Lane Filtering - when is it legal?

Ever seen a motorcylist ride between lanes of traffic and wondered if it was legal?

Police have become aware that some motorcycle riders and other road users may be confused about the rules for lane filtering and riding on road shoulders for motorcycles.

Lane filtering

Lane filtering is when a motorcyclist rides at low speed between stationary or slow moving vehicles travelling in the same direction. However, if one of the lines or lanes is a dedicated turning lane (left or right) they must not lane filter using this lane.

Motorcyclists are only allowed to lane filter in Queensland if they hold an open licence for the motorcycle they are riding and:

• their speed when filtering is 30km/h or less
• it’s safe to do so.

They’re not allowed to lane filter:

• at a speed more than 30km/h
• in school zones during school zone hours
• if they’re a learner or provisional licence holder
• if it isn’t safe.

A motorcycle rider is not allowed to use a bicycle lane to lane filter.

To ensure pedestrian safety, lane filtering is only allowed between stationary or slow moving vehicles, not between a vehicle and the kerb. Any vehicle, including a motorcycle may overtake to the left of a stationary vehicle. Read more about overtaking to the left.

Riding on the road shoulder

If someone holds an open licence for the motorcycle theyare riding, they can ride on road shoulders and in emergency stopping lanes on major roads—such as highways, freeways and motorways past stationary or slow moving traffic if:

• the speed limit is 90km/h or more
• their speed is 30km/h or less
• they give way to cyclists or other motorcycle riders already using the shoulder
• it is safe to do so
• they are not riding on any unsealed parts of the road.

Road shoulders are the sealed area to the left or right of a road’s edge line.

But motorcyclists be warned - if the speed limit on a major road is reduced to less than 90km/h for any reason, for example by a variable speed control sign or because of roadworks, then they can no longer legally ride on the road shoulder or in an emergency stopping lane.

(Source: adapted from information in a Neighbourhood Watch Queensland blog article entitled "What is lane filtering and when can I ride on road shoulders" posted 28 Aug 2017) 

Beware of scam surveys

One of our residents has advised that they have recently started receiving a number of emails offering rewards such as gift cards if they complete a survey. The emails appear to come from well-known companies such as JB Hi-fi, Bunnings, Coles and Woolworths and include the company's logo and contact details.

Fortunately the resident has not clicked on the links as these emails are most likely to be scams. 

In fact, a couple of months ago the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) put out a warning about such scams. They seem to work by asking people to complete what appears to be a normal survey but after asking quite harmless questions it then goes on to ask for more personalised information which can then be used for future scams, to access bank accounts or for identity theft.

If you receive such an email and are interested in taking part, the ACCC suggests that rather than clicking on any links in the email that instead you go onto the company's official website and look to see if there is any mention of the survey there, or by calling the company's official customer service number.

 Here's some information about how these scams work provided on the ACC's Scamwatch website https://www.scamwatch.gov.au

How these scams work

• You receive an email or text message, or come across a social media post, claiming that you have been selected to receive or have the chance to win a gift card from a well-known company.
• The email, message or post appears legitimate, using brand names and official logos to convince you it’s the real deal.
• As with many legitimate offers and online posts, you might be asked to complete a survey or pass on an offer to others before you can claim the gift card or voucher.
• Upon completing the survey, forwarding or accepting the offer you will generally be directed to a well-constructed webpage. Here, you will be prompted to provide personal information such as your phone number, address and bank account details.
• After handing over your personal information, you may receive a fake gift voucher or alternatively, receive nothing at all. You may also begin to receive unsolicited emails and phone calls requesting more information that the scammer may use to commit identity theft and other fraud.

Scamwatch's suggestions to protect yourself

• Be alert to unsolicited offers – while some offers may be legitimate sometimes they are scams and can be very difficult to identify – it’s always best to check independently every time.
• Verify the offer – Always check whether an offer is genuine, even those passed on from people you know. Contact the relevant retailer using contact details you get from a phone book or independent online search.
• Avoid clicking links – don’t rely on links or phone numbers appearing in an offer – these can direct you to fake websites or download malware. If you get an email supposedly from a well-known company, before clicking, hover your computer mouse over the URL or link. If the address after the ‘@’ symbol doesn’t end with the company’s name and .com, it’s likely to be a scam.
• Take your time – many scams will claim the offer is limited to try and create a sense of urgency. Don’t be rushed into handing over your personal information.
• Consider your privacy – Only provide information such as Medicare numbers and credit card security codes to organisations you can trust – requests of this nature should ring alarm bells.
• Report – If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your financial institution immediately.

You can report scams to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commissioner (ACCC) :

• Scamwatch page report a scam page or
• telephone: 1300 795 995.

(Source of Scamwatch information -article on Scamwatch website dated 2 June 2017)

Free Anti Theft Screws and other givaways - Sunday 27 August

It is currently Road Safety Week and to help spread the road safety message North Brisbane police will be holding an information stall on Sunday August 27 at the Aspley Hypermarket.

Residents are invited to take the opportunity to speak to local Police, Volunteers In Policing and NHW volunteers.

Those attending will be able to get anti theft screws fitted to their vehicle number plates free of charge.

Police and Volunteers will also be on hand to provide road safety advice and some Road Safety Week giveaways.

• Free Anti Theft Screws
• 10am-12pm 
• Sunday August 27 2017
• Aspley Hypermarket Carpark

Aspley Hypermarket is located at the corner of Albany Creek Road and Gayford Street Aspley.

Inquiries regarding this event can be made with North Brisbane Crime Prevention on 3364 3426.

(Source: Neighbourhood Watch Queensland North Brisbane blog article posted 21 Aug 2017)

Attempted burglary of Chermside ATM

Police are investigating the attempted burglary of an ATM at Chermside yesterday morning (Thursday 10 August).

Around 3.30am Thursday morning, two people wearing protective face masks have broken into a shopping centre bunker containing an ATM on Webster Road.

The two people involved appear to have been disturbed and were unable to gain entry to the machine and fled empty handed soon after.

The pair were last seen leaving the address in a dark utility.

Police investigations are continuing.

If you have information for police, please contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

(Source: Neighbourhood Watch Queensland North Brisbane Blog article posted 10 Aug 17)

Thank you to these local businesses

Thank you to these local businesses for supporting our NHW.

Sass Hairapy

Sheer Therapy for your hair

4/78 Basnett Street, Chermside West

Tel: 3359 8254

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Mint Place

Vietnamese Restaurant

Shop 10 / 76 Basnett Street
Chermside West

Open Tues-Friday
11 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 8.45 pm

Sat 9 am to 2 pm and 
Sat/Sun 4 pm to 8.45 pm 

Ph. 3350 5915

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The Golden Roast

Planning a party… and need catering…??  They will come to you with their mobile Spit Roast Oven. Their chef will prepare and present their GOLDEN ROAST BUFFET. 

All menus online at www.goldenroast.com 

OR they supply the Spit Roast – you cater the rest.

Phone Narelle 3861 4732

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Loria Deli

Shop 11/72 Basnett Street West Chermside

Ph 3359 6087

Great selection of cheeses, smallgoods and pasta.
Take Home frozen meals
Pizza, sandwiches and more
All day coffee facilities available for your enjoyment

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Glasshaus Constructions Pty Ltd

Developers, builders, importers

Phone 3860 5333

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Leddy’s & Associates Pty Ltd

3/78 Basnett Street, Chermside West

Phone 3359 8333

Fax 3350 5355

ACCOUNTANTS & TAX AGENTS

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Rode Meats

Simply The Best

Brad Cammack

Proprietor

Telephone 3359 7425

Rode Shopping Centre

Appleby Road, Stafford Q 4053

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Next Update Meeting and AGM

Thursday 3rd August  AT 7.30 PM in the P & C Building at the rear of Craigslea Primary School is our next area UPDATE. 

This meeting will also be our AGM with election of committee members for the next 12 months. Our committee works to keep our local NHW active, but the duties are not onerous. We usually meet about 4 times a year and maybe some other activity between times.

Like to be more involved? Come along to the AGM and nominate for a committee position. Can’t make the meeting? Email us at carseldine6NHW@gmail.com or phone Deputy Area-Coordinator Darryl Dobson on 0411 378 976 to let us know your interest or to nominate for a position.

Parking at western end of the school grounds.

Our committee is quite flexible so if there’s something you’d particularly like to do we should be able to arrange a position to suit.

Carseldine 6 NHW covers the area south of  Hamilton Rd to Huxtable Park and the east side of Maundrell Tce across to Webster Rd. All residents of our NHW area are automatically members of Carseldine 6 NHW and eligible to attend meetings or be on the committee. No need to join or pay membership fees. You also don’t need to be a home owner—renters are also welcome.

PLEASE JOIN US.  

ALL WELCOME!!!