Legislation tabled by the ACT Government has formally recognised ‘vulnerable road users’ for the first time, said ACT Greens Member for Molonglo, Shane Rattenbury.
Vulnerable road users are road users who are particularly vulnerable to injury in collisions, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycle riders.
“I believe this is the first time that ‘vulnerable road users’ has been defined in any legislation in Australia. I hope it signals that the ACT will lead the way in policy and reforms to protect and assist these road users,” said Mr Rattenbury.
“The definition provides a foundation for ongoing refinements and improvements for these users in future ACT legislation and policy. I hope the changes will also help shift perceptions and improve awareness of the needs of these users.
“The same bill also provides the ACT’s first specific offence relating to vulnerable road users. It proposes a higher maximum penalty if a ‘furious, reckless or dangerous driving’ offence also endangered a vulnerable road user.
Mr Rattenbury established an Assembly Committee to look at issues affecting vulnerable users in May last year. In his submission to the Committee, Mr Rattenbury recommended ACT legislation should recognise the category of vulnerable road users and should create specific offences relating to vulnerable road users.
“Vulnerable road users not only need protection, but they need encouragement because they use sustainable modes of transport. Prioritising and improving safety for vulnerable road users is a very effective way to improve the overall sustainability and character of our city and this is beneficial to all road users,” said Mr Rattenbury.
The vulnerable road user changes are part of a broader bill that identifies and penalises driver behaviour that particularly puts the public at risk. The penalties for ‘furious, reckless or dangerous driving’ will also increase if a person was intoxicated, a repeat offender, driving with a person younger than 17 years old in the vehicle, or evading police.
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