This report was one in a series of pedestrian safety synthesis reports
prepared for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to document pedestrian
safety in other countries. Reports are also available for:
United Kingdom (FHWA-RD-99-089)
Canada (FHWA-RD-99-090)
Sweden (FHWA-RD-99-091)
Netherlands (FHWA-RD-99-092)
Australia is a federation of States and Territories, and government
responsibilities broadly mirror that in the USA. Local government is
responsible for 80 percent of the road network, though the less heavily
traveled parts. Australia is highly urbanized (notwithstanding large
tracts of sparsely populated land). Almost 40% of the population lives
in Melbourne or Sydney, and another 20% in Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.
Australia has been a pioneer of traffic calming in the form of Local
Area Traffic Management, particularly in residential neighborhoods.
Innovations are evident in the traffic signal area. Puffin crossings
with infrared detectors seem promising. Pelican crossings are likely
to find ready application, and having them set up for double cycle operations
appears to offer benefits.
Australia was particularly innovative in developing the "safe
routes to school" program, which integrates education, route selection,
and engineering treatments to increase pupil safety. Also in development
is the "walk with care" program designed for the elderly.