Community safety
Blue Mountains communities are safe, caring and inclusive. We, with the Police and other key organisations, are always working together to improve the safety of communities in the Blue Mountains.
Our Road Safety Program aims to reduce the incidence of road related injury by targeted awareness raising campaigns and projects.
These programs are funded by us and the Roads and Maritime Services, Local Government Road Safety Program.
Child Restraints
Children who are properly secured in approved child restraints are less likely to be injured or killed in a car crash compared to those who are not.
All children up to the age of seven and under 145cm must be safely fastened in the correct restraint for their age and also their size. To view the National restraint laws and make the safest choice for your child, visit the Child Car Seats website.
Make sure your child is safe and get your child car seats, harnesses and booster seats checked for safety and fit by a Roads and Maritime Services Authorised Restraint Fitter.
We regularly hold free Child Restraint Checking days for Blue Mountains residents.
Cycling Safety
All road users need to show courtesy and share the road. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists on our roads.
To keep safe while riding your bike be sure to:
- Always wear a well-fitting helmet
- Do a safety check of your bike before you head out to ride
- Be seen - wear clothing that is bright and reflective
- Ensure you have the appropriate lights and reflectors
- Plan your trip – where possible pick shared paths and quieter streets
- More safe riding tips here
You can plan your trip or day out with these resources. (link to walking and cycling pages)
Drivers who pass a bicycle rider must allow a distance of at least:
- 1 metre when the speed limit is 60km/h or lest
- 1.5 metres when the speed limit is more than 60km/h
On shared paths and multi-use trails cyclists are encouraged to allow pedestrians a metre space. See the Go Together campaign for further details.
Learner Drivers
We hold free workshops for parents and carers of learner drivers which offer practical advice on how to help learner drivers become safer drivers.
This includes information on:
- completing logbooks
- how to plan on-road driving lessons
- receive updates on the latest licence conditions and road rules
- and provide an opportunity to ask questions
Workshop Dates
Insert Workshop dates
Early bookings are essential as space is limited. For more information or to book your place call Council’s Road Safety Coordinator 4780 5000.
Information about learning to drive
Car safety
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrians can be people who walk or jog, use manual and motorised wheelchairs, mobility scooters, skateboards, foot scooters or even rollerblades.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
- Don’t use your mobile phone while crossing roads.
- Always use pedestrian crossings or traffic lights.
- At traffic lights cross only when the pedestrian signal is green. Don’t begin crossing when the red light flashes.
- At intersections, check for turning vehicles before you leave the kerb.
- Watch out for vehicles leaving and entering driveways.
- Wear bright, light or reflective clothing particularly at night.
- More tips for pedestrians
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Minimise distractions and follow the rules on mobile phone use.
- Slow down on roads where people are about.
- Give way to pedestrians crossing the road if you are in danger of colliding with them, even if there is no marked crossing.
- Older pedestrians need longer to cross & children can be difficult to see and can act unpredictably.
- More tips for drivers
Useful links
School Zone Safety
School zones operate from 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm on all school days, including pupil free days. Motorists are required to drive at no more than 40kmph through School Zone times.
Safety Around Schools
School drop off and pick up time can be a chaotic time for kids, and a time when parents and other drivers may be rushing, distracted or stressed.
Children are particularly vulnerable because they're smaller, harder to see, likely to act unpredictably and more likely to act without thinking or be distracted.
Take extra care when driving and parking around school zones. Follow the link for information about keeping our students safe.
Slow Down in My Street
Speed is the highest identifiable factor in crashes within the Blue Mountains. This project aims to reduce speeding on local roads and make our streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycle riders and other motorists.
Streets for the project are identified and prioritised by looking at crash data, issues raised by residents and in consultation with Police. A range of measures are enforced to encourage motorists to consider their behaviour and slow down.
Slow Down in My Street is jointly funded Council, the RMS with support from NSW Police.
Want a Slow Down In My Street Bin Sticker?
Play your part in encouraging safe driving behaviour by requesting a free sticker for your council waste bin. Email council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au.
Speeding
- Speed limits on Blue Mountains roads are 50km/h
- Areas with speed limits of 40, 60, 70 or 80km/h are clearly marked.
- Drive to the speed -limit or under, depending on the conditions.
- Travelling at lower speeds improves a driver’s ability to stop and avoid crashes. Where crashes do occur they are less severe, especially for children and the elderly.
Have your say on speed limits & speed cameras
The RMS are responsible for setting speed limits. You can have your say about speed limits or nominate a speed camera location via the Safer Roads NSW website.
Useful Links
Yellow Ribbon National Road Safety Week
Is an initiative of not-for-profit association Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Inc. Their mission is to promote initiatives that bring about improved road safety, as well as support those affected by road tragedy.
You can join tens of thousands who have become Road Safety Champions and committed to Drive So Others Survive. Take the pledge by going to www.sarahgroup.org