Author Topic: Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists  (Read 3953 times)

alans1100

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Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists
« on: December 30, 2016, 02:53:38 PM »
https://motorbikewriter.com/cyclist-rule-endangers-motorcyclists/

Quote

Cyclist passing rule

The laws actually state that you can only cross or straddle a solid white line or painted island “if it is safe to do so”.

However, the very fact that it is allowable creates the wrong impression for drivers.

Motorists already can’t see riders, don’t want to see us or simply ignore us as no real threat to them.

They wouldn’t cross a solid line if another car was coming, but they seem willing to do so for motorcycles. End quote
« Last Edit: January 02, 2017, 05:55:02 PM by alans1100 »


 
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Offline Biggles

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Re: Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2016, 10:01:13 PM »
The laws actually state that you can only cross or straddle a solid white line or painted island “if it is safe to do so”.

and that's the nub of it- give them permission to cross the line and that's all they think of.  It's too much to ask that they also consider whether they can see far enough ahead to make a safe assessment.  I'm surprised there haven't been head-on collisions with other cars.
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Re: Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists
« Reply #2 on: January 02, 2017, 03:36:20 PM »
Completely agree Alan. I gave a cyclist the fright of his life the other month on Greenhill Road, in a very twisty 80kph section, as this idiot decided it was a good idea to ride 2-abreast going up the hill. I came around a LH corner at around 65 (quite safe) and there was immediately a RH corner excepting this fool was riding two abreast and my choice was to go over the double white around the blind RH corner or cut in and give the idiot about a foot (or perhaps a little less). The choice was obvious but his language was very ordinary as he nearly, but didn't, take his riding mate out. Reviewing the incident, what would I change next time - absolutely nothing and wear the consequences in Court if needs be. The laws need to change - no 2 abreast above 50 kph and no crossing the double white line unless you can see at least 100 metres ahead i.e. it must be safe to cross the lines.
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alans1100

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Re: Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists
« Reply #3 on: January 02, 2017, 06:02:11 PM »
We've just had that 1 metre clearance from a cyclist rule come into force but the onus seems to be on the car driver to maintain the distance but not the cyclist.



 
 
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Re: Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists
« Reply #4 on: January 02, 2017, 06:52:14 PM »
We've just had that 1 metre clearance from a cyclist rule come into force but the onus seems to be on the car driver to maintain the distance but not the cyclist.

That's not unreasonable, as it is assumed the cyclist is as close to the edge of the road as is practical and safe.  Hence the car has the available space to the right of the cyclist.
But I won't defend cyclists riding abreast in most circumstances, and certainly not beside unbroken centre lines.



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alans1100

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Re: Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists
« Reply #5 on: January 02, 2017, 08:44:04 PM »
We've just had that 1 metre clearance from a cyclist rule come into force but the onus seems to be on the car driver to maintain the distance but not the cyclist.

That's not unreasonable, as it is assumed the cyclist is as close to the edge of the road as is practical and safe.  Hence the car has the available space to the right of the cyclist.
How many cyclists do you know that can manage a straight line? None that I've seen.
 

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Re: Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists
« Reply #6 on: January 02, 2017, 09:58:55 PM »
It's my understanding that cyclists are only permitted to ride two abreast when there are two or more lanes heading in the same direction.
Therefore the cyclists were in the wrong riding side by side when there is only one lane per direction.

Further to this I believe when there is only one lane (per direction) they are to ride closer to the side of the road then the center.

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Re: Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists
« Reply #7 on: January 02, 2017, 10:04:08 PM »
Found it, the rules that is ;-*

Keeping left and overtaking

When you ride, you must:

   ride as close as possible to the left side (or on the road shoulder) on a single lane road. Or, you may take up any position within the lane on a multi-lane road
    ride to the left of any oncoming vehicle
    not overtake another vehicle on the left if that vehicle is indicating and turning left
    not overtake another vehicle on the left if it is not safe
    not ride with more than 2 riders side by side unless you are overtaking another rider
    ride no more than 1.5m apart, if travelling beside another rider.

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/bicycle/

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/a-to-z-of-road-rules/bicycles

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alans1100

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Re: Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists
« Reply #8 on: January 02, 2017, 11:02:30 PM »
It's my understanding that cyclists are only permitted to ride two abreast when there are two or more lanes heading in the same direction.
Therefore the cyclists were in the wrong riding side by side when there is only one lane per direction.

Further to this I believe when there is only one lane (per direction) they are to ride closer to the side of the road then the center.
Not sure about that but in SA the rules state two abreast is legal

https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/other-forms-of-transport/cycling/cyclist-road-rules-and-safety

Obey the road rules.
Keep to the left and ride at least one metre clear of the kerb and parked cars.
Look for people opening car doors in front of you.
Be seen, during the day wear bright coloured clothing, at night wear light-coloured clothing and use a white front light and red rear light.
Look for other vehicles at intersections - never assume a driver has seen you.
Ride predictably in a straight line and signal your intention to turn or change lanes.
Riding two abreast is legal.
Cyclists of all ages are allowed to ride on footpaths
 

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Re: Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists
« Reply #9 on: January 03, 2017, 06:57:50 AM »
Since it deals with road rules and safety, it might be appropriate if the "Cyclist Rules and Safety" that Alans1100 has quoted states...

"While legal, riding two abreast is not always safe"   instead of   "Riding two abreast is legal"
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Re: Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists
« Reply #10 on: January 03, 2017, 09:14:27 PM »
Found it, the rules that is ;-*

Keeping left and overtaking

When you ride, you must:

   ride as close as possible to the left side (or on the road shoulder) on a single lane road. Or, you may take up any position within the lane on a multi-lane road
    ride to the left of any oncoming vehicle
    not overtake another vehicle on the left if that vehicle is indicating and turning left
    not overtake another vehicle on the left if it is not safe
    not ride with more than 2 riders side by side unless you are overtaking another rider
    ride no more than 1.5m apart, if travelling beside another rider.

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/bicycle/

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/a-to-z-of-road-rules/bicycles

This is the same in WA however cyclists don't have to  answer a questionare to be able to ride a bike, maybe a licence should be required
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Newby

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Re: Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists
« Reply #11 on: January 05, 2017, 09:51:27 PM »
As an occasional cyclist I think that if everyone abides by road regulations and applies a degree of consideration and common sense, there is no problem. Common sense for instance would dictate that any cyclists who ride two abreast over a crest, despite the fact that they may not be breaking any law, are nevertheless not particularly interested in self preservation as the reaction time for a driver possibly travelling over three times their speed may be very short if they encounter cyclists over a crest. Admittedly drivers should be wary when breasting crests. The old 'when safe to do so' is the guiding principle. I personally think that being able to legally cross an unbroken line is in the interest of both drivers and cyclists. I would think it highly unlikely that a driver would have not crossed an unbroken line on a 100kph road, when safe to do so, to overtake a cyclist prior to the law change. The law now permits drivers to do so legally. However I recently came across a quote which appeals greatly to me: “Common sense is the most widely shared commodity in the world, for every man is convinced that he is well supplied with it.” (Rene Descartes)
 
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