Road drama: Explosive standoff between motorcyclist and ‘Karen’
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A seemingly ordinary day in the bustling streets of Melbourne took a turn for the dramatic when a motorcyclist and a woman, quickly dubbed 'Karen' by onlookers, found themselves at the centre of a fiery debate over road etiquette and tram laws.
The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has sparked a heated discussion among Melburnians and drivers alike, leaving many to ponder—who was truly in the wrong?
The scene unfolded in the inner-city suburb of Parkville, a mere stone's throw from Melbourne's CBD.
A motorbike rider aboard a sleek blue 2024 Yamaha R7 approached a stationary tram.
With the tram's doors still closed and people crossing towards it, the motorcyclist slowed to a halt, a standard precaution in such situations.
However, from the distance emerged a figure who would soon become the talk of the town.
A woman clad in a turtleneck, stepped forward with an outstretched hand, signaling the motorcyclist to stop.
'What are you doing?' she demanded, only to be met with a volley of profanities from the rider.
The motorcyclist later took to social media to vent, writing, 'Don't block the roads, lady.'
Though the encounter lasted mere seconds, it ignited a firestorm of opinions online.
Some sympathised with the motorcyclist, pointing out that the tram's signs were not out, making it a tricky situation to navigate.
Others, however, firmly supported the woman, arguing that in Melbourne, it's well-known that one must stop when a tram's blinkers are flashing and passengers are boarding or alighting.
So, what do the rules say? VicRoads, Victoria's road authority, is evident on the matter:
'When a tram stops, you stop.'
‘At roadside stops, you must stop behind the tram until the doors close and pedestrians finish crossing.’
‘Only once the tram doors are closed and the road is clear of pedestrians, may you drive past at 10km/h.’
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union of Australia supported those who sided with the woman. Their message was unmistakable: 'Be safe around trams.'
In other news, Sunrise hosts Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington have apologised to Melbourne commuters following a segment with Sam Mac.
During the live broadcast, weather presenter Sam Mac conducted interviews with tram passengers, which received various reactions. You can read more about it here.
Have you ever experienced a situation where a motorcycle or another vehicle didn’t stop while a tram was unloading? What’s your take on the woman referred to as ‘Karen’ in this scenario? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has sparked a heated discussion among Melburnians and drivers alike, leaving many to ponder—who was truly in the wrong?
The scene unfolded in the inner-city suburb of Parkville, a mere stone's throw from Melbourne's CBD.
A motorbike rider aboard a sleek blue 2024 Yamaha R7 approached a stationary tram.
With the tram's doors still closed and people crossing towards it, the motorcyclist slowed to a halt, a standard precaution in such situations.
A clash between a motorcyclist and a woman called a 'Karen' over the right of way at a Melbourne tram stop has sparked online debate. Credit: TikTok
However, from the distance emerged a figure who would soon become the talk of the town.
A woman clad in a turtleneck, stepped forward with an outstretched hand, signaling the motorcyclist to stop.
'What are you doing?' she demanded, only to be met with a volley of profanities from the rider.
The motorcyclist later took to social media to vent, writing, 'Don't block the roads, lady.'
Though the encounter lasted mere seconds, it ignited a firestorm of opinions online.
Some sympathised with the motorcyclist, pointing out that the tram's signs were not out, making it a tricky situation to navigate.
Others, however, firmly supported the woman, arguing that in Melbourne, it's well-known that one must stop when a tram's blinkers are flashing and passengers are boarding or alighting.
So, what do the rules say? VicRoads, Victoria's road authority, is evident on the matter:
'When a tram stops, you stop.'
‘At roadside stops, you must stop behind the tram until the doors close and pedestrians finish crossing.’
‘Only once the tram doors are closed and the road is clear of pedestrians, may you drive past at 10km/h.’
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union of Australia supported those who sided with the woman. Their message was unmistakable: 'Be safe around trams.'
In other news, Sunrise hosts Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington have apologised to Melbourne commuters following a segment with Sam Mac.
During the live broadcast, weather presenter Sam Mac conducted interviews with tram passengers, which received various reactions. You can read more about it here.
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