Is it safe to walk or cycle? Australia’s road toll soars to 12-year high!

As we embrace the benefits of a more active lifestyle, walking and cycling have become increasingly popular choices to stay healthy and enjoy the outdoors. However, recent statistics have cast a shadow over these activities, revealing a concerning trend on the nation’s roads.

Records show that Australia’s road toll has reached a 12-year high, with pedestrian and cyclist fatalities contributing significantly to the surge in deaths.

According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), 1,300 lives were lost on roads in 2024, matching the grim figure last seen in 2012.

The data paints a distressing picture, especially towards the end of the year, when 359 people died in the final three months alone. This marked increase in fatalities is a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk on our roads, and it is particularly alarming for those of us who prefer to travel on foot or by bike.

Pedestrian deaths have risen by 7.1 per cent, from 156 in 2023 to 167 in 2024, while cyclist fatalities have seen an 11.8 per cent jump, from 34 to 38 in the same period. Motorcyclists, too, have faced their deadliest year since 1989, with deaths increasing by 10.3 per cent.

The situation is dire across the country, with Queensland and Western Australia experiencing significant increases in road deaths, 277 to 302, and 158 to 185 in the same period, respectively.

The Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory have also seen alarming jumps in fatalities. In the same period, recorded deaths in the Northern Territory jumped from 31 to 58, while fatalities in the ACT rose from four to 11.

While some states like Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia have reported slight improvements in road fatalities, the overall trajectory is deeply concerning.

According to the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), the trajectory shows that no state or territory is currently on track to meet the objectives of Australia’s National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to halve road deaths.

The association has been vocal in its call for action, urging the Albanese government to demand safety score data for individual roads from states in exchange for federal funding.

The AAA’s statement highlights the need for accountability: ‘This transparency will save lives, while also showing Australians whether politicians are spending their taxes to save lives rather than winning votes in marginal electorates.’

‘Australia’s rising road toll underscores the importance of using road condition data to direct road funding, and to prevent the politicisation of scarce public funds,’ AAA’s managing director Michael Bradley adds.

older couple riding bicycles in the park
States and territories are committing to providing more targeted and effective road safety measures.

Meanwhile, road safety experts are considering various factors behind the rising toll, including deteriorating road conditions, inappropriately high-speed limits, and the aftereffects of COVID-19 lockdowns, which may have led to ‘impatience and poor driving habits.’

The increase in SUV ownership is also under scrutiny, as these larger vehicles reportedly create a false sense of security and pose greater risks in collisions.

Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. In November, states and territories agreed to provide more detailed data on crash causes and traffic police enforcement effectiveness. This commitment to better information could pave the way for more targeted and effective safety measures.

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with the YourLifeChoices community. Do you feel safe walking or cycling outside? What changes would you like to see to improve road safety for all users? Your insights are valuable as we navigate this critical issue together.

Also read: Leading causes of hospitalisation and death in Australia revealed

Floralyn Teodoro
Floralyn Teodoro
Floralyn covers different topics such as health, lifestyle, and home improvement, among many others. She is also passionate about travel and mindful living.

1 COMMENT

  1. We often wonder as to the road safety sense of numerous cyclists we have seen on the roads. especially those on road racing bikes who wear their black or other dark coloured lycra clothes. In shaded areas a from trees they can be virtually invisible. Don’t these people realise lighter colours, especially on their backs would make the far more obvious.
    Others may be riding 3 abreast on country roads making it very difficult for vehicles to safely and legally pass them.

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