Sharing the Road with Bicycle Riders in Victoria: Passing Gaps, Lanes and Dooring

Bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as you, and they are more at risk of injury. Give them their own space and never share a lane if you cannot leave the clearance above. Remember to Look Bike.

Passing and riding two abreast

• Riders may ride two abreast (up to 1.5 metres apart). That makes them easier to see, so be patient.
• You may cross a continuous line briefly to pass a bicycle rider if it is clear and safe. See overtaking safely.
• Large vehicles can hide riders. Move left or turn left from behind a truck or bus only with a clear view.

Bicycle lanes

• A bicycle lane is for bicycle riders only. Parking is allowed unless a sign prohibits it.
• Give way to riders in the lane and enter it only when safe.
• To turn left, you may drive along the lane for up to 50 metres if you need to. Give way to bicycles as you cross into it.
• Bicycle traffic lights apply to riders. Other road users wait for the normal green. See special purpose lanes.

Bicycle storage areas

Some intersections have a head-start bicycle storage area so riders can be seen at a red light. If you face a red light there, stop at the first stop line and stay out of the marked area until the light changes.

Dooring

Before opening your door, check your mirrors and do a head check for bicycle riders and motorcyclists passing. Opening the door with your left hand makes the head check easier. You must not cause a hazard by opening a door, leaving it open or getting out of the vehicle.

Intersections and hook turns

More than half of bicycle crashes happen at intersections, often when a vehicle turns across a rider. A bicycle rider may make a hook turn at any intersection unless a No Hook Turn By Bicycles sign is shown, and riders may turn right from the left lane in a roundabout (they must give way to drivers exiting). See hook turns and roundabouts.

Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.