Cycling road rules

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Cyclists must obey all the road rules, just like motorists. This means obeying stop signs and traffic lights, riding on the left side of the road and giving way to pedestrians on crossings. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as any other road user. Remember that cyclists are not as protected as motorists so always be alert and watchful for the actions of others. You and your bike Helmets. When riding, you must wear an approved bicycle helmet that is properly adjusted and secured. It’s the best protection from injury your head can have. All bicycles must be fitted with: at least one effective brake. However, two brakes are safer than one; an effective warning device, such as a bell or a horn, in working order and within easy reach; a red rear reflector that is clearly visible for 50 metres; and a front white light and a red rear light that can be clearly seen for 200 metres, when riding at night or in hazardous conditions. Carrying passengers. It is against the law to carry more passengers than the bicycle is designed for, except in an approved child’s seat or on a tandem.

• Keep to the left. You must keep as close as reasonably practicable to the left side of the road. In deciding what is ‘reasonably practicable’ you should take into account factors such as obstacles in your path, lighting conditions and the quality of the riding surface.
• Passing on the left. You may overtake both moving and stationary vehicles on the left, except when the vehicle is indicating to turn left. Watch for cars turning across your path and for people leaving their vehicles.
• Causing a hazard. You must no cause a traffic hazard (cause danger to yourself or others) by riding into the path of a driver or pedestrian.
• Hand signals. Cyclists must signal before turning right or changing lanes to the right. Hand signals are not compulsory when turning to the left or stopping, but may be given to let other traffic know what you’re doing.
• Riding two abreast. Riding two abreast is legal. Sometimes eg if the road is narrow, other road users will appreciate you giving them room to overtake safely.
• Pedestrian crossings. All road users (including cyclists) must give way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings. If cyclists wish to use the crossing, you must dismount and walk your bike across.

Where are you riding?

• Bicycle lanes. If the road you are travelling has a bicycle lane, you must ride in the bicycle lane, unless it is impracticable to do so (such as to avoid broken glass and other obstructions.)
• Bus lanes. Cyclists are permitted to ride in bus lanes, but must remember to make way for buses to move on the white ‘B’ light at traffic signals. Cyclists are not permitted to proceed on this signal.
• Roundabouts. All road users (including cyclists) entering a roundabout, must give way to other users on the roundabout. Cyclists are permitted to turn right from either lane of a multi lane roundabout.
• 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).
• Shared paths. Most off-road paths are shared with pedestrians - check for signs. You must give way to any pedestrians, keep to the left of the path, and warn pedestrians or other path users of your approach.

Other Important Information
You can download a copy of the Australian Road Rules or get copies from any Customer Service Centre.
Further details on cycling specific road rules are available within the Cycling and the Law booklet.

Links
Bike Ed Program
Cycling – Deaths and Injuries