Cycling Regulations

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (14:46): My question is to the Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Transport. In view of the concerns being expressed by the community regarding bicycles being ridden on footpaths as a result of the recent changes to the regulations, and also in view of comments made in the media by the Premier on this issue last Tuesday, is the minister prepared to reconsider his position on the new regulations, particularly with respect to riding bicycles on footpaths?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:47): I thank the Hon. Mr Darley for his question. Obviously, I will be more than happy to refer that question to the responsible minister in the other place for a response.

What I will say is that this government is utterly committed to making sure that we get the balance right when it comes to traffic management for cycling and road users and also pedestrians. This is a government that takes very seriously the responsibility that we have to ensure that all road users and pedestrians can travel around safely by the means they see as appropriate. We also want to be a government that actively encourages cyclists and pedestrians to be able to take up that form of transport as is appropriate do so in a safe way.

Certainly, an active community is a healthier one and a healthier community can only be good. That said, I will take that question on notice and pass it on to the responsible minister in the other place for a rapid response.