The WA government is set to drop the speed limit to 30kph on close to a dozen more streets in Perth and regional WA after seeing an increase in pedestrians and cyclists in areas where the speed limit has been lowered
Over the past seven years, the Department of Transport has lowered the speed limit on several Perth streets to 30kph as part of its 'Safe Active Streets' program to encourage cycling and walking in residential areas.
In the Perth suburb of Nedlands, the number of cyclists increased by almost 300 per cent on the roads that had their speed limits dropped.
The data, from the Department of Transport, also showed 62 per cent more walkers.
The department is now working with local councils to reduce the speed limit on 11 more streets in Perth and regional WA, including Norfolk Street in the City of Vincent, Hector Street in the City of Stirling, Sussex street in the City of Kalamunda and Stirling street in the City of Bunbury.
However, residents living near the existing safe street in Nedlands say there are lessons to be learnt as the program is expanded.
Josie and Don Pridmore have lived in Nedlands for more than 30 years and said, while they supported the concept of cycle-friendly streets, "more thoughtful design" was needed.
"Basically, the narrowing in certain sections of the street has created narrowing right at the t-junction and it's very difficult if you have cars coming in each direction to get through that," Mr Pridmore said.
"It has just increased congestion and frustration with the drivers on the road.
"We really like the concept but the implementation is where it has fallen over."
University student Benjamin Davis agreed more needed to be done to make everyone feel safe on the road.
"It's nice cycling on a road where you don't feel like you're going to get killed," he said.
"[But] I don't like how narrow this road is, because when you're driving it's kind of stressful.
"You feel like you're going to hit people and when you're cycling it's stressful because you feel like you're going to get hit."
Deliberate attempt to slow down speed
Michelle Prior, from the Department's Director of Active Transport, said narrow roads, slow points and intersection changes on the streets were a deliberate attempt to slow down traffic.
"It is deliberate because it does slow down their speeds," she said
"The unfamiliar environment for these drivers, for small sections, does slow their vehicle speeds down and creates a safer space for all road users.
"What we're trying to create is a space whereby vehicles will naturally travel at 30kph, creating that safe space."
She said the changes in Nedlands had diverted traffic away from the cycle-friendly areas.
"In some sections of the street, we've seen a reduction of 900 vehicles a day and that was specifically around the schools.
"Overall, we're seeing some great outcomes."
Cyclists, pedestrians feel safer
Nedlands couple Colin and Meredith Beck have lived in the area for 41 years and said, while it took a while to get used to the changes, they were for the best.
"You get used to it," Mrs Beck said.
"I think 30kph is good. I wish we had 30 on our own street because there are a lot of young families."
Mr Beck said he had noticed traffic behaviour had improved since the area was marked for cyclists and pedestrians.
"There were stop signs and people sliding through the stop signs and not giving way, taking a chance with the stop sign. This is better," he said.
For cyclists like Abdullah Alelyani, it is a relief to have a safe space to ride in.
"It's quiet and nobody is going this way and if they do go this way they drive safe," he said
"I would be scared [riding on a main road] and also sometimes I bring my kids — they cycle with me — so this is safer."
