RAC Risky Roads survey names Guildford Road in Perth’s east as WA’s worst for pedestrians and cyclists

Guildford Road has taken on the dubious honor of being Western Australia’s riskiest road for walking and cycling, according to new analysis from the RAC’s Risky Roads survey.

The community-focused survey received more than 1,700 walking and biking nominations; Guildford Road attracted 65 pedestrian nominations, the highest of any road in the state.

Participants noted that the busy four-lane road was difficult and dangerous to cross, especially for schoolchildren, families with strollers and people with mobility issues.

It was determined that long roads without pedestrian crossings in some parts force people to navigate in heavy traffic to reach shops, schools and public transportation.

RAC senior manager communications Rhys Herson said the Risky Roads campaign gives a voice to everyday road users and highlights where improvements need to be made.

“Pedestrians face the highest risk on our roads because they lack physical protection. When people walking or cycling have to cross the road, they are exposed and vulnerable to potentially dangerous situations.

“We all have a responsibility to make safe choices, but the lack of adequate infrastructure for people walking and crossing the street forces them into risky and unsafe situations.”

Mr. Heron’s concerns come amid a sharp increase in pedestrian fatalities across the state.

“WA has seen a shocking rise in the number of pedestrians killed on our roads in 2025, with 33 people never making it home to family and friends,” he said. “This is the highest number of pedestrian deaths in more than a decade.

“These are much more than numbers. These are real people and their loved ones have had to deal with tragic consequences.”

Survey respondents identified many problems on the busy road.

“The only pedestrian shelter in this area is substandard.” said someone.

“There is no other pedestrian crossing opportunity. It is extremely dangerous, especially with a baby stroller. It is not wide enough.”

Another person noted that there is no pedestrian crossing for 1.7 kilometers between Garratt Road and Caledonia Boulevard, although there are shops and a school on both sides of the road.

“Every day, many school children risk their lives trying to cross this road,” the participant said.

A Main Roads WA spokesman said they continually monitor the safety performance of the state’s road network and conduct reviews to determine whether improvements can be made.

The spokesman said junction improvements were planned for the junctions with Guildford Road and both Seventh and Eighth avenues.

“These include new traffic signals on Seventh Avenue and improved crosswalk facilities on Eighth Avenue, which will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the Maylands area,” the spokesperson said.

Main Roads has also begun planning improvements to pedestrian facilities at the Guildford Road/East Parade/Whatley Crescent intersection in Mt Lawley.

These include the installation of “walk/don’t walk” signals for the northern pedestrian crossing, the addition of a left turn red arrow from eastbound Guildford Road and the implementation of countdown timers for all pedestrian crossings.

Main Roads expects to complete the design of these works this financial year.

“The City of Bayswater is working with the Department for Transport and Major Infrastructure to strengthen the local active travel network, including cycle and pedestrian routes,” the spokesperson said.

“The City is engaging with local community groups, with Main Roads providing engineering advice and on-site traffic observations to support this process.”

Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said the Council had been advocating for improvements to Guildford Road for years.

Ms. Piffaretti said the city already has a dedicated right turn signal phase for city vehicles traveling from King William Street to Guildford Road, as well as the addition of pedestrian warning lights to the left turn signal phase.

The City has also submitted preliminary concept designs for the Main Roads WA signalized pedestrian crossing between Grafton Road and Ferguson Street for review and approval.

“The city will continue to raise this issue with the local member and Main Roads WA because this section of road is under their control,” Ms Piffaretti said.

Maylands MLA Dan Bull said he had been informed that improvements were planned to be made along Guildford Road to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, including new traffic signals and crossings at Seventh and Eighth avenues.

“Home Roads and the City of Bayswater are also exploring options for signalised pedestrian crossings on Guildford Road between Falkirk Avenue and Garratt Road,” he said.

“I will continue to work closely with the community to identify improvements among Maylands voters.”