DKT- Try to avoid hitting animals, but do not leave your lane or run off the road to dodge a small one.
- Slow down for dogs and do not kick at them.
- Take extra care at dusk and at night on country roads.
- Riding slowly and carefully is the only thing that helps with wildlife.
Animal warning
Animals are unpredictable. Hitting a small animal is far more survivable than hitting another vehicle or a roadside pole, so staying in your lane and on the road is the safer choice.
Dogs
- Do not try to kick a dog, even if it chases you.
- Slow down as you approach and make sure it cannot run under your front wheel.
- Speed up a little once you are past. Dogs usually lose interest quickly.
Wildlife
Wildlife is even less predictable. Animals like kangaroos and emus can seem to come from nowhere. Dusk and night on country roads are when many are about, though you should keep them in mind at any time. Slowing right down is the one thing that helps. Wider points are on the car-driver page about animals on the road.
Other hazards in the handbook
| Hazard | What the handbook says |
|---|---|
| Flat object (cardboard, sheet metal) | Ride straight over it without braking. |
| Bulkier object or pothole | Brake before it if possible, release before you reach it, grip firmly, stay straight, then check tyres and wheels. See swerving and obstacles. |
| Loose gravel and dirt | They gather at the road edge, so stay away from there. |
| Oil and grease | Look for grease in the middle of lanes and oil or diesel spills. Avoid them. |
| Wet roads | Take care, especially soon after rain begins, before oil and muck wash away. |
| Tram and train tracks | Cross near a right angle, upright, without braking or accelerating. |
| Insects and gravel thrown up | Wear a visor or good goggles to protect your eyes. |
Full advice on slippery places is in braking, grip and road surfaces. To avoid trouble in the first place, give yourself room: survival space.
Based on The Victorian Rider Handbook (2023, Department of Transport and Planning) and the VicRoads motorcycle pages. This guide covers Victoria: other states and territories have different rules, and rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
Should I swerve to avoid an animal on a motorcycle?
Not for a small animal. Do not leave your lane or run off the road, because you are more likely to survive hitting a small animal than another vehicle or a roadside pole.
What should I do if a dog chases my motorbike?
Do not try to kick it. Slow down as you approach, watch that it does not run under your front wheel and speed up a little once past.