Turning at traffic intersections

[brendanwilding]

Sorry if this has been asked/answered before but I am a newbie to both riding and these forums so please forgive. Reading the road rules for cycling it states:

"A cyclist who is approaching a set of traffic arrows or who is at a red traffic arrow, and is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow, must stop at the intersection."
http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Saf ... cycles.htm

Does this mean that if I'm approaching a green right arrow at an intersection then I have to completely stop when I reach the intersection and then push off again (if it stays green)? Have I interoperated this wrong?

Thanks,
Brendan

[il padrone]

No, that is a very badly worded piece of 'cyclist advice'. You essentially should follow the same rules as any other driver of a vehicle (what you are on a bicycle). Are cars required to stop before proceeding at a green arrow? You should only proceed once you're sure it is safe, of course.


* Check out the actual road rules - not so easy to find now it's been removed from the Vicroads site.

[Mulger bill]

* Check out the actual road rules - not so easy to find now it's been removed from the Vicroads site.

Say what??? Are they trying to make it harder than it has to be?

Agreed tho', follow the rules as you would in a smokebox and you'll be fine most of the time. The rest is (or should be) a judicious application of common sense.

[human909]

Say what??? Are they trying to make it harder than it has to be?

Yes. Its been like that for a while. They used to have the legislated rules in an easily accessible place. Now they don't even link them!

Instead now they have stuff about how cyclists should wear bright clothes and choose routes with bicycle paths or shared footways.

[jules21]

"A cyclist who is approaching a set of traffic arrows or who is at a red traffic arrow, and is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow, must stop at the intersection."
http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Saf ... cycles.htm

the full quote is "Cyclists must stop at red traffic signals. A cyclist who is approaching a set of traffic lights or who is at a red traffic light, and is travelling in the direction indicated by the light, must stop at the intersection."

it's not well worded but it's referring to stopping at red lights only.

[brendanwilding]

Thanks for that, thought that would be the case. Better to double check!

[il padrone]

The substance of the actual road rules that apply in Victoria are:

32 Starting a right turn from a multi-lane road
(1) A driver turning right at an intersection from a multi-lane road must approach and enter the intersection from within the right lane unless—
(a) the driver is required or permitted to approach and enter the intersection from within another marked lane in accordance with rule 89(1), 92 or 159; or
(b) the driver is turning at B lights or traffic arrows, in accordance with Division 2 of Part 17; or
(c) subrule (2) applies to the driver.
Penalty: 3 penalty units.

(2) A driver may approach and enter the intersection from the marked lane next to the right lane as well as, or instead of, the right lane if—
(a) the driver's vehicle, together with any load or projection, is 7â‹…5 metres long, or longer; and
(b) the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign; and
(c) any part of the vehicle is within 50 metres of the nearest point of the intersection; and
(d) it is not practicable for the driver to turn right from within the right lane; and
(e) the driver can safely occupy the next marked lane and can safely turn right at the intersection by occupying the next marked lane, or both lanes.

Also Rule 89

89 Right turn signs
(1) If there is a right turn only sign at an intersection, a driver must turn right at the intersection.
Penalty: In the case of a bicycle, 3 penalty units;
In the case of any other vehicle, 5 penalty units.

(2) If there is a right lane must turn right sign at an intersection, a driver who is in the right marked lane when entering the intersection must turn right at the intersection.
Penalty: In the case of a bicycle, 3 penalty units;
In the case of any other vehicle, 5 penalty units.

No requirement to stop, apart from when a right turn arrow is red.