FIRSTLY, Some of the BASICS
On this page, TRUE BLUE MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES have prepared some
BASIC Information for Riding on Australian Roads. We hope to eliminate some of the DANGERS and BAD HABITS encountered along the way and to make your Ride with us a great experience.
In Australia we Ride ( and Drive ) on the LEFT side of the road.
A Simple Rule KEEP LEFT and GIVE WAY to the RIGHT
We are required by law to always wear an Australian Approved AS/NZS 1698 or an ECE22.05 European Standard Motorcycle HELMET.
This also applies to a PILLION PASSENGER.
PLEASE take a moment to view the slide shows and read the Information provided.
On this page, TRUE BLUE MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES have prepared some
BASIC Information for Riding on Australian Roads. We hope to eliminate some of the DANGERS and BAD HABITS encountered along the way and to make your Ride with us a great experience.
In Australia we Ride ( and Drive ) on the LEFT side of the road.
A Simple Rule KEEP LEFT and GIVE WAY to the RIGHT
We are required by law to always wear an Australian Approved AS/NZS 1698 or an ECE22.05 European Standard Motorcycle HELMET.
This also applies to a PILLION PASSENGER.
PLEASE take a moment to view the slide shows and read the Information provided.
STOP SIGNS
After riding over in the US, it became obvious that other countries have some different basic road rules.
Unlike in the US, ( where a group of motorcycles are considered as a single vehicle at a STOP sign, ) over here EACH RIDER must STOP and GIVE WAY at a STOP sign.
Unlike in the US, ( where a group of motorcycles are considered as a single vehicle at a STOP sign, ) over here EACH RIDER must STOP and GIVE WAY at a STOP sign.
SPEED LIMITS In Australia the SPEED LIMITS are in KILOMETRES per hour
If you are used to riding in MILES per hour
and want to know the comparison Km speed,
a simple conversion technique is to multiply
the Km Speed x 0.6
ie: 40 Km X 0.6 = 24 Miles per hour
and 100 Km X 0.6 = 60 Miles per hour
This also applies for calculating distance.
40 Km - School Zones and Roadworks 24 mph
50 Km - Residential Areas or as signed 30 mph
60 / 70 Km - Built Up Areas or as signed 36 / 42 mph
80 / 100 Km - Open Roads, Highways, Motorways or as signed 48 / 60 mph
On some motorways the speed limit is raised to 110 Km/h
In the Northern Territory the speed limit is 130 Km/h on open highways
Please avoid speeding ( and the expensive fines ) whilst enjoying your ride. Aussie Cops have SPEED CAMERAS and they love to use them. They also hide them on bridges and along the road side.
and want to know the comparison Km speed,
a simple conversion technique is to multiply
the Km Speed x 0.6
ie: 40 Km X 0.6 = 24 Miles per hour
and 100 Km X 0.6 = 60 Miles per hour
This also applies for calculating distance.
40 Km - School Zones and Roadworks 24 mph
50 Km - Residential Areas or as signed 30 mph
60 / 70 Km - Built Up Areas or as signed 36 / 42 mph
80 / 100 Km - Open Roads, Highways, Motorways or as signed 48 / 60 mph
On some motorways the speed limit is raised to 110 Km/h
In the Northern Territory the speed limit is 130 Km/h on open highways
Please avoid speeding ( and the expensive fines ) whilst enjoying your ride. Aussie Cops have SPEED CAMERAS and they love to use them. They also hide them on bridges and along the road side.
ROUNDABOUTS Diagram of a typical 2 Lane Roundabout ( shown below )
In this example,
The GREEN Wheel Tracks indicate the correct way to ride through a Multi Lane Roundabout.
The RED Wheel Tracks are extremely DANGEROUS and are NOT to be Ridden.
When Entering a Roundabout, GIVE WAY to all oncoming traffic "GIVE WAY to your RIGHT"
This applies to EVERY member in the Group, INDIVIDUALLY.
NEVER ASSUME that other drivers will always obey the rules... and
NEVER CHANGE LANES on multi lane roundabouts.
ALWAYS avoid the "OIL LINE" (the centre of the lane that accumulates oil leaked from cars) when approaching ANY intersection.
ALWAYS OBSERVE THE ARROWS marked on the road leading into an intersection.
The ARROWS vary for different Roundabouts and Intersections.
CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE LANE UPON ENTERING.
ALWAYS INDICATE LEFT when DEPARTING THE ROUNDABOUT.
Your Ride Captain is always happy to answer any questions you may have whilst on the ride.
see EXAMPLE below.
BEWARE of SLIPPERY ROAD MARKINGS and CENTRE LINES
Lines. Arrows and General Road Markings can become dangerous for motorcycles , especially in wet conditions,
Always remember to avoid hard braking or cornering on these surfaces. Other un-nerving road encounters include Steel Expansion Plates found on many bridges and, of course... the dreaded manholes.
Always remember to avoid hard braking or cornering on these surfaces. Other un-nerving road encounters include Steel Expansion Plates found on many bridges and, of course... the dreaded manholes.
AVOID the OIL LINE and watch out for FUEL SPILLS
Typical Oil Line |
The centre of a road lane is where you find the OIL LINE. It is where the oil leaked from motor vehicles accumulates.
The OIL LINE is greater at traffic lights and intersections, where cars stand still for a while. In wet conditions, OIL LINE'S become very slippery and should always be avoided. The WHEEL TRACKS of cars etc. are usually the cleaner parts of the road and are much safer to ride. Always observe the road surface ahead. Avoid any shiny or wet lines or patches on corners or intersections as they could be spilled fuel. Fuel spills, though rare, are very slippery and extremely dangerous to motorcyclists. |
Diesel Fuel Spill |
ACCIDENT or EMERGENCY
In the event of a road accident or emergency situation, you may be called upon to assist to make the scene safe until the Authorities arrive.
The RIDE CAPTAIN or the SUPPORT VEHICLE OPERATOR will take charge the scene and may call upon members of the group to WARN approaching traffic of the emergency situation ahead, or to help in any way. For safety, HI - VISIBILITY VESTS will be made available to any group volunteers assisting. ANY RIDER stopping or assisting will park their motorcycle in the safest place available, so as not to create a danger to themselves or other road users.
The Ride Captain or Support Vehicle Operator will contact the appropriate Authorities and render any First Aid if needed. If mobile phone coverage is not available, the remainder of the group will be instructed to ride to the nearest town to alert the authorities of the situation.
The RIDE CAPTAIN or the SUPPORT VEHICLE OPERATOR will take charge the scene and may call upon members of the group to WARN approaching traffic of the emergency situation ahead, or to help in any way. For safety, HI - VISIBILITY VESTS will be made available to any group volunteers assisting. ANY RIDER stopping or assisting will park their motorcycle in the safest place available, so as not to create a danger to themselves or other road users.
The Ride Captain or Support Vehicle Operator will contact the appropriate Authorities and render any First Aid if needed. If mobile phone coverage is not available, the remainder of the group will be instructed to ride to the nearest town to alert the authorities of the situation.
