In NSW, bikes are considered a vehicle and so cyclists are required to obey the road rules like other road users – and those that flout the law risk not only run the risk of fines, but also causing serious bicycle accidents.

This includes things like stopping at red lights, obeying give way signs and using hand signals to indicate a change in direction.

But there are some rules that are specific to cyclists. Do you know what they are? Here are some of the main ones:

Cycle-specific road rules

Helmets are compulsory for all cyclists – they must be approved helmets and correctly fitted. They must also have bell or horn and at least one brake.

If you’re riding at night then you’re bike must have:

• Front light: a flashing or steady white light that is clearly visible for at least 200 metres from the front of the bicycle, and
• Rear light: a flashing or steady red light that is clearly visible for at least 200 metres from the rear of the bicycle, and
• Rear reflector: a red reflector that is clearly visible for at least 50 metres from the rear of the bicycle when light is projected onto it by a vehicle’s headlight on low-beam.

Other cyclist-specific rules include:

Riding abreast: Cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast, provided that they are no more than 1.5 m apart.

Overtaking: Cyclists may overtake on the left hand side of stopped or slow moving vehicles.

Bus and transit lanes: Cyclists are allowed to ride in bus lanes and transit lanes.

Footpaths: Cyclists are not allowed to ride on a footpath unless:

• the cyclist is less than 12 years old and under the supervision of an adult, or
• the cyclist is an adult supervising a child under 12 years old
• the cyclist is carrying a person under 10 years old as a passenger on the bicycle or towing on a bicycle trailer.

Roundabouts: Cyclists may turn right from the left lane of a multi-lane roundabout provided that they give way to traffic exiting the roundabout.

Road shoulders: Cyclists may ride on road shoulders.

For more information on safe biking, you can download the NSW government’s A Handbook for Bicycle Riders here.