Cyclist Groups On The Road

Drivers and cyclists have a duty to one another to share the roads. This is because a bicycle is considered a vehicle and therefore road laws apply to cyclists unless there is an express exemption.

If you have ever seen a large group of cyclists (donning their fashionable lyrca) you may have noticed that they will be riding two abreast with up to 1.5 metres between themselves. This is a safety mechanism so that they are more visible to drivers. Cycling three abreast is not permitted, unless another cyclist is overtaking.

Cyclists are also not permitted by law to ride less than 2 metres behind a vehicle or pass left of a vehicle that is turning left.

Drivers of motor vehicles must also keep a safe distance when passing cyclists. This means, a driver must leave a gap of at least one metre when overtaking a cyclist at a speed under 60 kilometers per hour and when overtaking at a speed faster than 60 kilometers per hour, there must be at least 1.5 meters distance.

Should you ever find yourself driving behind a cyclist or a large group of cyclists, be patient. These rules are in place to keep everyone safe. After all, sharing is caring.

Can I Break the road rules to move out of the way for an emergency vehicle?

At some point, Western Australian drivers will hear sirens or see flashing lights from approaching emergency vehicles. It’s important to know how to respond safely.

You cannot speed, run the red light or break the road rules to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle.

Firstly, remain calm and check the direction the emergency vehicle is coming from. Indicate to show the driver of the emergency vehicle your intention to move. You must make every effort to make a clear path by moving as far left to the road as possible. If you can’t move left, indicate left and slow down to allow the emergency vehicle to navigate around you. If you are in a left lane, you should make room to allow other vehicles who are trying to move into the left lane. If emergency services personnel are directing you, then you must comply.

Failure to give way to an emergency vehicle is an offence and will land you a fine and loss of demerit points.

Contact Scerri Legal today to discuss your matter.

Radar Detectors - Now Illegal In Western Australia

RADAR DETECTORS - NOW ILLEGAL IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Western Australia amended its legislation to ban the use of radar detectors in vehicles.

As of 12 October 2020, harsh penalties will be imposed if WA drivers are caught driving a vehicle fitted (to/within or on their vehicle) with a radar detector.

It does not matter whether the radar detector is in operation or not.

Depending on the vehicle, drivers can face on the spot fines of up to $1,500 and 7 demerit points.  Any subsequent re-offending will impose harsher penalties.

If you need representation in relation to a traffic matter, please fill in the form in our Contact Us section and one of our lawyers will be in touch.