From November 1, new rules for Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) such as e-scooters and e-skateboards apply, increasing safety for pedestrians – including those that are particularly vulnerable such as the elderly and those with disabilities – and riders while ensuring the active transport network can still function effectively.
The reforms include:
A lower speed limit of 12km/h on footpaths and shared paths.
Increased fines of up to $1078 for dangerous offences involving speed, illegal road use and holding a mobile phone while riding.
Mandating bells for devices with handlebars. - Permitting access to bike lanes on roads with a speed limit of 50km/h or less, and bike lanes that are physically separated from the road (for example, by bollards or kerbing).
Aligning the rules for PMD riders with bike riders to ensure they are required to follow general road rules, such as stopping at red lights.
Local governments play a critical role in assessing shared paths in their area to ensure that PMD riders can travel at safe and appropriate speeds for the circumstances.
@TMR is encouraging councils to prioritise high-volume active transport corridors for assessment as soon as possible to ensure shared paths which support safe interactions between pedestrians, bike and PMD riders can be signed as suitable for PMDs to travel up to 25km/h, where appropriate.
To assist with this assessment, the Department of Transport and Main Roads developed specific regulatory signage as well as a technical guidance note, to support consistent assessment and speed limiting of shared paths: https://lnkd.in/geUUmd-6 More information: https://lnkd.in/g2jzS7ne