Bicycle Network: Behaviour

Mar08 After this week's media coverage of the collision between a rider and a tram passenger we thought it worthwhile to recap the rules about passing trams.

It appears that the pedestrian who was injured had got out of a tram going in one direction. Instead of walking to the kerb, they turned to cross the road. The collision occured with a rider travelling in the other direction while the pedestrian was crossing to the far side of the road.

This situation is not as black and white as a rider colliding with a disembarking tram passenger.

Nonetheless riders on Swanston Street need to take it easy and watch out for jay walking pedestrians as well as those crossing at intersections and getting on and off trams.

The Minister used the incident to point to the Arrive Alive Strategy that was launched early in 2008, in particular the plan to bring in legislation that will allow riders to be charged with serious offences in a similar way to drivers.

We understand that this is still a policy position and that there is no draft legislation.

We have asked to see any draft.