Cycling Ambassadors

Relationships between cyclists and other road and path users can often become strained through misunderstandings and miscommunications.  Northern Beaches Cycling aims to improve attitudes and safety with one courteous act at a time. Take a moment to revise the road rules here, and GIVE A WAVE to courteous drivers.



The Road Traffic Act and Code
When using a public road, all bicycle riders must obey the same rules as other vehicles such as cars and trucks. The most common rules include those applying to traffic control lights, stop signs, careless and reckless riding, riding under the influence of alcohol, and keep left.




Rules applying only to cyclists
In addition to the road rules applying to all vehicles, there are some specific examples that only apply to cyclists. A bicycle rider:
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 ride a bicycle on a freeway or other road that has designated restrictions that prohibit riding 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.
Note: this rule does not prevent another cyclist from overtaking.
must use the correct hand signals to turn left or right, and to stop.
Turning fully extend your left arm and hand. left:
Turning right:
Stopping: extend the right arm horizontally, bending upwards at the elbow. Hand should be open with the palm forward.
can use the left lane of a roundabout when turning right, provided he or she gives 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.
Note: cyclists are permitted to overtake on the left, a line of motor vehicles that are stationary, at locations such as traffic lights.


Reporting a crash
If a bicycle rider is involved in a crash with another rider, a pedestrian, a motor vehicle or an animal, and either party is injured OR property damage exceeds $1000, the incident must be reported to the police. Incidents involving personal injury that have been reported to police will be automatically reported to the Insurance Commission of Western Australia.


Reporting dangerous or threatening behaviour
It is important that all members of the cycling community report behaviour from other road users that could be considered dangerous or overtly threatening in nature. It could help prevent further problems in the future for other riders. Any troubling incidents should be reported to your local police as soon as possible. If the incident involves a vehicle, it is useful to note the relevant make, model and registration details. 



Helmets
Bicycle riders travelling on Western Australian roads and paths that are accessible to the public, must wear an approved helmet. The helmet must be of a standard approved by the Director General of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure. At present, these only include helmets that comply with either Australian Standard 2063 or the Snell Memorial Foundation Standard. All approved helmets must be sold with a compliance sticker attached.
Retention straps must be fastened at all times, so look for a helmet with a strap system that is easy to adjust.



Tips for riding in traffic
Being safe on a bike is not as simple as putting on a helmet. Apart from knowing and obeying the road rules, vulnerable on-road cyclists need to ride defensively at all times. Being legally in the right is of little consolation if you are involved in a serious crash with a motor vehicle. Here are some tips to improve your safety when riding with or near traffic.
Be Seen:
Wear light coloured clothes at all times. Better still are garments that have reflective panels. Bike shops sell lightweight refection vests that can be easily slipped over your ordinary clothing.
Fit front and rear lights when riding at night. It is recommended that you fit two separate lights at the front. One light can be used to illuminate the ground ahead and the other aimed at the eye level of car drivers to maximise your chances of being seen. At night, attaching reflective tape or stickers to clothing, helmet, backpacks and cargo will increase your visibility even more.
A good tip is to watch your shadow when being approached from behind by a car. If your shadow does not start to move to the left as the car approaches, quickly move your bike to the left.
Be predictable:
Use hand signals when necessary. A left or right arm extended out indicates that you are turning (and slowing). Drivers are more likely to slow and wait for you to make your manoeuvre.
Get into the habit of making gradual changes in lane position (e.g. to avoid debris or grates) as this gives drivers plenty of time to see you. Avoid sudden moves that put you closer to where traffic passes you. Drivers won't have to time to give you more space and you won't appreciate them being so close.
Cyclists riding along the road at dawn or dusk also need to consider the difficulty that a sun sitting low in the sky can cause for motorists. When pedalling directly into a rising or setting sun, riders need to be aware that they are almost invisible to a driver approaching from behind and should therefore avoid riding in that direction for a few minutes until the sun has moved position.
Allow some space when passing parked cars. A door suddenly opening can be a hazard, so stay at least one metre away.
Choose a good route:
Avoid roads that are home to many vehicles travelling at high speed. The biggest mistake a person can make when they start riding is to take exactly the same routes as they do when driving. Try to choose bicycle friendly routes, such as Perth Bicycle Network routes, shared paths and quiet streets. These are all shown on the Department for Planning and Infrastructure's bike maps.
If the road you are on has a sealed shoulder in good repair then use it.
Be Prepared:
Use your eyes and ears. On a bike, your ability to see and hear what is going on around you is far greater than in a car. Glance to the side as you approach side streets and driveways. Listen for vehicles approaching.
Look for signs that a driver hasn't seen you e.g. they haven't slowed down or you can see that they haven't looked in your direction. Show particular caution when nearing a motorist who is intending to turn left across your path.
Have you hands on your brakes, ready to apply.
Freewheel, rather than pedal, and be ready to shift your weight backwards if you need to brake. This will help you stop quickly and you won't go over your handlebars. 









Amy Gillett Foundation

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