Hi James here from One 2 Pass, a Caloundra driving school instructor.
Today I’m going to talk about Cyclists and awareness of cyclists on QLD Roads and look at the rules surrounding all the things you need to know.
As per normal on my blogs, I’m going to base this on my own personal opinion or experience and / or supported from sources, facts and / or legislation quoted for driving on Queensland’s roads.
So, below I will share some personal experiences.
Let’s also talk about cycling and get the facts!
Sharing the roads with bicycle riders.
Bicycles are a type of vehicle and bicycle riders and motorists have the same rights and responsibilities when using the road.
Bicycle riders must obey the same general road rules as motorists as well the bicycle road rules.
Bicycle riders who beat the law are subject to the same fines as motorists.
Laws for motorists passing bicycle riders.
Motorists must stay wider of bicycle riders by giving a minimum distance of:
1m when passing a bicycle rider in a 60km/h or less speed zone or
1.5m where the speed limit is over 60km/h
Passing a bicycle rider means that you (as a motorist) and the bicycle rider are traveling in the same direction. This includes when you are travelling side-by-side in separate lanes on a multi-lane road. It doesn’t not apply if you are travelling in opposite directions.
The passing distance is measured from:
- The right most part of the bicycle or the person on the bicycle to
- The left most part of the vehicle, or something sticking out from the vehicle (e.g. a side mirror)
The minimum passing distance applies even if the bicycle rider is riding around an obstacle.
These road rules apply to all motor vehicles – including cars, motorcycles, heavy vehicles and public transport.
Fact sheet and frequently asked questions:
Crossing lines to pass a bicycle rider.
To pass a bicycle ride as long as it is safe to do so, you are allowed to:
- Drive over centre lines (including double unbroken centre lines) on a 2 way road.
- Straddle or cross a lane (including a continuous lane line) on a multi-lane road
- Drive on a painted island
If it is not safe to pass a bicycle rider, you must wait until its is safe to pass.
Indicating when passing.
Drivers must indicate when passing bicycle riders if they need to change their position on the road.
- Indicate ‘right’ long enough to warn other road users that you are about to veer right to pass a bicycle rider
- Then indicate ‘left’ when you are passed the bicycle rider and are returning to your original position on the road.
You must indicate if you need to change your position on the road, even if you do not need to cross the centre of lane lines.
Passing 2 bicycle riders riding side by side.
If you want to pass 2 bicycle riders that are riding next to each other, the minimum passing distance applies to the bicycle rider closest to the right. It is legal for 2 bicycle riders to ride side-by-side on a road, as long as they are not more than 1.5m apart.
Check your blind spots.
Bicycle riders are much smaller than cars and heavy vehicles, so they are harder to see. Check your blind spots before changing lanes, turning or when you open your car doors.
Giving way.
Make sure you treat bicycle riders like any other vehicle on the road. Give way to them when required and travel at a safe following distance.
Penalties.
As a motorist, you will get 3 demerit points and a $400.00 fine if you do not give the minimum distance when you pass a bicycle rider. If the matter goes to court, a maximum fine of more the $5,300.00 can apply.
Be patient and considerate.
Watch out for bicycle riders at all times, but especially at night, dawn or dusk. Be considerate and dip your headlights when approaching a bicycle rider at night.
Be patient. If it sin’t safe to pass a bicycle rider, wait until it is safe. This should not hold you up for long and it could save the bicycle riders life.
Turning left behind a bicycle rider.
If a bicycle rider is ahead of you and you want to turn left, turn behind the bicycle rider.
Overtaking and cutting off the bicycle rider is very dangerous.
Wet weather.
Wet weather can cause the road to become oily or slippery and reduce visibility, so be extra careful around bicycle riders at these times.
There it is….. A whole lot of information with regards to how we think about cyclist on and sharing the roads with us motorists. After all they are humans on bikes. They could be your mum or dad, brother or sister, son or daughter, aunt or uncle, boss or employee friend or colleague.
Having cycled myself there are some great benefits and personal beliefs shared by cyclist. I personally feel the being a cyclist means a great deal when we think about general fitness, health and wellbeing. Healthy mind healthy body. Social, you get to make new friends by joining a club, or a local bike shop ride or just by cycling along and chatting to fellow riders and agreeing to meet up for social rides, coffee and laughter. You might make a friend for life.
For advise or insurance check out Bicycle Queensland for all the facts and information.
Bicycle Queensland
P.O.Box 1727 Milton QLD 4064
Ph: 0738441144
For some of you who are keen to find and join a bigger community. Check out some friends of mine at:
Tour de Cue Australia
Tour de Cure Ltd.
Suite 2 (Level 1), Building B, 14 Rodborough Road Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
Ph: 02 8073 4000
Cancer affects men women and children.
Tour de Cure is an amazing organisation that is fundraising to find a cure for cancer. They invest funds raised into researchers and research programs. TDC has significantly supported 45 cancer research break through programs to date.
I have had the privileged to be a TDC ambassador with this group of amazing people. I joined the TDC family back in 2008 – 2019 and participated as a lead car driver, coffee barista, cyclist and in catering logistics. I earned my 10 year pin for service to this amazing organisation and wear it proudly.
You may have seen them cycling on Chanel 7 with the sports guy Mark Baretta!
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Ph: 132 380
If you need to book your driving test examination.
Youtube – TMR:
QLD POLICE SERVICE:
Emergency Ph: 000
Non Emergency Ph: 131 444
Crimestoppers Ph:1800 333 000
QLD Ambulance Service
Emergency call Ph: 000
General enquiries and first aid courses
Ph: 13 74 68
QLD Fire Service
Emergency call Ph: 000
As a Sunshine Coast driving instructor I’m available in all of these suburbs for driving lessons; Caloundra West, Bells Creek, Golden Beach, Pelican Waters, Caloundra, Moffat Beach, Dicky Beach, Aroona, Little Mountain, Currimundi, Baringa. Lessons book and fill fast so book early for your preferred times and dates so as not to miss out or be disappointed.
You might also see me teaching a lesson in Nambour, Woombye, Forest Glen, Buderim, Tanawha, Maroochydore, Alexandra Headlands, Mooloolaba, Minyama, Buddina, Mountain Creek, Sippy Downs, Warana, Bokarina, Birtinya or Wurtulla.
If you follow me on Instagram / one2pass or Facebook / One2Pass Driving School I use the following #hashtags. #One2Pass #Caloundradrivingschool #Instructorjames #passedfirstgo #gotmyredPs #drivinglessons #covidsafe
I hope you enjoyed todays blog. Please remember, this blog is based on my own personal opinion and experiences that may be supported by facts, legislation or sources that I have quoted from.
Safe driving fellows road users
James from One 2 Pass, your friendly Caloundra Driving School Instructor
