Answers to Questions

Motorcycle Lane Filtering

In reply to the Hon. M.C. PARNELL (29 March 2017).

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety): I am advised:

The changes apply to motor bike riders only. Bicycle riders can already filter, but not within the meaning of the term lane filtering as defined in the regulations.

The honourable member envisages cycling on a multi-lane road with one of those lanes being a dedicated right hand turn lane. A number of Australian Road Rules are relevant to this situation:

The requirement to signal a right change of direction (rule 48).

The requirement to drive or ride within a single marked lane or line of traffic (rule 146).

The prohibition on moving from one marked lane to another marked lane across a continuous line separating the lanes (rule 147).

Unlike motor bikes, bicycle riders are already allowed to overtake on the left because the prohibition of overtaking on the left does not apply to them. Neither are they required to signal left under rule 46, because bicycles are not fitted with indicator lights, and there is nothing stopping them from sharing a lane with another vehicle. However, rules 48, 146 and 147 still apply. This means that bicycle riders are currently permitted to filter where there is enough space to overtake without leaving a marked lane or crossing a continuous line, and as long as they signal right when necessary.

Bicycle riders making a right turn also have the option of performing a hook turn at any intersection unless it's prohibited. This manoeuvre allows riders to turn right from the left hand side of the intersection, and can be particularly useful in situations where traffic is banked up and there is no room to overtake stationary vehicles to enter the right hand turn lane. Rule 35 outlines a sequence of five steps to execute a hook turn properly. Such turns are generally more appropriate than filter turns for bicycle riders who are typically unable to travel at higher speed as motor bikes if required.