lower traffic speeds, the streets have improved amenities for the community and are much safer for all users, such as pedestrians, riders of all ages and abilities, and people driving,” she said.
“Safe active street routes also form part of wider bicycle networks, connecting to off-road shared paths and linking community amenities such as schools, railway stations or shops.
“They help to provide infrastructure to make riding an attractive, convenient and widely accepted mode of transport.
"Changes made to Elizabeth Street and Jenkins Avenue in Nedlands as part of the program have diverted motor vehicle traffic away from the cycle-friendly areas.
"In some sections of the street, we've seen a reduction of 900 vehicles a day, specifically around the schools. Overall, we're seeing some great outcomes.”
Data collected by the Department of Transport on the reduced speed limit streets showed an increase of almost 300% in rider numbers.
| Location |
Pre Construction May 2018 |
Post construction May 2022 |
||
|
|
Pedestrians |
Bikes |
Pedestrians |
Bikes |
|
Elizabeth Street and Webster Street |
145 |
19 |
179 |
68 |
|
Elizabeth Street and Bruce Street |
160 |
32 |
328 |
102 |
|
Jenkins Avenue and Taylor Road |
72 |
14 |
133 |
64 |
|
Jenkins Avenue and Vincent Street |
78 |
13 |
99 |
73 |
* data was collected over the same two weekdays, in the same month, in 2018 and 2022
Image credits: WA Department of Transport.
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