Road Safety

Here are some of the more pertinent rules, but for a comprehensive list check the links at the bottom to the NSW Government Road Rules and the RTA Handbook for bicycle riders.

• Your bicycle must have at least one working brake and a fully-functional bell, horn, or similar warning device
• Bicycle riders must wear a correctly-fitting and be an approved bicycle helmet
• Riders must not ride a bicycle at night or in hazardous weather conditions unless with a flashing or steady white light at the front, and a steady or flashing red light from the rear. The bike must also have a red reflector visible from the rear
• Bicycle riders must ride with at least one hand on the handlebars
• Bicycle riders must not carry more people than the bike is designed for
• Bicycle riders must not ride on a crossing unless there is a green bicycle light
• Bicycle riders must stop at red lights and at stop signs; and also give way signs if there is traffic travelling on the crossroad
• Bicycle riders can use Bus Lanes but are not permitted to use Bus Only Lanes. [When using a Bus Lane BNSW recommends using common sense and to allow buses to pass by using a vehicle lane when it is safe to do so]
• Transit lanes are used for vehicles containing a certain number of people. These lanes may also be used by buses, taxis, hire cars, motorcycles, bicycles and emergency vehicles, regardless of the number of people in them.
• When a bicycle lane is marked on the road, cyclists must use it. These lanes are for use by bicycles, but cars may use them for not more than 50 metres to enter or leave the road at a driveway or intersection. [BNSW advises you to use discretion and not endanger yourself if there is not sufficient width left in a bicycle lane - many accidents occur with opening doors and these lanes may not be designed or marked clearly to keep cars from parking in them]
• On roundabouts, bicycle riders are allowed to turn right from the left hand lane. When passing each exit, you must give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout from that exit. [BNSW recommends extreme caution in roundabouts as drivers often do not recognise bicycles within a roundabout as having equal rights and needs]
• Bicycle riders aged 12 years or older must not ride on a footpath unless accompanying a child who is under 12 years old. Otherwise you are only allowed to cycle on the footpath where indicated by signage.
• A bicycle rider must not ride on any part of the Sydney Harbour Bridge other than the cycleway
• The rider of a bicycle must not ride within 2 metres of the rear of a moving motor vehicle continuously for more than 200 metres.

 Special road rules for cyclists

Multi-Lane Roundabouts

• You are allowed to turn right from the left hand lane. When passing each exit, you must give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout from that exit

Transit Lanes

• Transit lanes are used for vehicles containing a certain number of people. These lanes may also be used by buses, taxis, hire cars, motorcycles, bicycles and emergency vehicles, regardless of the number of people in them

Bicycle Lanes

• When a bicycle lane is marked on the road, cyclists must use it. These lanes are for use by bicycles, but cars may use them for not more than 50 metres to enter or leave the road at a driveway or intersection

Bus Lanes

• Bus Lanes are for buses, but can also be used by bicycles, motorcycles, taxis, hire cars and vehicles operated by or under the direction of the Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority)

Bus Only Lanes

• When the words 'Buses Only' appear on a Bus Lane sign, only buses are allowed to drive in these lanes

Side by side

• You are allowed to ride up to two abreast, but not more than 1.5 metres apart

Overtaking

• You are allowed to overtake on the left of stopped and slow moving vehicles

Footpaths

• Children under 12 years of age can ride on a footpath unless a sign indicates to the contrary. An adult who is riding in a supervisory capacity with a cyclist less than 12 years old, may also ride with the young cyclist on the footpath. All ages are allowed to cycle on a shared path where indicated by signage

Shared paths

• Across NSW there are paths that can be used by both pedestrians and bicycle riders. Always travel at a speed that promotes safety for you and the pedestrians you encounter

Pedestrian crossings

• Unless there is a bicycle crossing traffic signal you must dismount from your bike and walk across the pedestrian crossing

10 tips for riding your bicycle safely

Getting around by bicycle can be a great way to have fun and keep fit.

1. Always wear an approved bicycle helmet, properly fitted and fastened to your head.
2. Increase your visibility with bright, light clothing which also keeps you cool while being comfortable. Use reflective clothing especially at night and in poor conditions.
3. Be prepared for bad weather and always protect your eyes. Display a white light at the front of your bike and a red light at the back. Your bike must have a red rear reflector.
4. Always obey the road rules, including traffic lights, Stop signs and Give Way signs. You must use the bike lane where one is available, ride in Transit Lanes and Bus Lanes, but not Bus Only Lanes. Give way to pedestrians and other vehicles when entering a road.
5. Ride in a predictable manner that does not require other road users to react suddenly to your movements.
6. Give hand signals when changing lanes or turning right.
7. Plan your route using quieter streets, bicycle paths or shared paths, wherever possible. When using a shared pedestrian/bicycle path keep to the left and give way to pedestrians.
8. Maintain control of your bike at all times. It is an offence to ride with both hands off the handlebars, feet off the pedals or to carry anything which prevents you from having control.
9. Keep your bicycle in good condition by performing regular maintenance checks that will enhance your cycling experience and the longevity of your bike.
10. Carry out the 3 minute check every time you ride your bike - see below

Bicycle Etiquette

Shared Use Path Cycling Etiquette

• Give way to pedestrians at all times
• Move off the path when stopped
• Be courteous to other path users
• Slow down near children, around playgrounds, shops etc
• Ring your bell to warn others you are approaching
• Give clear hand signals
• Do not distract other riders with loud mobile phone ringtones or speaking on the phone
• Keep left where possible
• Be predictable
• Indicate hazards to other riders

On-Road Cycling Etiquette

• Be courteous to all other road users
• Avoid riding in drivers blind spots, if you cannot see the driver, the driver cannot see you
• Don't hold onto vehicles
• Avoid obstructing traffic where possible, use the road shoulder where practical but avoid riding to close to parked cars to avoid the door
• If riding up hill in a group be considerate of other road user and ride in single file
• Give clear hand signals 
• Be predictable
• You should not use your phone or listen to music while riding on the road
• Indicate hazards to other riders
• Keep left
• Use bicycle Lanes where available

Daily - the 3 minute check

• Tyres should feel very firm to touch. The correct pressure is written on the sidewall of each tyre.
• Check the seat is at the correct height and the seat post is tightly inserted at least 5cm into the frame.
• Brakes should be secure. Brake levers should engage when gripped.
• Gears and brakes operate smoothly and directly.
• Handlebars should not be loose.
• Lift the handlebars, spin the front wheel, apply the brakes and check that the:
• o Wheel is properly secured in the forks.
• o Quick release levers are secure.
• o Wheel rotates freely without rubbing on the brakes.
• o Gears and brakes operate smoothly and directly.
• Lift the seat, turn the pedals, spin the rear wheel, operate the gears and brakes, and apply the above four stage test again.

Weekly

• Brakes should contact the rim squarely. Levers should not touch the handlebar when squeezed hard. Cables should not be frayed or damaged.
• Check wheel axle nuts are tight.
• Clean and lubricate the chain.
• Steering bearings - apply the front brake and rock the bike back and forward. If loose, there will be a 'knocking' sound. Tighten lock nut.
• Check that fittings such as racks, front and rear lights, wheel reflectors and kick stands are firmly secured.
• Clean mud from lights and reflectors, including pedal reflectors. Check that front and rear reflectors are aligned vertically.

Monthly

• Check the tyres for wear or splits in the rubber.
• Check wheel bearings, chain, gear cluster, chain rings and head stem (handlebars).
• Check pedals are intact and spin freely.
• Check that derailleur gears are not bent and that they do not travel too far and jam the chain.
• Check wheels for rust, buckles, bulges, rims with dents, and broken spokes. Check for loose hub bearings by wiggling wheel sideways.
• Make sure your bell is in good working order.
• Check front and rear lights are bright when operating.
• Wipe down your bike with a damp rag.

Annually

• Check the frame.
• Remove handlebar tape to check for rust and weakness.
• When purchasing new tyres, make sure they are the right size.
• When replacing the chain, also change the gear cluster as both generally wear out evenly.