Driving in traffic – bike riders and pedestrians

Sometimes it’s hard to see pedestrians, bike riders and motorcyclists because they’re smaller and often use a different part of the road. It pays to look out for them around intersections, driveways, roundabouts and carparks.

Where should you practise this?

You can’t guarantee each drive will involve pedestrians, bike riders and motorcyclists. To maximise your chances, pick a route around busy pedestrian areas and along cycle lanes.

Sharing the road with pedestrians, bike riders and motorcyclists

Road users can be hard to see when you’re around:

• intersections
• driveways
• roundabouts
• carparks.

Be ready to stop or slow down for pedestrians when you’re around:

• schools
• shopping centres
• bus stops
• pedestrian crossings.

Tips on sharing the road with pedestrians, bike riders and motorcyclists

1. Turning

• In or out of an entrance or driveway
  Always give way to pedestrians on the footpath.
• Left at an intersection
  Check your mirrors and over your left shoulder for bike riders or motorcyclist behind you
• Right at an intersection
  Look out for bike riders or motorcyclists coming straight ahead or turning left.
• Left off a roundabout
  Check your mirrors and over your left shoulder for bike riders or motorcyclists behind you

2. Bike riders

• Crossing a bike path
  If bike riders can travel in both directions you’ll need to check left and right before crossing.
• Overtaking a bike rider
  Leave a 1.5m space between you and them. If there’s not enough space to pass, slow down and wait until there is.
• After passing a bike rider
  Check that you’re well clear of them before you move back into your lane – they can move faster than you think.
• Before opening your car door
  Check your mirrors and over your shoulder for bike riders coming up alongside your car.

Tips for the restricted test

• Stopping on a pedestrian crossing in your test could result in an Immediate Fail Error. This is because you’re putting pedestrians at risk of being hit by another car.
• The only time you can stop on a pedestrian crossing is because you need to to see approaching traffic.
• When moving in or out of your driveway and onto the road, you’ll need to give way to pedestrians on the pavement.