General News
7 March, 2024
Bike safety on the road
TODAY, we publish the first part of a two-part series on road rules for cyclists and motorists and their obligations. The first article deals with obligations for the cyclist and, next week, we will talk about the road rules for motorists who encounter cyclists.
Do road rules apply to cyclists?
It is the question that I get asked a lot and one I am passionate about.
There are a couple of things you need to think about before you get on your bicycle.
Where do you intend to ride?
In Queensland, you can ride your bicycle on the footpath; when you do this, you must abide by the same rules as a pedestrian – looking left and right before crossing a road and giving way to all pedestrians.
When you ride your bike on the road, you must ride with the flow of traffic, and you are bound by the same road rules as motorists, as well as additional road rules specific to cyclists.
Cyclists can be issued on-the-spot traffic fines for riding through a red light, not wearing a helmet, and riding the wrong way along the road, among the most common traffic offences.
Some of the penalties explicitly related to cyclists include:
• Carrying more passengers than a bicycle is designed for
• Failing to give way to pedestrians on a footpath or shared path, and
• Failing to display a light at night or in hazardous weather conditions.
Cyclists who break the below road rules will be given the same fines as motorists:
• Failing to stop at a red traffic light
• Disobeying a “no U-turn” sign at an intersection
• Failing to stop at a “stop” sign at an intersection
• Exceeding the speed limit in a speed zone by less than 13km/h, and
• Cycling whilst under the influence of alcohol or a drug.
Always obey the road rules and remember to check your surroundings and the vehicles around you regularly.
