Learn with Rookie the Kookie

Kookie the Rookie is your smart travel buddy. He is here to help you feel safe and ready when you walk, ride, catch the bus, train or taxi. This is your place to learn what to do, one step at a time.

Walking Safely

When you go walking, you are a pedestrian. To ensure you are safe follow these tips.

Plan Before You Go
• Think about where you’re going and plan your walk.
• Choose footpaths and quiet streets.
• Wear bright clothes so cars can see you.
• Tell someone where you’re going.

Crossing the Road
• Stop. Look. Listen. Think.
• Use a zebra crossing or traffic lights to cross the road.
• Look left. Look right. Look again.
• If at lights, wait for the green walk man before you cross.
• Keep looking while you walk.

Safety Tips
• Don’t look at your phone while walking – you may walk into something.
• Watch for driveways and turning cars.
• If you are unsure, ask someone to help.
• Don’t walk too close to the edge of the footpath.

What If Something Goes Wrong?
• If you get lost, call a carer, family member or support person.
• If a car comes too fast, wait until it passes. It is always better to wait til it is clear to cross the road.
• If a dog scares you, step back and stay calm – just walk past the dog.
Practice Tip: Count how many roads you cross on your way to school or work.

Key NSW Road Rules for Pedestrians

  • Drivers must give way at pedestrian crossings
    If a pedestrian is on a crossing, or entering it, a driver must slow and stop if needed.
    Also, a driver must not overtake another vehicle that has stopped (or is stopping) at a pedestrian crossing to let someone cross. 

  • Stopping restrictions near crossings
    It’s illegal for vehicles to stop on a pedestrian crossing (unless intersection) or within 20 m before it or 10 m after it (unless parking laws allow) 

  • Shared zones — pedestrians have priority
    In a shared zone, vehicles must give way to pedestrians at all times. 
    Speed limits in shared zones tend to be very low (e.g. 10 km/h). 
    The design (paving, signage, traffic calming) is meant to signal to drivers: slow, expect pedestrians, share the space.

  • Pedestrians — where and how to walk

    • If there’s a footpath or nature strip, you must use that rather than walking on the road. 

    • If you must use the road (no footpath or impractical), walk facing oncoming traffic. 

    • Don’t walk side-by-side more than one other person (unless overtaking) when on the road. 

  • Giving way when turning / entering intersections
    When turning into or out of roads (or driveways), drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing the road they’re entering. 
    The rule is more specific: the pedestrian’s line of travel must be essentially perpendicular to the edge of the road the driver is entering for the “give way” obligation to apply. 

  • Crossing rules & signals

    • Pedestrian signals exist at many crossings. Wait for the “walk” signal before stepping out. 

    • If a red pedestrian light appears after you’ve already stepped onto a level crossing, you must finish crossing without delay. 

    • Some crossings are part-time (e.g. children’s crossings): when those are operating (often flagged), special rules apply. 

  • “High pedestrian activity areas” & speed control
    In areas with lots of pedestrians (shopping strips, near transit, etc.), there are lower speed limits and signs to warn drivers to slow. 
    Also, no-stopping zones are often established near crossings so pedestrians and drivers have clear sight lines.

Bike Safety

Before You Ride

  • Always wear your helmet (click the strap under your chin).
  • Check your bike: brakes work, tyres are pumped, chain works, light and bell works.
  • Wear bright clothes.
  • Put on sunscreen.

On the Road

  • Use bike lanes when you can.
  • Ride on the left side of the road.
  • Use hand signals to turn.
  • Stop at red lights and crossings.
  • If riding at night, use your lights.

Be Alert

  • Watch for parked cars and doors opening.
  • Listen for traffic and sirens.
  • Never wear earphones when riding.
  • Watch out for holes or bumps.
  • Use your bell only when there is danger.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

  • If you fall, move to the side and check if you are okay.
  • If your chain comes off, walk your bike and call for help.
  • If a car honks or gets too close, stop safely and breathe.
  • If your brake does not work, try to slow down, don’t pedal and find something soft to help you stop the bike.


Practice Tip: Ride with someone until you feel confident.

Key Legal Rules

  • Helmet always.
    A bicyclist must wear an approved helmet, fit properly and fastened. 

  • Bike = vehicle.
    You must obey the same road rules as other vehicles (stop signs, traffic lights, give-way, etc.) 

  • Use bike lanes if present (unless impractical).
    Where there is a marked bicycle lane in your direction, you must use it unless there’s good reason not to. 

  • Where there’s no bike lane, keep left.
    But also avoid hazards like debris, parked cars, drain grates, etc. 

  • Hand signals.
    You must signal when turning right or merging to the right. Signalling early (around 30 m before turn) is encouraged. 

  • No riding on pedestrian crossings.
    You should dismount and walk your bike across, unless there’s a specific bicycle signal that allows riding over that crossing. 

  • Mobile phones.
    You can only use a phone hands-free (i.e. fixed mount). You can’t hold or touch your phone while riding. 

  • Lights, reflectors, bell/horn.
    At night (or in poor visibility), you need a white front light, red rear light, and red rear reflector. Your bike must also have a bell or horn. 

  • Bus lanes, tram lanes, “buses-only” lanes.
    You can use a bus lane (if it’s not “buses only” or tram-only). But be extra alert near intersections where vehicles enter/exit.

  • Tram tracks.
    You can’t ride along tramway lanes (i.e. “tram only” parts) — doing so can get you fined. 

  • Right turn (hook turns and roundabouts).
    There are special rules (hook turns in some intersections). In multi-lane roundabouts, take care with positioning and give way rules. 

  • Illegal to hold or be towed by a moving vehicle.
    You can’t hold onto a moving car or be towed. 

  • Footpath rules.
    If you are 16 or older and not supervising a child <16, you generally can’t ride on a footpath. 
    On shared paths/footpaths, you must keep left, give way to pedestrians, and slow when overtaking. 

  • E-bikes
    They must be pedal-assist (i.e. motor can’t be sole power). Rules for e-bikes are in NSW’s “Bicycles and e-bikes” section.

Bus & Train Safety

Before You Travel

  • Check the timetable.
  • Know your stop and time.
  • Buy an Opal card from a newsagent or at the station machine.
  • Pack your Opal card if you have one and make sure you have enough money on it.
  • Arrive early at the station or bus stop.
  • Tell someone your plan.


Getting On

  • Let people off the bus or train first.
  • Show your card or tap the card at the machine.
  • Find a seat quickly and sit down.
  • Hold on tight if standing.


During the Trip

  • Stay in your seat.
  • Don’t block the door.
  • Watch for your stop.
  • Press the stop button just before your stop on a bus.


Getting Off

  • Wait until the bus or train stops.
  • Tap off with your card.
  • Check for cars or bikes before crossing the road.


What If Something Goes Wrong?

  • If you miss your stop, stay calm and tell the driver.
  • If you drop something, wait until the bus stops to pick it up.
  • If someone scares you, move away and call your support.


Practice Tip: Count the stops from your place to the shops.

Bus Safety Tips

  • Plan your route: Use real-time apps or transport websites to check accessibility details—like low-floor buses and stop layouts.

  • Wait in a visible spot: Stand or position your mobility aid where the driver can clearly see you. Make eye contact or signal early if you need the ramp deployed.

  • Board carefully: Wait until the bus has stopped fully before approaching. Ask the driver for assistance if needed—they’re trained to help.

  • Secure safely: Use the priority space and ensure any wheelchair locks or seatbelts are properly fastened before the bus moves.

  • Announce your stop: Let the driver know in advance if you need extra time to alight. Press the stop button early to give notice.

Train Safety Tips

 

    • Mind the gap: Wait for the train to stop before approaching the doors, and align your wheelchair or cane with the ramp or platform markings.

    • Use accessible carriages: Look for the universal accessibility symbol—these have space, ramps, and priority seating.

    • Ask for staff assistance: NSW stations have guards and platform staff trained to help with boarding and ramps when required.

    • Stay behind tactile tiles: Until the train stops and doors open, remain behind the yellow or tactile safety line.

    • Exit with awareness: Allow time for others to move around you; use the ramp if provided and wait for guidance if the gap is uneven.

Car & Taxi

Before You Ride

  • Know where you’re going
  • Have money or your card ready
  • Tell someone your plan


During the Ride

  • Sit down and buckle up
  • Ask the driver to tell you when you’re close to your stop
  • Use your phone only for checking the map or contacting support


Getting Out

  • Unbuckle safely
  • Check for traffic before opening the door
  • Say thank you


What If Something Goes Wrong?

  • If you feel unsafe, ask the driver to stop in a safe place
  • If the driver is lost, check your map and give help
  • If you left something in the car, call the company


Practice Tip: Practice telling the driver where you want to go.

Travel with Confidence

The Travel Trainer app is made for people with intellectual disability, anxiety, or anyone who needs support to get to school, work, or social activities. With Kookie the Rookie by your side, you can:

  • Learn road rules for walking, riding, buses, and trains
  • Practise what to do with pictures, voices, and games
  • Master a new skill
  • Build confidence to travel on your own or with help
  • Handle the unexpected, like missing your stop or getting lost

Safe. Easy. Fun. Free to use. Whether you’re going to work, TAFE, a support group or the shops, The Travel Trainer gives you the tools to get there safely. Carers, families, and disability organisations can use the tools too.

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