New road rules for cyclists in Vic

[Bean]

A heads up for those heading down.

See attached and follow the link for more info.

[Driver]

This says nothing.... I've saved everyone the trouble of looking at the link; The slightly extended version on the website isn't much better.

Instead of spending the minute reading it, scratch your bum or squeeze a pimple, it'll be more rewarding.

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 signalized 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.

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

[SimonD]

I've saved everyone the trouble of looking at the link;
You are my hero!

"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).

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?

* wear a bright top when riding
* use lights at night at both the front and rear of the bicycle
* when riding two abreast along a road where there is a double or a single continuous centre line, drop back to single file to allow cars to pass safely.

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."

While on these sorts of storage box markings, there are several (faded ones) along Northbourne for making hook turns, which most people don't seem to be aware of. hook turns are safe and legal, and often you get the green light before you would have had you negotiated your way to the right hand turn lane.

[Driver]

I am wondering how many 'offenders' weren't using a proper bicycle seat ??

those hoodlums.

[SimonD]

If you go here you get a groovy flash animation of the bike boxes!! http://www.roadrules.vicroads.vic.gov.au/9_rule_cyclists.html

[Driver]

mmm.. maybe this V-M lookalike is one of them. He does look strangely happy with it.

http://www.teamskin.org/rag08/dan.jpg

[tt40]

Chief in Charge of putting V-Mobile in it's place.
Not - Vikings Cycling Club ACT
Crushing the hopes of V-Mobile since 2007
http://www.team-bikeculture.com
Talk with words, speak with your pedals

...Scotty, that is a signature challenge if ever I've seen one!

Ok, back on topic now.

[j_young_80]

Not to worry Greg, this forum prides itself on not staying on topic for more than 3 replies.

You guys have a website Sparky? Strange that we find you over here so often - though I guess it would be a pretty quiet forum with 6 people active.

Speaking of being put in place though - feel free to turn up to the beginning of the Norman this week instead of rolling with the Grandpa bunch - we'll have a little box you can put your ego in prior to the start.....hmmm, actually, in the words of Roy Schieder "We're gonna need a bigger box".

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Driver
Chief in Charge of putting V-Mobile in it's place.
Not - Vikings Cycling Club ACT
Crushing the hopes of V-Mobile since 2007
http://www.team-bikeculture.com
Talk with words, speak with your pedals


You know that V-mobile is the best when everyone is training specifically to try and beat you.

[Bean]

I quite like this part of the rules:

"What else can cyclists do to increase safety?

* wear a bright top when riding
* use lights at night at both the front and rear of the bicycle
* when riding two abreast along a road where there is a double or a single continuous centre line, drop back to single file to allow cars to pass safely."

It's good to see this is clearly written as a suggestion rather than a requirement.

[SimonD]

I quite like this part of the rules:

"What else can cyclists do to increase safety?

* wear a bright top when riding
* use lights at night at both the front and rear of the bicycle
* when riding two abreast along a road where there is a double or a single continuous centre line, drop back to single file to allow cars to pass safely."

It's good to see this is clearly written as a suggestion rather than a requirement.

You mean because a lot of the time two abreast is better to discourage crazy overtaking moves? Like the bus that took out Sue that time we went single through the city. (Lucky for us two of the AFP's finest were on the scene.)

[bosworth*]

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 signalized intersections


It all the damn tandems fault!