CYCLISTS could be permitted to run red lights and drivers be banned from entering bike lanes at all in a bid to get more riders on Victorian roads.

The measures are among reforms being considered to make the roads more bike-friendly and reduce conflict with motorists.

VicRoads has begun to examine results from a recent online survey of the state’s cycling road rules.

And a full report on a possible overhaul of the state’s road rules is due to be released by the end of this year.

The Herald Sun can reveal the following options are on the Government’s radar:

BANNING cyclists’ use of headphones;

ALLOWING motorcyclists to share bike lanes with cyclists;

REQUIRING motorists to be 1m away from cyclists;

ALLOWING cyclists to treat red lights like Give Way signs;

PERMITTING cyclists, riding cautiously, to proceed past a stationary tram;

ALLOWING those aged 12-17 to ride on a footpath if with a child aged under 12;

LETTING cyclists with kids under 10 in a trailer or child seat to use the footpath; and

ALLOWING all riders to use the footpath, provided that they give way to pedestrians.

media_camera Drivers could be banned from entering bike lanes under the reforms being considered. Cyclists on Princes Bridge. Picture: Brendan Francis.

Currently, cyclists must stop at red lights or be liable to the same fine as motorist.

Cyclists who run red lights have become one of motorists’ biggest pet hates.

But under one suggested reform, cyclists could be allowed to treat red lights as Give Way signs. And the same could also apply at pedestrian lights.

The reforms could also see motorists banned from entering the bike lane under any circumstances. Currently, drivers can enter bike lanes for up to 50m in order to park or turn.

VicRoads’ Sharon Duijkers-Mahood said any new laws would be aimed at making Victoria more bike-friendly.

“The range of road rules which relate to or affect bike riders will be examined,” Ms Duijkers-Mahood said.

“The aim is to determine whether the cycling-related road rules and legislation for bike riders are working as well as they should be and, if necessary, make recommend­ations on how they can be ­improved or better communicated to ensure the safety of bike riders and encourage more people to ride.”

Premier Denis Napthine today said he would be concerned about a proposal to allow cyclists to run red lights.

VicRoads CEO John Merritt aid the survey results were still being processed.

“Any of the concepts that come out of this survey will be the subject of significant consultation across the broader Victorian population” he said

Laws applying to cyclists have been tightened over the past decade.

Penalties apply if cyclists do not stop behind stationary trams, and fines for running red lights and not wearing bike helmets have increased.

aleks.devic@news.com.au