Safer cycling under the spotlight

The division between motorists and cyclists seems a difficult gap to bridge. Recent media attention surrounding a number of cycling-related incidents has led to changes in legislation in some states aimed at giving cyclists a fairer share of the road – and hopefully saving lives.

But road safety isn’t a one-way street, and there are steps motorists and cyclists alike can take to ensure a trouble-free trip. Here, we take a look at a few of the rules around sharing the roads with cyclists, and offer some advice from our two-wheeled friends.

ACT

The Metre Matters campaign that followed the tragic death of Australian track cyclist Amy Gillett  has influenced a number of rule changes in Australia. In the ACT specifically the law states that motorists must provide a minimum lateral distance of 1.0m when overtaking a cyclist in speed zones at or below 60km/h, and 1.5m in speed zones above 60km/h.

In the event a motorist should meet a cyclist on a narrow stretch of road, the law says motorists may cross centre lines, straddle lane-lines and drive on painted islands provided the motorist has a clear view of approaching traffic, and that it is safe to do so.

The Territory is also experimenting with allowing cyclists to ride slowly across signal-controlled pedestrian crossings, provided speed is kept to no more than 10km/h. Just like pedestrians, riders must only complete the crossing if a green signal is displayed, must check for on-coming traffic, and must give way to other pedestrians using the crossing.

More information can be found here

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NSW

New South Wales shares the Metre Matters philosophy with the ACT (see above), and takes a common sense approach to many other guidelines surrounding safe cycling. It states that, as in all states, cyclists must obey the rules of the road, its Go Together campaign also requiring cyclists to wear a secured helmet at all times.

It also outlines the rules around the use of lights and reflectors when cycling in hazardous weather conditions, stating that bikes must be fitted with a steady or flashing white light on the front and a steady or flashing red light on the rear of the bike, visible from at least 200m.

NSW rules for cyclists also extend to operating a bike on paths shared with pedestrians and other cyclists, outlining the need to keep left, to travel at a safe speed, and the use of a bell to warn others before passing. The rules also state that cyclists must pass pedestrians with at least 1.0m of lateral space.

More information can be found here

NT

Specific rules in the Northern Territory vary somewhat from the rest of the country. Key differences include riding with at least one hand on the handle bars, sitting astride the seat, keeping left wherever possible and giving way to pedestrians.

There are also guidelines that say a cyclist must use hand signals when stopping or turning, stay at least 2.0m from the vehicle in front, not hold on to another moving vehicle, and use the left lane of a roundabout, even when turning right!

The NT varies a little where the wearing of helmets are concerned, stating that riders under the age of 17 must wear an approved helmet at all times, and riders older than 17 only when cycling on the road.

More information can be found here

QLD

Like most other states of Australia, Queensland’s rules state that cyclists must obey the same rules as cars when riding on the road. Furthermore, a cyclist may be fined in the same way as a motorist for breaking a road rule, irrespective of their age. They will not, however, receive any demerit points for committing an offence.

Common offences specific to cyclists in Queensland include ‘dinking’ a passenger on an unapproved bike, failing to give way to pedestrians on a footpath or crossing, and failing to display a light at night or in hazardous weather conditions.

There are a few more specific rules in Queensland, including that a cyclist must not lead an animal while riding, and that only a pair of cyclists may ride side by side, provided they are within 1.5m of one another.

Queensland takes the Metre Matters rule very seriously, fining drivers up to $4800 for non-compliance.

More information can be found here

SA

South Australian rules around cycling and sharing the road are familiar to those elsewhere in the country. The Metre Matters rule has been in place since October 2015, the rules changing at that time to state also that cyclists may also ride two abreast in a lane of traffic, and ride on the footpath legally.

The rules in SA also place emphasis on cyclists allowing 1.0m between themselves and any parked car, the use of lights at night or in hazardous weather, and suggesting that light-coloured clothing is worn at all times.

It’s also stressed that cyclists should ride predictably in a straight line, and indicate any change of direction or intention to stop with hand signals. Sensibly, South Australian guidelines also suggest that cyclists and motorists have an equal responsibility when it comes to obeying the road rules, asking that both are considerate of each other’s space.

More information can be found here

TAS

Tasmanian cycling rules are quite similar to those of the eastern states. The Metre Matters rule is enforced across the state, and though cyclists may ride on the footpath, special care must be taken to avoid riding where ‘pedestrian only’ signs are installed.

As in Queensland, Tasmanian cyclists may ride two abreast provided they remain in the same lane of traffic and not more than 1.5m apart from one another. Riders are not, however, permitted to ride across a road at a children’s or pedestrian crossing.

Tassie cyclists must sit astride the bicycle, hold on to the handlebars and wear an approved helmet at all times, and, like the Northern Territory, stay 2.0m from a vehicle travelling in front for more than 200m.

More information can be found here

VIC

In the ten years to 2012 Victoria averaged eight rider fatalities and 413 serious injuries per year. The statistic led not only to several changes in the law, but also to the release of guidelines around safer riding. These included asking cyclists to ride defensively, to remain visible, and use caution when riding in a built-up area or around parked cars.

Victoria also has state-specific rules surrounding hook turns, obeying speed limits (especially in shared and school zones), using a mobile phone or GPS device when riding, listening to music and putting others at risk.

Irrespective of age, all Victorian cyclists are required to wear a helmet whether riding on the road or a bicycle path.

More information can be found here

WA

As is the case in most other states and territories, a bicycle is considered a vehicle in WA, and is therefore expected to obey the road rules as other vehicles do. Cyclists must wear a helmet fitted with an AS/NZS 2063:2008 compliance decal, and are compelled to use a cycle lane where one is present.

As per New South Wales, West Australian cyclists must fit a steady or flashing white light on the front and a steady or flashing red light on the rear of the bike visible from at least 200m, and like Victorian cyclists, are permitted to make a hook turn when a ‘bike storage area’ is not applied.

The West Australian rule book also lists specific guidelines around the carriage of bicycles on public transport, and the use of hand signals when stopping or changing direction.

Remember that it is the law for all road users to obey the road laws specific to the state or territory in which they are riding, and that allowing a few extra moments when passing a cyclist, and giving sufficient space to pass safely, will help everyone reach their destination in one piece.