Queensland Walks calls for cyclists to be banned from footpaths following man’s death

Safety groups are calling to ban cyclists from footpaths after 93-year-old man died following a collision with a bike rider. 

Charlie Embrey, 93, was walking on the footpath when he was struck by a cyclist riding in the opposite direction in Burpengary, Queensland on Monday.

The elderly man was rushed to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital where he unfortunately died the following day.

The 43-year-old cyclist was not physically injured in the collision as police investigate the tragic death. 

Upon hearing about Mr Embrey’s death, safety organisation Queensland Walks said the incident could have been prevented if footpaths were widened.

‘We need to widen footpaths and make sure the infrastructure is right for mainly pedestrians and then every other mode (of transport) after that,’ Queensland Walks executive officer Anna Campbell told The Courier Mail.

‘Pedestrians are the last thought of.

‘We need to be designing our footpaths for seniors, for people with disabilities and for kids, and if we do that right then everyone is going to be safe and you won’t find that conflict.’

Cyclists in Queensland could face a $133 fine if they cycle on the footpath, fail to keep left or move into the path of a pedestrian.  

In another state, Victoria Walks has called on cyclists to be completely banned off footpaths following Mr Embrey’s devastating death.  

‘Elderly walkers in particular understand the dangers posed to them,’ executive officer Dr Ben Rossiter said.  

Mr Embrey has been remembered as ‘friendly’ and a ‘nice bloke’ who enjoyed a walk every morning.

Matt Bowman, who was greeted by Mr Embrey when he was opening his shop, said  he will miss Mr Embrey’s friendly voice and wave.