Pathway and road safety programs

Council is committed to encouraging sustainable transport use, such as walking, bike riding and scooting. We are asking Coast locals and visitors to contribute to our community values of mutual respect, inclusivity and friendliness on all our shared pathways.

Our shared pathways are community spaces where pedestrians, bike and scooter riders and various users come together. Everyone wants to enjoy their time outside. The way you use our pathways is just as important as everyone else’s. Together we can embrace diversity and create a space where everyone can enjoy the pathway in their own unique way. A nice thought, that’s all it takes!

Navigating the pathway together

Keep left. Stay on the left side of the pathway and don’t block the path. This simple practice helps minimise confusion and allows everyone to move comfortably and safely. By keeping left it allows others to pass easily if needed.

Give a bell. When approaching others from behind, call out a greeting or give a friendly ring of your bell to alert them and pass safely. This prevents surprises and keeps everyone safe. Remember to slow down and pass on the right.

Cruise to connect. When you slow down, you have time to enjoy a smile or a chat with others on the path. Keep in mind that e-scooter and other personal mobility device riders must not be riding over 12km/h on shared pathways and be at least 16 years old to ride unsupervised by an adult.

Be mindful of obstacles. Stay alert and adjust your speed accordingly, our paths are not a racetrack. Whether it’s a wandering pet, a group of pedestrians, a sharp corner or slippery path surface being aware that the unexpected might come up keeps everyone safe.

Check out the following sites for information on bicycle and e-bike and e-scooter rules in Queensland

• Bicycles, skateboards, foot scooters and similar | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government
• Rules for riders | StreetSmarts - Queensland Government

Council's Road Safety Plan aims to enhance the safety of roads and pathways for all users, including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The plan outlines various initiatives such as traffic signal improvements, speed awareness monitoring and traffic calming measures to ensure safer travel across the region. Additionally, the plan addresses the safe use of electric scooters, bicycles and mobility devices.

We are currently in the process of updating the Road Safety Plan to incorporate the latest safety standards, ensuring that the strategies remain effective and relevant.

The current road safety plan can be viewed at Road safety plan | Sunshine Coast Council

The vulnerable pedestrian sub-program is designed to address pathway safety and accessibility issues for the Sunshine Coast’s most vulnerable community members, including children, older people, and individuals with disabilities. 

The program aims to enhance access, health, and safety for vulnerable pedestrians by improving footpaths, crossings and road environments, based on valuable community feedback. 

Aligned with the principles of Universal Design and the Safe System, the program represents best practices in urban design and road safety. 

By creating a more sustainable and inclusive transport system and prioritising quick improvements to pedestrian pathways, the program seeks to maximise its impact for the community. 

Priority projects

The program prioritises projects that enhance pedestrian safety around schools, retirement villages, and medical facilities, benefiting the young, elderly, and those with mobility issues. 

Program funding

The program has secured $5.6 million in funding from the transport levy for the 2025/26 financial year, to enhance infrastructure for the most at-risk pedestrians on the Sunshine Coast.  

We will leverage state and federal grants whenever possible to increase the program's effectiveness.

Resources for Seniors

• The RACQ - Years ahead program is a 45-minute presentation designed to help older motorists become more aware of their capabilities. It covers recent changes to Queensland road rules, including roundabouts and merging, medical considerations that can affect driving, and alternative transport options such as motorised wheelchairs.
• Department of Transport & Main Roads - Seniors: Safe Driving
• Department of Transport & Main Roads - Medical fitness to drive
• Queensland Police Service - Resources for Seniors
• TransLink - Public transport for Seniors

• Sunshine Coast Council – Road safety programs
• Sunshine Coast Council - Share our paths 
• Sunshine Coast Council - Share our roads 
• Department of Transport & Main Roads - StreetSmarts Road Safety initiatives
• Queensland Government - Road Rules Bicycles, skateboards, foot scooters and similar 
• Queensland Government StreetSmarts - Personal mobility device rules for riders 
• Amy Gillett Foundation - A Metre Matters