Share the Road – A Guide for Cyclists and Motorists
Main Roads Western Australia has published two guides for cyclists: this guide on sharing the road and a second guide for cyclists and pedestrians on sharing paths. The guide, Share the Path: A Guide for Motorists and Bicycle Riders is targeted at both motorists and cyclists with the aim of informing both users about good practice and the law. All cyclists and motorists are encouraged to read the guide.
To encourage good behaviours on our shared paths the guide reminds motorists to …
- be Patient – only overtake when it is safe to do so and always give at least 1.0 metre of room to the passing rider
- be Vigilant – watch out for cyclists, particularly at roundabouts and intersections and when turning;
- be Observant – check before opening your door.
and cyclists are reminded …
- to obey the road rules
- to wear your helmet
- to check your lights
- to be predictable
- to ride defensively
Your Turn To Talk
Have you had a chance to read the guide? What do you think of it? Has Main Roads Western Australia got it right? Please do share your thoughts on the Share the Path: A Guide for Motorists and Bicycle Riders with the rest of us by leaving a comment below 🙂
The did pretty well on this one. The only thing that jumps out to me was the wording used on one of the informative paragraphs.
“There are times when bike riders may need to ‘claim’ the whole lane…”
Typically the wording in the USA for the same statement would be, “bike riders may need to use the whole lane to…”. The wording used in the WA “Share the road” briefing implies that in order to use the lane, cyclists must first make claim to use it as opposed to having full use but choosing to share the road instead.
I also didn’t know about the marked foot crossing law! Will have to practice my cyclocross dismounts and remounts next time I’m in Perth.
The phrase “claim the lane” is quite common in the cycling community but I like the phrase “may need to use the whole lane to” better. It makes the use of the road as whole sound more appropriate and considerate.