An area of concern that is often raised is the use of skateboards, scooters and bicycles - particularly in areas with higher pedestrian activity.
Their presence on footpaths can be a safety concern for those who are less mobile and fear being knocked over if they are unable to move out the way quickly. It is important that rules and guidelines are followed to keep everyone safe.
In Narrandera bicycles and skateboards are prohibited on the footpaths in the higher pedestrian areas of East Street as signposted.
Bicycles
Under the Road Rules a bicycle is considered a vehicle and has the same road rules as other vehicles when being ridden on the road.
When a bicycle lane is marked on the road and has bicycle lane signs, bicycle riders must use it unless it is impracticable to do so. There are bicycle lanes at several locations in Narrandera, often linking shared paths.
Shared paths are for use by both pedestrians and bicycle riders of all ages.
Children under 16 years of age can ride on a footpath. Allowing children under the age of 16 on the footpath helps keep them safe until they have the skills, decision making and knowledge of the rules to ride safely on the road. An adult rider who is supervising a bicycle rider under 16 may also ride with the young rider on the footpath. Children aged 16 or 17 can ride on the footpath, when accompanied by a child under 16 and a supervising adult.
When riding on a footpath or shared path riders should:
- keep left and give way to pedestrians.
- allow pedestrians a metre of space, where possible.
- always travel at a speed that is safe for themselves and the pedestrians they encounter.
- ring their bell, slow down and prepare to stop and give way when approaching pedestrians
Riders should always be in control of their bicycle. It is an offence to ride with both hands off the handlebars, feet off the pedals or to carry anything that prevents the rider from having control.
It is important to remember that in NSW, all petrol-powered bicycles are banned on NSW roads and road-related areas such as footpaths, shared paths, cycle ways and cycle paths.
Skateboards and Foot Scooters
Skateboards and foot scooters are classified as pedestrians as the definition of a pedestrian includes "a person in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy".
Foot scooters and skateboards may be ridden on footpaths unless signs specifically prohibit them. They can also be ridden on shared paths.
On footpaths riders of foot scooters or skateboards must keep to the left and give way to other pedestrians. Riders should not threaten pedestrians, especially the elderly - they may need to slow down or dismount in busy areas.
On shared paths with separate bicycle and pedestrian sections, foot scooter and skateboard riders must use the section designated for bicycles but must keep out of the path of any bicycle.
Foot scooters and skateboards can only be used on the road during daylight hours. They cannot be used on roads with a dividing line or median strip or a speed limit greater than 50km/h, or a one-way road with more than one marked lane.
To improve safety and enjoyment, foot scooters and skateboards are best ridden in recreational areas designated for their use such as the Skate Park in Marie Bashir Park.
Powered foot scooters and skateboards cannot be registered and can only be used on private land.
From July 2022, electric scooter shared schemes are being trialled at selected locations in NSW. Riders at trial locations will be allowed to hire and ride electric scooters (e-scooters). Personal e-scooters remain illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas, including footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes.
