SafePaths Project Launches New Portal for Shared Path Safety

The SafePaths project, managed by The University of Western Australia's Planning and Transport Research Centre (PATREC), is inviting shared path users in Western Australia to report crashes, near misses, and safety concerns through an online portal.

Addressing a Critical Data Gap

PATREC Research Associate Dr. Max Davidson stated that historical incident and safety reporting for shared paths has been limited, hindering problem identification and safety improvements.
The project aims to address this by combining community reports with analysis of path use patterns to identify high-risk locations and behaviors.

"Historical incident and safety reporting for shared paths has been limited, hindering problem identification and safety improvements." - Dr. Max Davidson

Rising Concerns and Detailed Reporting

Dr. Davidson noted that injuries are an increasing concern on these pathways, particularly with the rise of eRideables.
The portal enables users to record crucial details such as the issue's nature, exact location, mode of transport involved, and the specific date and time.

Comprehensive Analysis and Collaboration

Data collected through the portal will be analyzed alongside onsite survey data to support planning and design for transport modes including cycling, eRideables, and pedestrians.
Dr. Davidson highlighted that incidents not involving motor vehicles are often poorly documented, and user behaviors in mixed-traffic environments on shared paths are not well understood.
The reporting portal, combined with advanced video analytics, aims to pinpoint high-risk locations, risky behaviors, and gaps in current design guidelines in Western Australia.

The research team is collaborating with local and state governments and interest groups to monitor and advise on changes for improving long-term outcomes for path users.

Ensuring Privacy and Project Support

The platform ensures user anonymity and does not collect personal or identifying information. All collected data is stored securely and used solely for research purposes, in accordance with UWA’s Human Research Ethics Committee approval.

The SafePaths project is funded by the Australian Government under the National Road Safety Action Grants Program and receives support from the City of Stirling and Main Roads Western Australia.

To report an incident or safety concern and contribute to safer shared paths, visit safepaths.au.