Today I want to have a heart-to-heart about one of the most unique challenges we face on Australian roads – our magnificent but sometimes unpredictable wildlife, especially those iconic kangaroos.
The Dawn and Dusk Danger Zone
If you’ve spent any time on our beautiful outback roads, you know that kangaroos and other wildlife are most active during dawn and dusk. These transition times, when the light is low but not completely gone, create the perfect storm for wildlife encounters:
- Reduced visibility for riders
- Peak activity time for kangaroos, wallabies, and other wildlife
- The blinding effect of a low sun or oncoming headlights
Why Roos Are Such a Riding Hazard
Let me tell you, mates – a fully grown eastern grey can weigh up to 90kg and stand 2 meters tall. That’s not something you want to meet unexpectedly at 100km/h! And unlike many animals that freeze or run away from vehicles, kangaroos are notoriously unpredictable. They might freeze, hop directly into your path, or even bound alongside you before cutting across.
Essential Safety Tips
Adjust Your Riding Times
The simplest solution is often the best – plan your longer rides to avoid dawn and dusk hours in wildlife-heavy areas. If you must ride during these times, extra vigilance is critical.
Slow Down in High-Risk Areas
Watch for wildlife warning signs and take them seriously. Reducing your speed gives you precious extra seconds to react if a roo decides to test your braking skills.
Scan the Roadside Constantly
Keep your eyes moving, scanning both the road and the shoulders. Look for movement or the reflection of your headlight in animal eyes. Remember that where there’s one roo, there’s often a mob.
Use Your High Beam (When Appropriate)
When there’s no oncoming traffic, your high beam will give you a better chance of spotting wildlife before it’s too late. Just remember to dip them for other road users.
Gear Up Properly
I can’t stress this enough – quality protective gear can be the difference between a hospital stay and walking away from a wildlife encounter. Never compromise on your helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, and boots.
What To Do If You See a Roo
If you spot a kangaroo or other wildlife near the road:
- Slow down immediately but smoothly
- Brake in a straight line – emergency swerving can lead to losing control
- Use your horn – the noise can sometimes encourage wildlife to move away
- If multiple riders are present, alert others with established hand signals
Tech That Can Help
Some riders are now using wildlife whistles mounted on their bikes. These devices supposedly emit a high-frequency sound that alerts animals to your presence. The jury’s still out on their effectiveness, but they’re a relatively inexpensive addition that might help.
There are also smartphone apps that can alert you to wildlife hotspots based on reported sightings, which can be handy for planning purposes.
If the Worst Happens
If you do hit wildlife or come off your bike avoid it:
- Prioritise your own safety first
- Move yourself to a safe location away from traffic
- Call emergency services if you’re injured
- If safe to do so, check on the animal but approach with extreme caution – injured wildlife can be dangerous
- For injured wildlife, contact WIRES (13 000 WIRES) or your local wildlife rescue service
The Most Important Tip of All
Ride to the conditions. This doesn’t just mean weather – it means taking into account the time of day, the location, and the likelihood of wildlife. Sometimes the most enjoyable ride is the one where you back off a bit and take in the scenery rather than pushing the limits.
Have you had any close encounters with our bouncy mates on the road? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
Written by Michael Bankier Biker