Road Rule Question - Right of Way (VIC)

Lxenobium on 29/06/2018 - 18:47
Last edited 30/06/2018 - 09:47

Hi Ozbargainers,

I was riding my bicycle on the way home today and stopped at an intersection (Albion street is the main road and I am riding across it). There were no stop signs on either side, just dotted lines, indicating we have to give way to traffic on Albion road, which of course I did.

As traffic on Albion street cleared, I started my line (blue), going straight. At this point, a car started to turn right (red). I had a reflective vest on and 2 sets of flashing lights, so I am pretty sure the driver saw me well before turning. As our paths meet, she winds down the window and shouts "I was here first, are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Can you please let me know if I am in the wrong? My understanding of the road rules is that in this situation, the car turning right has to give way to all traffic going straight - please correct me if I am wrong. Does being on a bicycle change anything?

Appreciate the feedback

Image:

https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/201767/60142/screen_sh…

EDIT:

  1. To clarify, the driver of the car did arrive at the intersection first. However, the car was unable to proceed with turning right due to traffic on the main road. This is when I also arrived on the opposite side of the intersection. To be clear, we were both at a standstill and waiting AT the intersection as traffic on the main road cleared and started our lines.

  2. Totally agree and appreciate concerns about bike safety and to give way to cars even when you should not have to. The purpose of this post is simply to clarify if the driver's actions and response was justified, and how to approach this situation in the future

Poll Options

  • 195
    Bike has right of way
  • 12
    Car has right of way
Automotive

Comments

    • pegaxs on 30/06/2018 - 23:14
      +4

      Reading some of the responses in this thread where people seem to be of the assumption that “who ever gets there first, has right of way”, like they are lining up to buy tickets…

      I’m astounded that at this point in time, 7 people have clicked on the “car was in the right” on the poll…

  • Sage on 30/06/2018 - 22:27
    -7

    Was the light Amber?
    Anyway I have no respect for bike riders, they've got a death wish.

    • Euphemistic on 01/07/2018 - 12:03

      I have no respect for car drivers, they’re all trying to kill me.

      See how blanket state,ents work?

  • groot on 01/07/2018 - 06:21

    She must be following US road law for traffic at intersection. First come has right to go first.
    You have the right of way.

  • The Informer on 01/07/2018 - 13:52

    I reckon you should've not needed to had given way. It's like a give way sign at a cross intersection at any sidestreet, the one going straight has priority. Or you know, you could move to SA, all you gotta do is follow her and make sure she's within 1m near you as you're riding. Take a video, report to police. Then fine that hoe! Our laws here are (profanity) when it comes to cyclists and cars hahaha

    • Euphemistic on 01/07/2018 - 17:53

      What a load of rubbish. As a cyclist you should follow the rules and expect that motorists do the same. Of course riding defensively means that there are occcasions where you do not put yourself in harms way by yielding to a motorist that hasn’t seen you. If you rode a bike and gave way to all cars you’d never get anywhere.

      In many other countries cyclists are given priority and respected as road users, especially in Europe.

  • gstfree on 01/07/2018 - 16:09

    Per road rule, bike has the right of way.

    Ignore the idiot who shouting to you and take care of your safety on road. Many idiots are on road.

  • Randxyz123 on 01/07/2018 - 16:42

    Forget right of way / give way for a minute. The fact of the matter is you're on the bike and if the car driver is being a (profanity) and/or doesn't see you and you get hit it's going to f***ing hurt.

    If you can avoid being hit, avoid it.

    • Euphemistic on 01/07/2018 - 17:54
      +1

      Absolutely, but this doesn’t mean that other cars won’t give way. The best way is to ride within the rules as a motorist would, but ride defensively to reduce your risk when the typical motorist ‘doesn’t see you’

  • TigerWoops on 01/07/2018 - 19:07

    My answer is you are not in the wrong. She has a empty head or two. Full stop.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 01/07/2018 - 22:33
    -1

    Car driver has every right to kill you then claim you were in the wrong. It's the Ozzie way

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join