As the peak body representing more than 700,000 older South Australians, COTA SA is committed to transport systems and public spaces that enable people of all ages and abilities to move around safely, confidently and independently.

This submission draws on concerns raised by older South Australians through our 2024 member survey and subsequent submission on the Statutes Amendment (Personal Mobility Devices) Bill 2024, while recognising that technology and the transport environment continue to evolve. Our overarching position is that South Australians should have safe, affordable and accessible ways to move around their communities. New mobility options can help, including for older people, but walking, cycling and navigating public spaces must remain as safe as possible for all users.

Older people and road safety

Research consistently demonstrates that compared to younger drivers, older drivers are significantly less likely to be involved in a crash. Additionally, older people are proportionately under-represented in road accident injuries and fatalities. However, if they are involved in a road accident, an older person is significantly more likely to experience serious injury or fatality compared to a younger person. The safety concerns and experiences of older road users should be understood in this context.

Safe mobility choices for all ages

COTA SA supports innovation and new mobility choices, including PMDs and e-bikes that can provide affordable, convenient and sustainable alternatives to private vehicle use. However, these benefits should not come at the expense of people's confidence in using public spaces, particularly pedestrians and others more vulnerable to injury.

As South Australia's transport environment becomes more diverse, we encourage the Government to pursue a coherent approach that prioritises pedestrian safety while enabling safe, accessible and appropriately regulated new mobility choices.