This Report concludes an inquiry into pedestrian safety in response to an urgent request from the Minister for Roads to examine recent increases in pedestrian fatalities on NSW roads. The fatality and injury figures for 2009 are alarming. Although casualties have increased across all categories of road users, the greater rates for vulnerable groups such as pedestrians paints a dramatic and very worrying picture. While the true statistical significance of this year’s fatality figures is yet to be determined, it nevertheless presents road safety practitioners and policy makers with a great challenge. Running through this Report are four overarching themes, namely: the need for improved data collection; a reprioritisation of pedestrians within the road user network and planning hierarchy; greater consultation and collaboration between the Roads & Traffic Authority and other road safety organisations in NSW; and shared responsibility for road safety by all road users. The Report summarises the information provided in submissions and obtained during evidence given at the public hearing, supplemented with other research gathered during the course of the Inquiry. Chapter 2 discusses short and long term trends in pedestrian injuries and fatalities, including characteristics relating specifically to metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. Chapter 3 assesses the causal factors that lead to pedestrian casualties and Chapter 4 details the nature of recent measures undertaken and their effectiveness in improving pedestrian safety. Chapter 5 evaluates the extent to which the needs of pedestrians are taken into account in land use policies and during the planning and management of the road system. Chapter 6 summarises pedestrian safety issues and strategies in other jurisdictions and the final Chapter identifies additional strategies and makes recommendations to enhance pedestrian safety. (Author/publisher)
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