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Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety
· Bicycles are legitimate vehicles and cyclists have rights and responsibilities like any other road user. Before you get on a bike, check that it is safe. If you are unsure about your bicycle’s safety, have it checked at a bike shop. · 1. Bicycle Safety Check List · Brakes An effective foot or hand operated rear wheel brake is required. A front brake is optional, but is strongly recommended. · Lighting—A red reflector must be fitted to the rear · When riding between sunset and sunrise or in hazardous weather, bicycles must also have a: – Front light showing an unbroken or flashing white beam that is clearly visible from 200 yards. · Rear light showing an unbroken or flashing red beam that is clearly visible from 200 yards. · In addition it is advisable that when riding bikes at night or in poor weather they should have: Yellow reflectors fitted to both sides of each pedal –yellow side reflector (visible from both sides) on each wheel. · Before riding at night ensure the lights work properly · Steering—Make sure handlebars are not loose and are aligned with the front wheel axle. Riders must have at least one hand on the handlebars and have full control of the bike while in motion. · Children must wear an approved helmet. · Warning devices— Let other people know you are coming, especially on shared paths. However, keep in mind some people may have disabilities and may not always see or hear you. The law requires a bell, horn or similar warning device. Please use it. · Clothing—Bright, reflective clothing should be worn at all times. Avoid dull dark clothing even in day-time -Reflective ankle and wristbands and reflective tape on panniers or backpacks also make it easier to be seen. · It is advisable to wear suitable footwear and protective eyewear.
· 2. Road Rules/Sharing the Road · All paths, including “cycle paths” are Shared Paths, used by people riding bikes, walking, pushing prams, using roller blades or riding skateboards or scooters. · It is important to keep in mind that all users have legitimate rights on shared paths, and with rights come responsibilities. One responsibility for cyclists is to give way to pedestrians. · Bicycle helmets—Bicycle riders must wear an approved helmet. · Hand signals—Cyclists should give clear hand signals when about to turn left, right or changing lanes. Left turn hand signals are not mandatory but are recommended. · Multi-lane roundabouts—Bicycle riders, like all riders and drivers entering a multilane roundabout, must give way to vehicles already on the roundabout and should look out for vehicles approaching the roundabout from the right You may turn right from either lane of a multi-laned roundabout. However, if you are riding in the left lane you must give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout from either lane. For maximum safety and visibility when using multi-laned roundabouts, it is recommended that you ride in the middle of a lane to discourage drivers attempting to overtake n the same lane. · Hook turns—When turning right at an intersection, cyclists have the option of making a hook turn, rather than making a normal right turn. A hook turn may be safer and more convenient on some roads, such as those with heavy traffic volumes. When making a hook turn, you must still obey all traffic laws such as only proceeding on a green light and giving way to other traffic. · Riding abreast—Cyclists are permitted to ride two abreast—Three or more riders abreast are not permitted; however you can overtake two other riders cycling abreast. · Overtaking motor vehicles—Cyclists cannot overtake on the left side of a motor vehicle if that motor vehicle is moving and indicating a turn left. · Cyclists are permitted to overtake on the left of motor vehicles that are stationary, at locations such as traffic lights. · Carrying passengers—It is against the law to carry more passengers than the bicycle is designed to carry. Most bicycles are only designed to carry the rider. However there are exemptions including child seats, tandems and bicycle trailers. · Holding on to a moving vehicle— It is against the law and dangerous in the extreme to ‘hitch’ a ride by holding on to a moving vehicle. · Slip streaming—Slip streaming or pacing behind a moving vehicle is very dangerous, as the vehicle in front of you could suddenly stop. · Crossing at lights—When riding on the road, cyclists as road users must obey traffic lights · If cyclists are using a shared pedestrian/cycle path they must cross only at the ‘Walk’ pedestrian signal by walking (or by riding at intersections with ‘Cycle’ signals) or when the lights go green if the lights don’t have specific ‘Walk/Don’t Walk’ commands. · Pedestrian crossings—Bike riders must not ride across a road by using a children’s school crossing or a zebra crossing. A rider wishing to cross at these points must walk the bicycle across. · Keeping left—The ‘keep left’ rule applies to cyclists as it does to other vehicles. · Riding courtesy—-Show the same level of courtesy to all other road users (pedestrians, other cyclists and motorists) that you yourself expect. But most of all show common sense and caution, especially to motor vehicles, as they are bigger, faster, harder and a lot less vulnerable than you. · Giving way to buses If you are in the left lane, including a bicycle lane, give way to all buses that are indicating and trying to rejoin the traffic stream.
· 3. Riding · Shared paths/footpath/cycle paths · It is permissible for cyclists to ride on footpaths in the ACT · Show courtesy to other users, especially pedestrians. Remember that small children are unpredictable and older people may not see or hear you. Also remember that people may be walking dogs on leads. Give them a wide berth. · Cyclists must give right of way to pedestrians, wheel chairs and motorized scooters used by people with disabilities. This might occasionally involve dismounting and walking the bike. · Cyclists should keep left where possible.
· 4. On the road · Be predictable and signal your intentions clearly · Expect the unexpected and ride carefully · Be aware of road and traffic conditions · Be assertive but not aggressive · Be ready for drivers turning in front of you · Be aware of dangers with merging traffic · Be aware of vehicle slipstream, especially from heavy vehicles · Whenever a bicycle lane is provided as part of a road and is in a reasonable condition for use, the · rider should use that lane and not the remainder At night/in bad weather. Be seen! Be safe! · In poor light or hazardous weather, use every device to increase your visibility, such as wearing bright clothing and switching on your lights. If you do not possess these items don’t ride! · Keep an extra sharp look out for other road users, especially pedestrians Accidents · Any on-road cycle accident, especially involving injury or another party, should be reported to the Police. · 5. Pedestrian Safety · Always walk facing traffic so you can move out of the way in time to avoid a bad driver. · Use crosswalks or cross at intersections · Look left, right and left again before you step off the curb · See and be seen! · Never cross the street in the middle of the block
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