Cyclists fight for major rule change that will affect everyone in New South Wales

A peak cycling body has launched an appeal for cyclists of all ages to ride on footpaths in New South Wales. 

Advocacy group Bicycle NSW is lobbying for cyclists of all ages to be allowed to ride their bikes on footpaths in a bid to improve safety and encourage new bike riders. 

Children under 16 and adults accompanying them are permitted to ride on footpaths in NSW, while in Victoria riders over the age of 13 must move to the road.

In the remaining states and territories, cyclists of all ages are allowed to ride on the footpath.  

Bicycle NSW chief executive and Camden Councillor Peter McLean said the push is to help beginner bicycle riders gain confidence.

'We want to allow beginner bicycle riders and less confident rides to get used to being able to safely and confidently learn to ride a bike,' he told 2GB.

'In plenty of places they're not able to do that because of the lack of infrastructure. 

'Where there is absolutely no infrastructure in place or there's fragmentation in our bicycle infrastructure, it's dangerous, so we believe that in some instances, bicycle users should also be allowed to use the footpath.'  

Cr McLean said the safety of pedestrians was important, claiming he does not want any 'Lance Armstrongs flying down the footpath' under any circumstances. 

'What we have to realise while riding on footpaths is that pedestrians always have the right of way,' he said.   

'Footpaths are for pedestrians and we have to make sure that they are always given the right of way, given priority and that they're not in danger. 

'What we really want to do is promote beginner bicycle riders to be able to use that infrastructure in a really slow, safe and respectful manner so that our vulnerable pedestrians are also protected at the same time.' 

However, WalkSydney spokeswoman Lena Huda said footpaths in Sydney were often overcrowded and an increase of cyclists would cause concern for pedestrians. 

'Even if the number of actual collisions is very low, a reduced feeling of safety could inhibit walking disproportionately for vulnerable members of the community,' she said. 

Ms Huda added that many footpaths were also not suitable for cycling as they are too narrow or are made of the wrong surface. 

If successful, Cr McLean hopes more Aussies will be inspired to ride their bikes and learn how to be confident while cycling. 

It comes after Wollongong City Council urged Local Government NSW - the peak lobby group for local councils - to also push the state government to allow bike riders on the pavement. 

Wollongong council is also lobbying for cyclists to be able to carry their bikes on buses. 

A council spokeswoman said residents wanted a safer option for riding bikes on busy roads.

'People on bikes, particularly female riders, would ride more if they were able to ride on footpaths,' she told The Sydney Morning Herald.

'It would bring us in line with other states like South Australia and Queensland, as well as the Northern Territory.'

However, pedestrian lobby group WalkSydney wants to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety by implementing speed limits for riders and converting car parking spaces into cycleways.

Wollongong council's proposal is one of more than 230 that will be voted on by NSW councils at this year’s local government conference from November 12.

Other council proposals include plan to ban gas-filled balloons and calls for greater powers to control cats.