COVID-19 created a surge in cyclists: Do you know how to safely share roads?
Previous lockdown measures in Australia have resulted in an increase in cyclists on the road.
Now that we are allowed to move about and explore Queensland, are you well equipped with the knowledge to share roads with cyclists?
What happens at roundabouts and can you cross lines? Let us break it down for you below.
1. Roundabouts
Feel stressed at roundabouts?
Should drivers of motor vehicles always give way to cyclists?
No.
Let us try to break it down for you:
Unless signs or road markings indicate otherwise,
Motor vehicle users who want to turn right must enter the roundabout from the right lane.
Cyclists who want to turn right at a roundabout may enter and turn right from either the left or right lane.
As seen in the drawing above, the cyclist can use the left lane to turn right even though road markings display otherwise.
As a cyclist, if you choose to turn right from the left lane, you must give way to any motor vehicle that wants to leave the roundabout, or you will be at fault. (See drawing above)
The cyclist who chose to use a left lane to turn right MUST give way to the red vehicle that is exiting the roundabout.
The driver of the blue vehicle MUST give way to the cyclist ahead of him or her before exiting the roundabout.
If the cyclist is already on the roundabout and a motor vehicle is entering, the motor vehicle should give way to the cyclist.
At single-lane roundabouts, cyclists can choose to take up the whole lane like other road users.
2. Crossing lines to pass a bicycle rider
Did you know you can cross lines to pass a bicycle rider?
If it is not safe to pass a bicycle rider, WAIT until it is safe to pass. Apart from risking the likelihood of an accident, you may receive a fine of $186 for failing to maintain a safe distance while overtaking a vehicle.
As long as it is safe to do so, a motorist is allowed to do the following to overtake a bicycle rider:-
3. Minimum passing distance
When travelling in the same direction, side-by-side, motorists must leave a gap and stay wider of bicycle riders depending on the speed zone of the road they are travelling. The table below will show the gap required in relation to speed limit of the road:-
Did you know that this rule applies to motorists passing a bicycle rider and not bicycle riders passing motorists?
This is because bicycle riders are the one who faces a greater risk when drivers pass them too closely. Bicycle riders do not pose the same risk to motorists. However, bicycle riders are also expected to keep a safe distance when passing other traffic.
If a bicycle rider passes a car, bus, or heavy vehicle with less than the minimum distance, the driver has not committed an offence.
Similarly, if a driver has stopped at traffic lights or in a line of traffic, and a bicycle rider stops within the minimum passing distance, the driver has not committed an offence.
4. Kind reminder
With more cyclists on the road, do stay vigilant and safe at all times!
Injured in a motor vehicle accident? Don’t panic! Whether you are a driver, cyclist, passenger, or pedestrian, you may be entitled to a range of compensation benefits.
Did we mention that we provide “No Win No Fee” service for eligible claims?
Don’t hesitate to contact Ascent Lawyers at 07 3532 6982 to arrange a Free Consultation with us today and our experienced team can provide you with advice.
For more information, please take a look at the following links
QLD Gov – Sharing the road with bicycle riders
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Special notice: This article is for informational purposes only and cannot be regarded as legal advice. Please contact us for specific advice tailored to your situation.
