Cycling in Maroondah

 

• Wear high visibility clothing that will make you more conspicuous to other road users.
• Move off the bicycle path if you need to stop (i.e. to make a phone call or attend to your bike).
• Stay on the designated off-road path. Cutting corners or using informal routes can damage vegetation and create unpredictable conflict points.
• Pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of roads, trails and shared pathways. Cyclists should slow down near pedestrians and give plenty of warning and room when passing. A little courtesy goes a long way. It’s nice to say ‘hello’ or ‘thanks’ as you pass. Extra care should be taken where the path may be crowded.
• Use your bell, warning device or call out to other particularly more vulnerable users to alert them of your presence. Consider moderating your speed particularly around children and pets that may be startled by your presence.
• Ride in a predictable manner to make your course and movement legible to others. A steady course and speed will reassure fellow users and allow them to safely make any adjustments to their course. 
• Always be alert and travel at moderate speeds along paths that have private vehicle crossings. Travelling at a safe speed will allow you to see and hear any vehicles leaving their driveway. Drivers should always exit and enter driveways slowly and carefully check for pedestrians or cyclists and give way to you.  

All road users, including cyclists are required to obey Road Safety Road Rules. Please refer to the latest iteration of the Victorian Road Rules for the complete set of rules.

Below is a summary of the key road rules for cyclists to assist in guiding you on your cycling journey. 

Pedestrian road crossings

Cyclists are to dismount when approaching and using a zebra crossing (with or without flashing lights) or a children’s crossing which are otherwise known as a school crossing regardless of whether they are supervised.

Cyclists are permitted to ride across Shared User Path (SUP) crossings shown in the figure below without needing to dismount.

Image extracted from Road Design Note: Raised Safety Platforms (RSPs) - RDN 03-07

Cyclists are also permitted to ride across signalled crossings provided there are bicycle lanterns which are summarised below.

	Standalone bicycle lanterns allow cyclists to cross without dismounting at exclusive bicycle path crossings.
	Dual pedestrian and bicycle lanterns allow cyclists to cross without dismounting from an SUP approach.

Separated footpaths  

The section of a separated footpath that has been designated for pedestrians are pedestrian only. Cyclists are to remain on designated dedicated cycling pathway.

Shared user paths

Cyclists riding on shared user paths must keep to the left unless it is impracticable to do so.  Cyclists must also give way to any pedestrian on the SUP.

Footpaths

Cyclists are permitted to ride on the footpath if they:

• are under the age of 13
• are accompanying another rider under the age of 13
• are over the age of 18 and carrying a child in a bicycle baby seat
• Have a medical certificate

Cyclists are not permitted to ride on footpaths or roads that have a no bicycles sign.

Other key things to note

• People on bicycles, scooters or other electric mobility devices must not become a hazard by riding into the path of a pedestrian or another cyclist.
• The wearing of an approved Australian Standards bicycle helmet is mandatory for riding a bicycle, scooter or other electric mobility device.
• Bicycles must have a functioning bell, horn, or warning device.
• When riding a bicycle at night or in conditions resulting in reduced visibility, you must ensure that your bicycle is fitted with:

  •  A flashing or steady white light that is clearly visible for at least 200 metres from the front of the bicycle.

  • A flashing or steady red light that is clearly visible for at least 200 metres from the rear of the bicycle.

  • A red reflector that is clearly visible for at least 50 metres from the rear of the bicycle.