<< ….regards to roundabouts, as the law clearly states, you must give way to traffic on the roundabout. In other words, first there. >>

Yes rehctub, we are told by various authorities that we must give way to traffic on the roundabout.

However, this is somewhat problematic. We should be required simply to give way to the right.

Problems arise when the first onto the roundabout has come off of a stationary position, with a vehicle to their right, not yet on the roundabout coming through at some speed. This is where the ‘give way to traffic on the roundabout is at conflict with the give way to the right rule.

So, ‘first there’ might have the legal right of way, but they could be undertaking a very dangerous move.

I realised this lawful point of conflict decades ago.

So if we are going to expect cyclists to observe the law, we need to sort out some laws and clarify them, and completely revise others that are long-outdated. And we need to regain the rule of law and make accepted practice the same as the law, which it all-too-often isn’t, not least as it concerns cyclists!

<< The truth is they (cyclists) are a law to themselves… >>

Largely true. The Newman government has noted this and along with the new safety gap laws it has implemented full fines for cyclists, equal to those of drivers, for legal incursions.

Ludwig wrote that we need to "make accepted practice the same as the law".

So, here's how it works .. Ludwig comes across a rule he despises, so he breaks that rule and makes up his "own personal" rule to replace the official, inconvenient rule. His mates agree with him, and some other car drivers also agree that "Ludwig's" rule is a better rule. So Ludwig then proceeds to use his "personal" rule whilst driving his car, because he declares it's accepted practice. He then thinks, "hey that works for me", so I'll continue to break the law, disobey the official rule, and implement "my" rule instead whilst I'm driving.

This is why drivers with the "attitude" that Ludwig displays are a danger to other drivers who obey the "official" rules. They don't know that Ludwig and his mates are using different rules,so this results is two groups of drivers using DIFFERENT rules in a given situation. Result? ACCIDENTS. Do you not understand this Ludwig? Nah, you clearly don't.

As I told you before Ludwig, the solution to your problem is to acquire the skills to have the rules changed. And until the rules are changed to your satisfaction you MUST OBEY THE CURRENT RULES ... otherwise you'll eventually cause accidents and put other peoples' lives in danger.

Ludwig, just for emphasis .. please read my above 3rd paragraph 100 times.

With a bit of .. no a LOT of luck, maybe you'll finally comprehend why driving under your "own" rules is extremely dangerous road behaviour.

Butch, you are dead wrong here:

> Many accidents ( nose to tail) are caused because law breaking drivers allowing their consciences to dictate how they drive by either allowing someone into traffic or stopping for a bike.<

My dear Butch, 'nose to tail' accidents are the fault of the following vehicle not driving to the conditions, NOT the fault of a courteous driver (who is in no way a law-breaker) giving way to allow someone, bike or car/vehicle to enter a line of traffic.
(Ok, it would be a problem if someone screeches to a halt in fast moving traffic - certainly even to let a little old lady cross the road - but that is not the essence of your described scenario, so let's not go confusing 'traffic' with a 'line of traffic'.)

So often I see drivers not giving way to someone (bike or vehicle) wanting to enter a huge line of traffic - either from a side-road, or from a parking space - just to 'maintain' their 'place' in what amounts to a static 'car park'. How discourteous, how insensitive, these are the worst kind of road-hogs, and there is simply no excuse for their selfishness and their 'indifference'.

What's needed is more courtesy, not less.

Luddy,

The 'give-way to the right' rule was abandoned long ago and for good reason; major problems existed with a vehicle on a side road not giving way to a vehicle rapidly approaching the intersection from the left. Some people insisted on taking their 'right of way' irrespective of the circumstances; idiots! Good riddance to this ridiculous rule.

Have you noticed that we also no longer have or use 'silent cops'?
(Boats also still pass 'port to port' don't they?)

Give way only to the right at roundabouts? What, and ignore someone ON the roundabout just because they entered it from the left? Nuts.
As for people racing into roundabouts, they are breaking the law; roundabouts were introduced to induce people to reduce their speed at, and when approaching, intersections - to reduce accidents - as well as to enable a smooth traffic-flow at problematic intersections.

A stream of bikes passing through a roundabout?
Anyone so rushed that they can't wait a few minutes, taking-in the passing parade, really needs to take a 'chill pill', and get a life - they will suffer fewer ulcers.

Finally, bikes would be safer if fitted with a red flag (of suitable dimension) flown on a three or four foot rod attached to the rear of the bike; more visible, even if not quite so manoeuverable.
(The same could also be effectively applied to motorcycles.)

Saltpetre, 2 very good posts from you. We need more good drivers like you.