Claremont Mayor Jock Barker recently made a public call for compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance for cyclists to ensure pedestrians won't be left out of pocket if they suffered an injury – a call dismissed by cycling groups as expensive and unrealistic.
Barker issued the fresh call for CTP insurance saying “it needs to be an issue addressed respectfully because there’s an ever-increasing number of accidents.” Pedestrian Council of Australia chairman Harold Scruby, meanwhile, called for bigger fines for rule-breaking, in light of the frequent calls he's been receiving about pedestrians getting knocked over by cyclists.
West Cycle and Bicycling WA said there was no evidence of an increasing number of bike collisions; and that CTP insurance would only serve to discourage the use of bicycles, backing calls instead for better separation for pedestrians, cyclists, and cars, The West Australian reported.
Debra Graham, Bicyline WA chief executive, said many cyclists opt to get covered, but to make insurance compulsory would not only cost the state government, it would also make cycling less accessible for some people.
Graham said the best solution to improving safety was to provide separate infrastructure, where possible, for bicycles in addition to better education for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
“The separated paths along the foreshore in South Perth are a good example where pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy their walk or ride without worrying about inattention from either party,” Graham told the publication.
Matt Fulton, West Cycle chief executive, meanwhile, said there was a greater chance that a pedestrian would be struck by a lightning or a car than by a cyclist.
“We live in an age where recording devices are more common and footage often gets shared through social media, this does not mean incidences are increasing,” Fulton told The West Australian.
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