Guildford Road Named WA's Most Dangerous for Pedestrians and Cyclists in RAC Survey
Guildford Road has claimed the dubious distinction of being Western Australia's most hazardous road for walking and cycling, according to new analysis from the RAC's Risky Roads survey. The community-driven initiative received more than 1,700 nominations specifically related to pedestrian and cyclist safety across the state, with Guildford Road emerging as the clear leader in concerning reports.
Community Voices Highlight Critical Safety Failures
The survey revealed that Guildford Road attracted 65 pedestrian-related nominations, the highest number for any single road in Western Australia. Respondents consistently described the busy four-lane arterial route as particularly difficult and dangerous to navigate, especially for vulnerable road users including school children, families with prams, and individuals with mobility challenges.
One of the most pressing issues identified was the absence of adequate crossing facilities along significant stretches of the road. Survey participants noted that in some sections, pedestrians must traverse up to 1.7 kilometers without any formal crossing points, despite the presence of shops and schools on both sides of the thoroughfare. This forces residents to navigate heavy traffic flows simply to access essential services and public transport.
"The only existing pedestrian refuge in this area is substandard," one respondent reported. "No other pedestrian crossing facilities are available. It's extremely dangerous, particularly when crossing with a pram. It's not wide enough."
Another community member emphasized the daily risks faced by local children, stating: "Every day, many school children put their lives at risk trying to get across this road."
RAC Warns of Rising Pedestrian Fatalities
RAC senior manager of communications Rhys Herson expressed grave concern about the survey findings, noting that pedestrians face the highest risk on Western Australian roads due to their complete lack of physical protection. "Every time people walking or riding have to cross the street, they are exposed and vulnerable to potentially dangerous situations," Herson explained.
"We all have a responsibility to make safe choices, but a lack of adequate infrastructure for people walking and crossing the road forces them into risky and unsafe situations."
These concerns are amplified by alarming statistics showing a sharp increase in pedestrian fatalities across Western Australia. In 2025 alone, 33 pedestrians lost their lives on the state's roads—the highest number recorded in over a decade. "These are more than just numbers," Herson stressed. "These are real people, and their loved ones have been left to deal with the tragic consequences."
Planned Infrastructure Upgrades and Government Responses
In response to the mounting safety concerns, Main Roads WA has confirmed several planned improvements for Guildford Road. A spokesperson indicated that intersection enhancement works are scheduled for both Seventh and Eighth Avenues, including new traffic signals at Seventh Avenue and upgraded pedestrian crossing facilities at Eighth Avenue.
Additionally, Main Roads has commenced planning for pedestrian facility upgrades at the intersection of Guildford Road, East Parade, and Whatley Crescent in Mount Lawley. These improvements will feature:
- Installation of "walk/don't walk" signals for the northern pedestrian crossing
- Addition of a left-turn red arrow from Guildford Road eastbound
- Implementation of countdown timers for all pedestrian crossings
The design phase for these works is expected to be completed within the current financial year.
Local Government Advocacy and Community Engagement
City of Bayswater mayor Filomena Piffaretti confirmed that the council has been advocating for safety improvements along Guildford Road for several years. The city has already secured a dedicated right-turn signal phase for city-bound vehicles turning from King William Street onto Guildford Road, along with pedestrian warning lights added to the left-turn signal phase.
Furthermore, the council has submitted preliminary concept designs for a signalised pedestrian crossing between Grafton Road and Ferguson Street to Main Roads WA for review and approval. "The city will continue to raise this matter with the local member and Main Roads WA as this stretch of road is under their control," Mayor Piffaretti affirmed.
Maylands MLA Dan Bull acknowledged the planned upgrades, noting that Main Roads and the City of Bayswater are investigating options for an additional signalised pedestrian crossing on Guildford Road between Falkirk Avenue and Garratt Road. "I will continue to work closely with the community to identify improvements across the Maylands electorate," Bull stated.
The City of Bayswater is collaborating with the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure to strengthen the local active travel network, including cycling and pedestrian routes. This process involves ongoing engagement with community groups, with Main Roads providing essential engineering advice and on-site traffic observations to support these vital safety initiatives.
