LAW CHANGES THAT AFFECT CYCLISTS

The Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule [2009] will take affect on the 1 November 2009.

This includes banning the use of mobiles while driving and a number of law amendments that will affect road cyclists safety.
The following Cycle amendments will also apply:

Cyclists permitted to do a hook turn

What is the Rule amendment relating to cyclists being permitted to do a hook turn?

Cyclists will now be permitted to do a hook turn at intersections when turning right unless there is a sign prohibiting the maneuver.

What is a hook turn?

A hook turn allows cyclists to turn right at intersections safely by:

• proceeding from the left-hand side of the road across part of the intersection to a point in the appropriate lane of the side road;
• then either waiting for a suitable gap on the through road or, where there are signals, waiting until the signals change to green; and,
• then proceeding across the intersection, effectively completing a right turn.
• Why will the hook turn be permitted?

It is often difficult for cyclists, particularly those who are inexperienced or otherwise less able, to make a right turn at major junctions. In these circumstances they are often required to

move from the extreme left of the approach road to the centre across two or more lanes of traffic.

Signalling requirements for cyclists at roundabouts

What is the Rule amendment regarding signalling requirements for cyclists at roundabouts?

This Rule amendment provides an exception from arm (hand) signalling for cyclists at roundabouts where signalling is not practicable.

Why is this Rule amendment being made?

Roundabouts, particularly those that are multl-laned, can be difficult for cyclists to negotiate.

This can be made more difficult if a cyclist attempts to comply with the signalling

requirements set down in the previous rules.

The previous requirement was for a cyclist, intending to turn right, to signal as they approach a roundabout to continue to signal Into the roundabout if they are turning right, and then signal left from the last exit before the one they intend to use until they leave the roundabout. This is not only physically demanding, but it also, potentially, places the cyclist at greater risk of losing control in an often-dangerous environment:

How would a cyclist indicate when turning right at a roundabout when the amendment is made?

Cyclists should still try to give other road users around them clear indication of their intentions. Wherever possible, cyclists should signal their intention to turn right as they enter the roundabout (on multi-lane roundabouts they will often be crossing a lane at this stage).

Requirement for cycle light

What is the Rule amendment relating to cycle lights?

This Rule amendment states that cycle lights must now be visible for 100 metres rather than be required to light the road up to 100m ahead.

Why is this Rule amendment being made?

Cycle lights rarely provide sufficient light in a downward direction to illuminate the road ahead. However, most modern lights are able to meet the requirement for being visible from a distance of 100 metres.

What penalties will there be for those breaching this provision of the Rule?

The amendment Rule will clarify the minimum performance required of a cycle headlamp. It does not change the existing requirement to use a vehicle’s headlamp during the hours of darkness. The penalty for breach of that requirement is an infringement fee of $150.