Sharing the Road is an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and observance of key behaviours that will lessen the chances of conflict on the road, and reduce the incidence of common casualty crashes involving cyclists.

Sharing the Road has been developed by VicRoads and other members of the Victorian Bicycle Advisory Council, including Victoria Police, RACV, Bicycle Victoria, Cycling Promotion Fund and the Retail Cycle Traders Association. It is a community-based campaign being delivered in conjunction with Local Government, Roadsafe Community Road Safety Councils, and other organisations concerned with safe use of our roads.

Bicycles are vehicles, and cyclists are permitted to use the road, just like motorists. People who are riding bicycles on the road are required to obey the Road Rules, as are people who are driving. Drivers should to look out for cyclists, who in turn should to take care for their own safety.

Common crash types
Four common crash types involving cyclists have been identified. These involve cyclists colliding with a vehicle:

• At an intersection, turning or passing straight through;
• When leaving a path or driveway to enter a road;
• From behind or from the side;
• When a car door is opened in their path.

How cyclists can share the road

• Obey the Road Rules and stop at all red traffic lights and stop signs.
• Wear bright coloured clothing, and use lights when cycling at night.
• Ride predictably and indicate to motorists when you intend to turn or to change direction.
• Allow at least 1 metre clearance when riding past parked cars.
• Wear a bicycle helmet at all times when cycling.

How motorists can share the road

• Be patient and give cyclists a clearance of at least 1 metre when passing them,
• Watch out for cyclists at intersections and roundabouts,
• Drive slowly and watch out for cyclists in residential streets,
• Check behind before opening your car door,
• Do not drive in bicycle lanes,
• Give way to cyclists in bicycle lanes.

Shared paths

• Be courteous to other path users when riding on a shared user path, keep to the left of the path and always give way to pedestrians.

Local initiatives and further information
Local councils, RoadSafe community road safety councils and other organisations are invited to undertake local initiatives to provide Share the Road in their communities. Information is available from local VicRoads Road Safety Coordinators and Roadsafe (external website).

Sharing the Road resources such as these listed below can assist you to develop local activities to highlight the value of people adopting these behaviours more consistently in your community. For more information contact a Road Safety Coordinator at VicRoads metropolitan and rural offices on 13 11 71.