Comments on the Cycling Safety Forum

Mark Esvelt referred to a recent article from the Cycling Safety Forum and highlighted some "Interesting facts that we should consider."..

Road Rules & Penalties

Western Australian road rules are contained within the WA Road Traffic Code 2000, which can be viewed on the State Law Publisher website.

The Drive Safe guide aimed at learner drivers, but available to any driver in WA, provides a good overview of the key road rules and their penalties.

The road rules largely mirror the Australian Road Rules (ARRs), which were approved by all state and territory Transport Ministers in 1999. An electronic copy of the most up to date Australian Road Rules is available on the National Transport Commission website.

From time to time amendments to the Road Traffic Code 2000 are made. These can reflect amendments to the model ARRs that have been agreed nationally or amendments that are specific to WA needs.

Legislation governing drink and drug driving, licensing offences, hoons and serious offences such as dangerous and reckless driving are contained within the WA Road Traffic Act 1974.

Cycling road rules

Most rules applying to motor vehicle drivers/riders also apply to cyclists riding on a road. There are, however, a few rules that only apply to cyclists. Cyclists: must have at least one hand on the handlebars while in motion. must wear an approved helmet while in motion (unless exempted). must not ride within two metres of the rear of a motor vehicle, over a distance of more than 200 metres. must not hold onto another moving vehicle or be towed by it. must not be more than two bicycles abreast on a road. When riding abreast, the two bicycles must be no more than 1.5 metres apart. must use the correct hand signals to turn left or right and to stop. can use the left lane of a roundabout when turning right, provided they give way to all exiting traffic. must not ride in a pedestrian mall. cannot overtake on the left side of a motor vehicle if that motor vehicle is moving and indicating to turn left. Children under 12 may ride on any footpath unless a "No Bicycles" sign has been erected. Riders 12 years of age and over are not permitted to ride on a footpath. They may, however, ride on shared paths. The following guidelines facilitate the sharing of footpaths and shared paths: Riders must keep left on shared paths and footpaths unless overtaking. Riders must give way to pedestrians at all times. At path intersections you must signal your intention to turn, and give way to motor vehicles entering or exiting an intersecting road. Riders must only travel in single file on all paths, though they can travel two abreast on a road. Animals must not be tied to a moving bike. Slow down when passing pedestrians — remember they are slower and can be unpredictable. When approaching pedestrians from behind, always ring your bell about 30 metres before reaching them. If they are aware of your presence with plenty of time to spare, they are less likely to make sudden sideways movements. Be particularly careful where a shared path crosses a busy road.