New VicRoads rules for cyclists

New VicRoads rules for cyclists

VicRoad changes include new rules relating to helmet and seat use for bicycle passengers and rules for cyclists turning from, and stopping in, bicycle boxes at signalised intersections.

IMPORTANT ROAD LAW UPDATE - PLEASE NOTE: The road rules for cyclists are changing in Victoria.

From 9 November 2009, there will be new rules for cyclists in Victoria.

The changes include new rules relating to helmet and seat use for bicycle passengers and rules for cyclists turning from, and stopping in, bicycle boxes at signalised intersections.

More than 1,000 cyclists are injured in crashes with motor vehicles each year.

These new rules will help improve their safety when riding with traffic.

If both cyclists and their passengers wear helmets, the risk of head injury is reduced in a crash.

Bicycle boxes allow cyclists to wait ahead of traffic at signalised intersections so drivers can see them more easily.

The new road safety rules will come into effect on 9 November 2009 and it’s up to every road user to know them, before they leave home.

THE CHANGES:

Seat and helmet
A bicycle passenger must wear an approved bicycle helmet and sit on a proper seat when riding on a bicycle.

Area reserved for cyclists (bicycle box)
A driver must stop at the first line of the bicycle box while a cyclist must stop at the second line, within the bicycle box. See diagram right.

Turning at intersections
When turning at intersections with a bicycle box a bicycle rider:

• if turning left, must be in the left lane of the reserved area
• if turning right, must be in the right lane of the reserved area (where there is a bicycle box in the right lane). If no reserved area is present a standard right hand turn can be performed by signaling and turning from the right hand turn lane. Alternately a rider may perform a hook turn from the left lane.

What you have to do
If you are a bicycle passenger, make sure you are wearing an approved bicycle helmet and sitting on a proper seat.

If you are using the bicycle box ensure you keep clear of the pedestrian area.

What else can cyclists do to increase safety?

• use lights at night at both the front and rear of the bicycle

Road safety reasons
Cyclists and their passengers are some of the most vulnerable road users. More than 1,000 cyclists are injured in crashes with motor vehicles each year. These new rules aim to improve their safety when riding with traffic.

If both cyclists and their passengers wear helmets, the risk of head injury is reduced in a crash.

Using a proper seat keeps the bicycle more stable and lessens the risk of crashing.

Bicycle boxes allow cyclists to wait ahead of traffic at signalised intersections and to get a head start on motor vehicles. This way cyclists can be more easily seen by drivers.

Click here to view the VicRoads Frequently Asked Questions.

For more information visit the VicRoads website at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/roadrules or call 1300 360 745

CYCLING PLAN TO BLAME UK DRIVERS BY DEFAULT FOR ALL CRASHES

from eCAN

CYCLING PLAN TO BLAME UK DRIVERS BY DEFAULT FOR ALL CRASHES

20 September 2009- UK Ministers are considering making motorists legally responsible for accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians, even if they are not at fault.

Government advisers are pushing for changes in the civil law that will make the most powerful vehicle involved in a collision automatically liable for insurance and compensation purposes.

The move, intended to encourage greater take-up of environmentally friendly modes of transport, is likely to anger some drivers, many of whom already perceive themselves to be the victims of moneyspinning speed cameras and overzealous traffic wardens.

Many will argue that it is the risky behaviour of some cyclists - particularly those who jump red lights and ride the wrong way along one-way streets - that is to blame for a significant number of crashes.

However, policy-makers believe radical action is required to get people out of cars and onto bicycles or to walk more. Only 1%-2% of journeys are at present made by bike.

Read more here:

Cycling Safety Videos

New Video Clips help cyclists

The Cycling Promotion Fund and the Amy Gillett Foundation launched a series of video clips designed to improve road safety in Melbourne 20th February as part of the Sustainable Living Festival.
The dramatic increase in bicycle rider numbers over recent years has lead to large numbers of relatively inexperienced bicycle riders. These video clips provide bicycle riders and would be riders with practical tips on how to avoid common hazards when riding in traffic.

The Videos cover four vital aspects of Cycling and interacting with traffic, they are

1. Dealing with Intersections
Intersections can be tricky for all road users but particularly bicycle riders. Here are some tips on how to tackle intersections.
2.Heavy Vehicles & CyclistsOur roads are increasingly busy and bicycle riders have to share the road with cars, trucks, buses and trams. Sharing the road with larger vehicles in particular requires awareness, skills and strategies
3.Dealing with car doors
Bicycle lanes are great in providing some marked space for bicycle rider on busy roads. Unfortunately many bicycle lanes are located near parked cars which can become a real hazard
4.Cyclist VisibilityBicycle
Riders are often not on the radar of motorists. Here are some tips to increase your chances of being seen by motorists.

Here are the Vids: