Accident warning in shared route debate
A Labour councillor sparked a lively debate over whether the local authority was inviting trouble further down the line by ratifying changes allowing cyclists to use footways on the outskirts of Perth.
Perth City North councillor John Flynn raised the possibility that pedestrians coming to harm from cyclists speeding along certain routes the council had decided could be used by both might end up sparking claims for compensation.
The debate came as council officers sought approval to “re-determine” a number of footways next to the A90/A85 Dundee Perth Labour councillor John Flynn
to Perth road to so-called “shared space facilities” for pedestrians and cyclists at a meeting of the council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee last week. A report presented to the committee asking for approval to “re-determine” existing footways at Kinfauns, Walnut Grove and Barnhill concluded: “As well as the road user and road safety benefits, there are clearly economic benefits which may be realised by providing a more cycle and walker-friendly network.
“Areas across Perth and Kinross and other authorities have shown that visitor numbers increase where cycle networks and cycling infrastructure have been provided.”
But Councillor Flynn asked if the local authority could end up having to pay damages to pedestrians struck by cyclists on these routes because it had approved the changes. He said he had heard of a number of “near misses” at another so-called “shared space” at Woody Island and went on: “It’s fortunate there’s not been a serious accident.”
Vice-convener of the committee, Councillor Joe Giacopazzi, insisted that only cyclists found to have caused collisions could be held liable to pay damages to injured pedestrians.
But Councillor Flynn pressed on: “We’re allowing this to happen.”
And pointing out that cyclists who had run into pedestrians could take off without leaving their details, he asked: “If there is an accident, who compensates?”
Councillor Giacopazzi again insisted only cyclists could be made to pay damages to injured pedestrians.
His view was backed by the convener of the committee, Councillor John Kellas.
But Councillor Dennis Melloy waded into the debate at this juncture, pointing out that cycling on pavements is supposed to be illegal.
Councillor Giacopazzi replied that by “redetermining” the footways the council was “making it legal” to cycle on them.
Councillor Melloy responded by suggesting that this must make the council liable for damages too.
Councillor Kellas said he had received assurances that this was not the case.
The changes ended up being approved.