Bicycles and trams

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.

 

Key rules about trams

Slow down when approaching safety zones and tram stops. There is always the risk of pedestrians getting off the tram and crossing the road without looking.

At tram stops where there isno safety zone between you and the tram, you must stop and give way to all pedestrians walking to and from the kerb.

Do not overtake a stopped tram. You must stop level with the rear of the tram and wait for people to get on and off.

You may only overtake a stopped tram if there are no pedestrians on the road and if you are facing a green light or if a uniformed tram employee signals you through.
However you must not exceed 10kph while passing the tram.

You must give way to a tram moving into or across a roundabout.

You must not pass on the right of a tram unless tram tracks are at or near the far left side of the road.

Buses travelling along tram tracks must be treated as trams.

From Driving in Victoria Rules and Responsibilities