Sharing the road isn’t just about good manners—it’s about safety, responsibility, and making sure everyone gets home in one piece. Whether you’re driving through busy city streets or quiet suburban roads, cyclists and pedestrians are part of the everyday traffic mix. And the reality is, they’re a lot more vulnerable than drivers in cars.
We’ve responded to plenty of roadside incidents, and some of the most heartbreaking involve people who weren’t even in a vehicle. Many of these situations could’ve been avoided with a bit more awareness and patience behind the wheel.
So let’s talk about how to drive safely around cyclists and pedestrians. No finger-pointing—just practical advice to help keep everyone safe.
1. Slow Down When You See Cyclists or Pedestrians
This one’s simple but often overlooked. If you see someone walking, jogging, or cycling nearby, ease off the accelerator. You don’t need to crawl, but giving them space and reducing your speed gives you more time to react if something unexpected happens.
Kids, dogs, and distracted walkers (hello, smartphones!) can change direction without warning. Slowing down gives everyone a fighting chance.
2. Give Cyclists Room—It’s the Law
In many parts of Australia, you’re legally required to give cyclists at least 1 metre of space when passing—1.5 metres if you’re going over 60km/h. But legalities aside, it just makes sense.
Don’t try to squeeze past a cyclist in a tight lane. Wait until it’s safe. They may need to swerve suddenly to avoid a pothole or open car door, and the last thing you want is to be right next to them when that happens.
3. Be Cautious at Intersections and Crosswalks
Pedestrians often cross where they feel safest, not always where you expect. Even if there’s no marked pedestrian crossing, slow down if you see someone waiting to cross or stepping off the kerb.
Always check for people crossing when turning left or right, especially in busy urban areas or school zones. And never assume they’ve seen you—because they often haven’t.
4. Don’t Rush Past at Bus Stops or Tram Stops
If you’re driving near a tram or bus stop, keep an eye out for passengers stepping off. In Melbourne, for example, it’s illegal (and dangerous) to pass a tram that’s stopped with its doors open. The same goes for buses dropping people off in busy zones.
If you’re not sure what the rules are in your area, take a cautious approach. Better to pause for a few seconds than risk hitting someone.
5. Use Your Mirrors and Blind Spots—Regularly
Cyclists can be hard to spot, especially if they’re coming up beside you in traffic. Always check your mirrors before changing lanes or opening your door. This is especially important in bike-friendly areas or during peak commuting times.
A quick glance could prevent a serious accident. And if you’re parked on a busy street, use the “Dutch Reach” technique—open your car door with the hand furthest from the handle. It naturally turns your body, helping you spot any cyclists behind you.
6. Be Extra Careful in School Zones and Residential Streets
School pick-up and drop-off times are chaotic. Kids darting across the street, parents double parked, and cars doing U-turns—it’s a lot.
Slow down. Be alert. Watch for crossing guards and school signs. In many places, the speed limit drops to 40 km/h during these times for a reason.
Same goes for residential areas—people walk their dogs, kids play on footpaths, and cyclists often use the road. Drive like your own family lives there.
7. Patience Beats Pressure
Everyone’s trying to get somewhere. But rushing doesn’t help if it puts lives at risk.
If you’re stuck behind a cyclist and there’s no safe place to pass, take a breath and wait. Honking or tailgating won’t make them move faster—it’ll just increase the chance of an accident. Remember, they’re allowed to use the road too.
8. Stay Off Your Phone—Seriously
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian and cyclist accidents. A momentary glance at a text or social media notification can be all it takes to miss someone crossing the road.
If it’s that important, pull over. Otherwise, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes where they should be—on the road.
A Road Shared Is a Road Made Safer
We all use the same roads, just in different ways. Whether you’re behind the wheel, on two wheels, or crossing at the lights, everyone has a right to be safe.
As drivers, we’ve got the bigger vehicle—and with that comes greater responsibility. A little patience, awareness, and respect goes a long way toward making our roads safer for everyone.
Next time you’re out and about, remember: it’s not just about getting there fast—it’s about everyone getting there at all.
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