Thread: Cyclists.

Originally Posted by Pocket Rocket

Once that happens it opens up the option to drive to a safe starting point.

Yep. That's what I do. This, of course, opens up many other interesting rides such as:
Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail - Trail Search
Park in the car park, ride to Warburton for a cuppa, then ride back to the car park at Lillydale.

Originally Posted by Pocket Rocket

Yeah I think that other states will lead the way in this regard.

The solution in WA seems to be to build more bike paths although trying to get to said bike paths can often be a bit hairy.

...

Lets hope your cycleways are better than the one on Windsor road. Millions spent on making a dual carriage way for the motorists and also a cycleway separated from the road by Don Burke landscaping and shrubbery.

They planted flowering gums right on the edges of the cycleway which drop gum nuts, the foliage and branches encroach over the cycleway and it is never swept.

Is there any wonder the cyclists use the road?

'Donkeying' I remember doing that ... the good old days, broggies, monos...

But seriously, this confirming adults riding on footpaths and when -

Riding on footpaths

Children under 12 years can ride bicycles on a footpath but older cyclists are not permitted to use the footpath [Australian Road Rules r 250]. The exceptions to this are if they are carrying a letter from their doctor that explains that they need to ride on the footpath due to a physical disability or medical condition [Road Traffic (Road Rules - Ancillary and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2014 (SA) reg. 32]; or if they are over 18 and are accompanying a child under 12 [reg.33].

Shared facilities for both pedestrians and cyclists called 'shared paths? are designated by signs or line marking. Cyclists riding a footpath or shared path must keep left unless it is impractical to do so [Australian Road Rules r 250].

Box right hand turns

Cyclists can make a 'box right hand turn' by crossing an intersection on the left side and waiting on the opposite corner for a break in the traffic before proceeding along the road into which the turn is to be make. Just as drivers must keep their hands on a steering wheel, cyclists must keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times [Australian Road Rules r 245] and they must signal when turning right [ Australian Road Rules r 48].

Other restrictions

Cyclists are also subject to other restrictions. It is illegal to hold on to a moving vehicle [Australian Road Rules r 254] or to ride for more than 200 metres within two metres of a motor vehicle [Australian Road Rules r 255]. The old practice of 'donkeying' is also against the law unless the bicycle is equipped to carry passengers [Australian Road Rules r 246]. Cyclists can even be charged for riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs and face a fine up to $300 if convicted [Road Traffic Act 1961(SA) s 47]. However, random breath tests only apply to drivers.

Penalties

The penalties for any breach are a maximum fine of $1250 but most cycling offences can attract an expiation notice as an alternative to court ranging from $18 to $46 depending on the offence. See penalty summary.

Cyclists

Originally Posted by Pocket Rocket

Maybe we should licence them for their own good. And if they rack up too many infringements take away their ability to walk

Oops hang on that didn't quite sound how I meant it to!

Pedestrian Offences

?Jaywalking?

There is no specific offence of jaywalking but under the Road Traffic Act 1971 and the Australian Road Rules a number of offences exist in relation to walking without regard to other road users or without regard to safety.

Pedestrian offences

Under s 87 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (SA) it is an offence to walk without reasonable regard for other road users.
Under the rules 230 and 234 of the Australian Road Rules it is an offence for a pedestrian to cross a road diagonally, unless at an intersection where this is allowed.
It is an offence under regulation 23A of the Road Traffic (Road Rules -- Ancillary and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 1999 (SA) (and rule 234 of the Australian Road Rules) to cross to or from an area of road within 20 metres of a tram stop other than at a pedestrian crossing.
It is an offence to cross a road within 20 metres of a pedestrian crossing at a place other than the pedestrian crossing (rule 234 of the Australian Road Rules).
Rule 230 states that a pedestrian must cross a road by the shortest safest route and under rule 232 they can only cross when the pedestrian lights are green.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Why were you riding on the path?

Footpaths are for pedestrians (with or without dogs) or occassionally for adult cyclists escorting child cyclists under 14 years of age.

Yes i should have said shared path

Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

In Victoria, only paths that are signposted thus:

Which are not that common.

Of note:


So, in gossamers example, the pedestrian did nothing wrong and gossamer performed the correct course of action to avoid a collision by cycling in the grass.
Well done. See. It's not so hard.

Pedestrian are suppose to stick to the left not take the whole path but im getting use to having to avoid people. From Grannies (got abused by a granny for not ringing my bell even though i did 3 times ) to Asians (asians walk in big groups and some are not a fan of moving over) to headphone wearers to prams to groups of women who talk soooo much they dont hear anything to dog walkers and to irresponsible dog owners (yes ive hit a dog that had no right being off the lead it was jumping all over people in a playground before running straight in front of me). Most people are fine is just a few.
hmmmm that argument sound familiar
I do like how people complain about cyclists on shared paths use their bell or yell in their ear yet it clearly states on the signs and painted all over the paths that you must warn when approaching from behind. (even got abused once for now ringing my bell when approaching from the front???)

Originally Posted by gossamer

Pedestrian are suppose to stick to the left not take the whole path

Which road rule is this? I cannot find it.

Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

Which road rule is this? I cannot find it.

Its on every shared path i have been on, some even have arrows to remind you

WA premier Colin Barnett is back in the news on the subject of cyclists.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/~/wa premier-says-cyclists-in-groups-causing-problems-on-roads/