RACV's top tips for pedestrian road rules and safety

RACV has released tips for pedestrian road rules and safety, addressing a critical safety need.

RACV data shows four out of five Victorians regularly walk as a form of transportation and these tips aim to clarify often misunderstood rules that apply to all road users, including pedestrians, bike riders and motorists.   

RACV data found that most Victorians are multi-modal and use a mix of transport modes to get around. Four in five Victorians walk for all or some of their transport journeys, and 38 per cent of Victorians use a mix of car, public transport and bike riding to get around.  

RACV General Manager Mobility Julia Hunter said active transport, such as walking or bike riding, was growing among Victorians in line with population growth and it was important that everyone was aware of the rules and safety advice when travelling. 

“RACV supports transport choice for Victorians – whether that be driving, walking, bike riding or catching public transport – with many of us mixing up different types of transport each day to help us get to where we need to go,” Ms Hunter said. 

"Our data shows that walking and bike riding are both important forms of active transportation in Victoria so it's important that pedestrians, bike riders and motorists know the road safety rules that apply to them." 

RACV’s top tips for pedestrians crossing roads with traffic signals: 

• Pedestrians must cross at designated crossings or pedestrian lights if they are within 20 metres.
• It is illegal to cross when facing a red traffic light or red pedestrian light. 
• Pedestrians must not start crossing if pedestrian lights are red or flashing red. 
• At level crossings, crossing is prohibited when lights are flashing or alarms are sounding.

Crossing roads without signals: 

• Pedestrians are not required to use a dedicated crossing if the nearest is more than 20 meters away. 
• Pedestrians should use the shortest, most direct route and avoid creating hazards. 
• Visibility is crucial - avoid crossing at hills, bends, or where view is obstructed. 

Walking on roads and shared paths: 

• Walking on roads is generally only permitted where no footpath exists. 
• When walking on roads, pedestrians should travel facing oncoming traffic. 
• Shared paths can be used by pedestrians, bike riders and e-scooter riders. 
• Bike and e-scooter riders must give way to pedestrians on shared paths. 
• As a pedestrian you cannot walk on a designated bike path unless you are crossing the path on the shortest possible route. You can be in a designated bike path if you are in or pushing a wheelchair or on rollerblades or skates. If you are crossing, keep out of the way of any bikes or pedestrians permitted in the bike path.

RACV’s top tips for motorists who encounter pedestrians: 

• Motorists must give way when turning at most intersections, slip lanes and pedestrian crossings. Motorists don’t need to give way to pedestrians at roundabouts unless there is a pedestrian crossing.  
• At children's crossings, motorists must stop completely when flags or flashing lights are displayed. 
• Drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing private driveways. 
• When a tram stops, drivers must stop and wait for passengers to finish crossing. 

Ms Hunter emphasised that responsibility for safety extends to both pedestrians and drivers. 

"Always thoroughly scan the road around you, including driveways and footpaths and ensure you drive with caution when approaching intersections or crossings, and be especially vigilant in areas frequented by children, as they may cross roads suddenly and be more difficult to see." 

The full tips, which also cover rules specific to shared paths, tram stops, and school zones, can be accessed on the RACV website.