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Factsheets
1. Cycling rules and common sense tips
2. Young cyclists
3. Safety equipment
4. Buying the right bike
5. Buying the right helmet
6. Riding in traffic
7. Looking after your bike
1. Cycling rules and common sense tips
Cyclists must obey the same road rules as motorists.
You can download copies of
Some of the essential road rules applicable to cyclists are as
follows:
Keep to the left
Ride as close as practicable to the left hand side of the road
or bike path.
Bicycle lanes
Remain within designated bike lanes whenever practicable.
Passing on the left
When approaching an intersection, cyclists are permitted to pass
stationary vehicles on the left when safe to do so. Watch for
cars turning across your path.
Pedestrian crossings
Cyclists must give way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings.
If using the crossing, cyclists must dismount and walk their bikes
across.
Hand signals
Cyclists must signal before turning right or changing lanes to
the right. Hand signals are not mandatory when turning to the
left or stopping, but may be given as a courtesy to other traffic.
Two abreast
It is legal to ride two abreast. In some circumstances (eg on
a narrow road) it may be more sensible to ride in single file.
Passengers
It is illegal to carry passengers except in an approved child’s
seat or on a tandem.
Shared paths
Most off-road paths are shared with pedestrians - check for signs.
Cyclists must warn pedestrians of their approach (especially from
behind) and pass on the right. At all other times keep to the
left. If you must wear headphones, keep the volume down so that you can hear what is happening around you.
Footpaths
It is illegal to ride a bicycle on the footpath in South Australia
(unless you are under 12 years of age or carrying and complying
with a certificate issued by a doctor).
Bus lanes
Cyclists are permitted to ride in bus lanes, but must make way
for buses to move off on the white ‘B’ light at traffic
signals. Cyclists are not permitted to proceed on this signal.
Some traffic signals include a cyclists’ light which indicates
that cyclists may proceed.
Riding in national parks
Special conditions apply to the use of bicycles in national parks.
Check with the park authority first. Off-road cycling is not permitted
in most of South Australia’s national parks.
Remember that cyclists are not as protected
as motorists so always be alert and watchful for the actions of
others.
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2. Young cyclists
The very young
Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult
when riding. They should not be permitted to ride on the road until
they know and understand the road rules and are capable of riding
in traffic.
Practice makes perfect
A good place to learn cycling skills is in an empty carpark. Once
children have the basic riding skills, practice should be encouraged
on off-road paths and quieter back streets.
Two abreast
Riding two abreast is the maximum - even when an adult is cycling
with more than one child. Children should ride on the inside (near
the kerb). If riding with several children let them ride ahead where
they can be seen.
Intersections
Younger children should dismount and walk their bikes across busy
intersections.
Passengers
Children can only be carried in an approved child’s seat
or on a tandem. If in a child’s seat they should be securely
restrained and must wear an approved and securely fastened helmet.
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3. Safety equipment
Helmets
All cyclists and passengers must wear a helmet approved by Standards
Australia. Your helmet must be correctly positioned and securely
fastened.
Warning device
Every cycle must have an effective bell or horn within easy reach.
Lights and reflectors
If you ride your bike between sunset and sunrise or during periods
of low visibility, your bike must show a white headlight and a red
tail light. Every bicycle must also always have a red rear reflector.
Brakes
Must be sound, strong and kept in efficient working order.
Clothing
Light coloured clothing is recommended, particularly when riding
at night.
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4. Buying the right bike
Today buying a bicycle can be a challenge! There are so many different types and brands to choose from. Remember a specialist bike shop will still be the best place to offer you the professional advice on tailoring a bicycle to your individual needs, expectations and budget.
Before buying a bicycle you need to consider:
- How often you are likely to ride
- What sort of riding you will be doing – recreation, commuting, off-road exploring, long distance touring or racing
- Where you will be riding – suburban streets, country roads, gravel roads, bike paths or off-road
- How much you would like to spend
Today’s market place offers a range of bicycles for different purposes. Some are right for one particular purpose only, whereas some others are more versatile.
- Road bikes are perfect for all kinds of road riding – from commuting to work to racing and triathlon and even touring. They are designed to give you better handling, cornering and sprinting, whether riding or racing. Road bikes are designed and built to maximise aerodynamics and minimise weight and feature thin tyres, dropped handlebars and a range of gears.
- Mountain bikes (MTBs) are designed to tackle different terrains. Choose from front and rear suspension, which enables you to soak up rough terrain and wide tyres with knobbly tread to keep you in control.
- Hybrids are used for bicycle trails and city streets; these bikes feature an upright riding position to make cycling more comfortable. Hybrids combine good features of road bikes and MTB’s and they’re ideal for commuting, fitness, or just plain fun.
- BMX bikes are designed to tackle a range of tracks and trails whether you’re cruising, perfecting new tricks or going vertical. They are not however the best bikes for commuting, The low seat position means that riding long distances can be uncomfortable and the absence of gears makes it difficult to climb.
- Fold-up bikes are lightweight and easy to use and store. These multipurpose bikes are perfect for commuting, holidays, picking up the paper or going for a ride with the children.
Getting the right size is one of the most important aspects in choosing a bicycle. Comfort, handling, aerodynamics and efficiency all rely on the right fit.
Things to consider when looking for the right fit are:
- frame size
- crank length
- seat height and angle
- stem length and height
- handlebar width and rise
They all need to fit your body shape and size. Bicycle frames come in different sizes while seats and handlebars can be changed or adjusted for fit. Remember, choosing the right bicycle for you will make your riding more pleasurable and increase your enjoyment over many years. For more information on buying a bicycle, please visit your local bike shop.
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5. Buying the right helmet
Choosing a bicycle helmet requires care. Fit and comfort should be placed ahead of price or visual appearance.
Everyone riding a bicycle must now wear a suitable helmet. The law requires that helmets be worn, whether riding your bike on roads, bicycle paths or shared use paths.
Helmets must meet the Australian Standard, certified with a sticker labelled AS2063. Ensure your helmet complies with this number.
Get professional advice from a bike shop on how to match your head shape and helmet size. Position the helmet so it protects the forehead (10 to 15mm above your eyebrows) and tighten the straps so that they are both firm and comfortable so you cannot move it forwards, backwards or side to side. Other features include ventilation, visibility, sun visor, and attractive designs.
Before mandatory helmet laws were introduced, head injuries were the most prevalent cause of death and serious injury in bicycle crashes. Since the introduction of mandatory helmet wearing, admissions to hospitals for people with bicycle crash head injuries have fallen by about 45 percent. Bicycle related fatalities have halved.
You must replace your helmet if you have a crash, even if the damage is not visible. In a crash the foam in your helmet provides protection by absorbing the impact. After a crash or other mistreatment (such as falling on to a hard surface) the foam remains compressed so it will no longer be effective.
The most important rule for intending helmet purchases is to try them on in the shop before buying. Good fit is essential for maximum protection.
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6. Riding in traffic
Cyclists have always travelled on local streets and main roads for most of their riding to get from place to place. Fortunately, cycling on most city streets is enjoyable and relatively safe. Though many novice cyclists are intimidated by motor vehicles, the secret to safe and confident riding is knowing how to become a natural part of the traffic flow.
Cyclists should first become proficient in basic handling skills, such as shifting gears, stopping smoothly, turning rapidly and scanning behind quickly for overtaking traffic without swerving. Empty parking lots and quiet residential streets are good places to practice these skills.
It's easier to learn basic traffic cycling techniques if you understand that most road users operate predictably, following the rules of the road. Riding predictably is essential for cyclists if they are to use the road safely. Follow these guidelines:
- Always wear a helmet. A helmet is compulsory and an insurance against head injuries.
- Be visible. Wear bright coloured or reflective clothing and, at night, use a bright headlight and tail-light.
- Ride in a straight line and far enough from the kerb to avoid parked cars, gravel, broken glass, potholes, and other road hazards.
- Obey traffic signs and signals.
- Follow lane markings. This means turning left from a left-turn lane, going straight in a straight-through lane and turning right from a right-turn lane. Improper lane selection and position can put you at risk.
- Use clear hand signals to alert motorists and other road users what you intend to do. Cyclists should signal to be legal, to be courteous and to protect themselves.
- Initially, choose routes with fewer cars, slower traffic, and easy to manage intersections. Look for streets that are wide enough for cyclists and motorists to share the travel lane.
- Scan behind you and yield to overtaking traffic when changing lanes or even when changing positions within your lane.
Each day, thousands of cyclists take to the roads for fitness, recreation and commuting. You can join them, but be safe. Always practise these tips when cycling in traffic.
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7.
Looking after your bike
Maintenance: A well–maintained bicycle will give you increased performance, more reliability and safety. Servicing and repairing your bicycle is inexpensive compared to the car. By doing some regular daily and weekly maintenance you can reduce the need for repairs. Regularly check tyres, wheels, brakes, chain, lights and reflectors. Bicycles should be serviced at least once a year. Security:When leaving your bike, lock it to an immovable object. Keep a record of its serial number (usually stamped on the frame near the pedals) and a description to give to police if it is stolen.
Registration
Registration is not required, but the Kiwanis Club and Neighbourhood Watch (see the Yellow Pages for your nearest group) have registration systems, which make it easier to identify a stolen bike if it’s recovered.
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Cycling Organisations & Links – Check the Yellow Pages for more.
National Cycling Organisations & Links
Bicycle Federation of Australia http://www.bfa.asn.au
Australian Bicycle Council http://www.austroads.com.au/abc/
Bicycle Industry Australia http://www.bikeoz.com
Cycling Promotion Fund http://www.cyclingpromotion.com
Cycling Australia http://www.cycling.org.au
South Australian Cycling Organisations & Links
Bike Ed - Information relating to the bicycle education program sponsored by Transport SA.
Bicycle South Australia http://www.bikesa.asn.au
Bicycle Institute of South Australia http://www.bisa.asn.au
South Australian Cycling Federation http://www.sa.cycling.org.au/
Jacobs Creek Tour Down Under http://www.tourdownunder.com.au/
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Fri 5th Dec 08
