Roundabout myths busted
RACQ clarifies three misunderstood roundabout road rules.
While roundabouts can be found across Queensland, there is still debate among road users about how to navigate them safely and correctly.
RACQ Manager Road Safety and Technical Joel Tucker provides answers to the below roundabout quizzes and explains why it’s important for us to follow them.
Do you have to indicate if you are travelling straight through a roundabout?
When you are driving straight though a roundabout, otherwise known as exiting halfway around, you don’t have to indicate when entering or driving on the roundabout but you must indicate left when exiting, if it is possible to do so. Remember to approach the roundabout in the correct lane, paying attention to signs and arrow markings and give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout before you enter.
Can a bicycle rider make a right turn at a roundabout from the left lane?
Yes, while motor vehicle drivers must enter the roundabout and turn from the right lane (unless road markings or signs indicate otherwise), a bicycle rider (or personal mobility device or animal rider) may enter the roundabout and turn from the left or right lane.
However, it is important to note that cyclists, personal mobility device users and animal riders performing this manoeuvre must give way to any motor vehicle that is exiting a roundabout.
Cyclists have options, both on and off the road, for how they can navigate these situations and should consider the safest choice for them in the situation.
Roundabouts can be difficult for cyclists to navigate safely, so the rules have been implemented to protect cyclists, provide options and assist them to make a safe manoeuvre.
At a spiral roundabout, does a vehicle turning right have to give way to a vehicle travelling straight?
Any vehicle about to enter a roundabout must give way to vehicles already travelling on the roundabout.
This includes spiral roundabouts.
It is important for vehicles turning right at roundabouts to indicate so that other road users know their intentions.
