Dispatches from the trenches

El Presidente represents the BTA on the WA Cycling Committee and reports that the following issues have been raised:

1:Shared path maintenance - the BTA is lobbying for the Main Roads Department to manage the maintenance of all PBNs. Currently this function is divided between the MRD and local councils. Where the boundary lies between them is a pointless mystery to cyclists, but for its part the MRD employ two full time crews, whereas the level of care provided by local councils, where they are even aware of their responsibility, is to say the least, extremely variable. The BTA believes that having one authority to manage the maintenance of the lot would provide a better and more consistent level of care.

2: Caltrop - This hardy plant (otherwise known as puncture vine) flourishes along the edges of cycle paths where it does not have to compete with other vegetation. It needs to be pulled out and bagged to prevent the sharp seeds being left behind to germinate. Even then the area needs to be sprayed as collection of all seeds is impossible, and they can germinate over a two year period. Check out the BTA website for more detail on Caltrop.

3: Northbridge 'link'. Plans for the area between Roe and Wellington Streets between the freeway and William Street to be developed for residential and retail use are being progressed by the EPRA (East Perth Redevelopment Authority). There is a website with an animated video showing the projected development. The link covers the main east west cycle route through the city including the Milligan Street bridge. The plans make provision for continuation of this important connection and some additional cycle facilities. Unresolved as yet, is the detail which as every cyclist knows, often gets overlooked. The BTA is keeping a close eye on this and has already commented on the draft master plan from a cyclists point of view.

4: Those cyclists using Stubbs Terrace will have been watching the construction of the road underpass at Karrakatta progress. Provision is being made for a section of cycleway across the underpass at rail level which will be helpful to those cycling towards Fremantle, but of no practical use to those riding towards Perth as it doesn't connect to the existing path that starts at the Shenton Park railway station. So an east bound cyclist would have to cross Stubbs Terrace twice which is hardly practical given the additional traffic the underpass will bring. I wondered exactly what this subway is expected to achieve. Nedlands Council mentioned something non specific like reduced local traffic congestion, but I would anticipate increased traffic on Aberdare Road, more congestion on Railway Road with another set of lights, and more traffic past Shenton College.

5: The BTA has raised concerns about the lack of knowledge or understanding that many drivers have of road rules. Classic example is parallel crossings. On recent trip to Melbourne I was amazed/delighted by the ability of pedestrians to cross safely on green lights with turning cars giving way. This is an Australia wide rule, but try it in Perth at your peril. The BTA has proposed that license renewal should also require a driver to undertake a written test to ensure that they are aware of all the current road rules. The BTA maintains that there are no other license arrangements (excluding marriage) where you are not required to formally keep up to date with current regulations - even my bank requires more attention from me than do the driving license authorities.

6: Pedestrian rights - board members have been observing the behaviour of cyclists at some classic cyclist/pedestrian conflict points, particularly the City West Station. Sadly the behaviour of some cyclists leaves much to be desired. We have witnessed on numerous occasions a cyclist pulling up at a marked crossing point to let pedestrians cross only to have the cyclist behind him force his way through. Cyclists should be aware that recent legislation introduced on 1st August 2008 (Section 284 of the Criminal Code of Western Australia deals with "Culpable Driving" of vehicles such as bikes, skateboards, scooters, animals and even shopping trolleys but apparently not including motor vehicles), provides for a penalty of 10yrs imprisonment for culpable driving causing death and 7yrs for causing grievous bodily harm. Culpable Driving includes driving / riding a bike in a manner, including speed, that in the circumstances is dangerous to any person. This offence would apply to a cyclist running down a pedestrian.