New Road Rules for cyclists

There are new rules shortly to come into effect that we cyclists and drivers should be aware.


New bicycle storage areas at intersections

See RTA NSW Gov website ref. http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/rulesregulations/roadrules/2008nswrrulechanges.html


Some intersections that have traffic lights may now contain bicycle storage areas. These are painted areas on the road in front of the stop line that allow cyclists to wait at the traffic lights in safety.

There are a number of new rules relating to driver and cyclist responsibilities at bicycle storage areas.

For example, when traffic lights or arrows are red, drivers must not allow any part of their vehicle to enter the bicycle storage area.

PENALTY: Three demerit points (four in a school zone) and a $324 fine ($405 in a school zone).

Hook turns by bicycle riders

When a cyclist chooses to do a hook turn at an intersection and a bicycle hook turn storage area is provided, they must now use that area. The RTA website shows the bicycle making a correct hook turn at an intersection with a bicycle hook turn storage area.

Cyclists should keep to the left when riding across the intersection to enter the bicycle hook turn storage area, turn right and wait in the storage area until the traffic light shows green (if you are at traffic lights) or if there are no lights, until it is safe to cross.
PENALTY: $54 fine.


There are more rules coming into force too - like you can no longer ride with a pet on your motorbike's petrol tank, unless it's for farming purposes but in that situation, for no more than 500m. Check out the RTA website.

And details of Tour de Cure's rider etiquette document can be downloaded from http://www.tourdecure.com.au/docs/BunchRidingEtiquette.pdf

"Carried Away" in Sydney

A few months back Meg came up with a brilliant idea to help boyfriend Josh raise money for the Tour de Cure – hold a movie fundraising night, featuring the new Sex and the City movie. Realising that the organization of such an event would be “bigger than big”, Meg roped in me as her trusty assistant, who was more than happy to help husband Brad raise money for cancer research as well.

The perfect movie choice! Truly under-estimating the power of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Sam, tickets sales went from 200 to 400 to selling out the cinema – 760 tickets sold! Fabulous Sydney women flocked from far and wide (rumours of a mini van from The Hills area have surfaced and two girls flew all the way from Perth!), dressed to the nines, to sip cosmos, meet with friends and help raise money for cancer research. The night was a fabulous success, raising $13,731 through tickets sales and the raffle.

We can’t forget the raffle! We had very generous sponsors donate amazing prizes, hotly sought after was the weekend with the BMW 1 Series and the Cerrone diamond necklace - how perfectly Carrie! And what about those ticket sellers? Not that it was a contest, but Pup definitely came out on top as the #1 raffle ticket seller for the night. Who could resist the charm and cheeky smile from a cute young thing? In fact all of the boys were in their element – thanks to those who circulated the room selling tickets and raising awareness for the Tour de Cure.