cycling & THE LAW
rules introduction for roads The State Government recognises The cycling South Australian as a legitimate Road Traffic form of Act including transport the Australian and an increasingly Road Rules popular define recreational the rules and activity. responsibilities This is a guide of all road to users, the laws including that apply bicycle when riders. cycling The in following South section Australia. outlines The South rules Australian that apply specifically Road Traffic to bicycle Act defines riders and bicycles includes as other vehicles relevant for road use rules. on the road and roadrelated areas, and regulates bicycle Bicycles riders, are classified the as same vehicles as and it does therefore for bicycle drivers riders have the of same motor responsibilities, vehicles and must all obey road the same users. rules, as motor vehicle drivers. Remember: It is essential that all bicycle riders understand and you can be charged with a traffic offence in the same way behave in accordance with the road rules for their own, as a motor vehicle driver. This includes incurring demerit and other road users safety. This guide is not intended points against your driver s licence if you hold one. If you do to be used as a legal document and should be read in not hold a driver s licence you will still incur demerit points conjunction with The Driver s Handbook. which can prohibit you from obtaining a licence in the future Cycling offers a range of personal benefits such as although the law gives you the same rights and improved health and fitness, lower cost travel and often responsibilities as other road users, other road users may in urban areas, shorter trip times. Cycling also reduces not be aware of this the environmental impacts of the transport system. Safer, you greener are more and easily more injured active than transport motor is vehicle good for occupants everyone. and it is therefore safer for you to be highly visible and look The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure out for other road users when riding is committed to improving cycling safety and encouraging more people to cycle instead. 8 cycling & the law
contents YOUR the law BICYCLE does not give anyone 2 indisputable Giving way to right buses of way, nor 15 Definition should of you a bicycle assume that another 2 Bus road lanes user is going to give 16 Brakes way 3 Roundabouts 17 Warning some device people will judge all 3 Riding abreast 18 bicycle riders by your actions. Riding If you at disregard night and the in Passing (overtaking) road rules, you can undermine the hazardous weather 4 vehicles on the left 18 goodwill of other road users. Trailers 4 Children s crossings 19 Bicycle racks on vehicles 6 Bicycle crossing lights 19 BICYCLE Child carrier HELMETS seats 7 Hook turns 20 When riding, you must wear an approved bicycle helmet that is properly RULES adjusted FOR ROADS and securely 8 RULES FOR PATHS 21 fastened. An approved bicycle helmet Bicycle must helmets comply with Australian 9 Footpaths Standard AS/NZ2063 22 which Keeping will to appear the left on the helmet, 9 and Exemption shops must to ride not on sell or footpaths 22 offer Causing bicycle a hazard helmets for sale 10unless they meet this standard. Shared paths 22 This No Bicycles also applies signs to any passenger 10 that you may have on your Separated paths 23 bicycle. Hand signals Evidence indicates 11 that a helmet can help to reduce Bicycle paths 23 the Riding severity and seating of head injuries in the event of a crash. position 11 Parks and private property 23 KEEPING Carrying passengers TO THE LEFT 11 You Riding must without keep hands ALCOHOL AND as close as reasonably practicable to the left on the handlebars 11 OTHER DRUGS 24 side of the road except: Holding onto a IF YOU HAVE moving when vehicle making, or about to 12make, a right turn A CRASH 25 Leading where an the animal road is divided 12into lanes Slip streaming / pacing 12 BICYCLE SECURITY when overtaking. Speed limits 12 AND INSURANCE 27 Bicycle lanes 12 Bicycle storage areas 14 9
rules your bicycle for roads The South Australian Road Traffic Act including and Regulations the Australian including Road the Rules Australian define Road Rules the rules explain and the responsibilities basic minimum of all road requirements users, including of safety bicycle equipment riders. for The following bicycle riders. section This outlines legislation rules can that be apply specifically accessed from to bicycle www.dpti.sa.gov.au riders and includes other relevant road rules. A bicycle is legally classified as a road vehicle. Similarly to a car, Bicycles the bicycle are must classified be suitably as vehicles constructed and therefore and equipped, bicycle riders as well have as properly the same maintained responsibilities, so that it and does must not obey present the any same danger rules, as to the motor rider vehicle or other drivers. road Remember: users. Bicycles must meet mandatory Australian Design Standards before they can be offered for sale you can be charged with a traffic offence in the same way and any modifications completed after the original purchase as a motor vehicle driver. This includes incurring demerit need points to be against consistent your with driver s the licence relevant if Australian you hold one. Design If you do Standards. not hold a driver s licence you will still incur demerit points which can prohibit you from obtaining a licence in the future DEFINITION OF A BICYCLE although the law gives you the same rights and A bicycle is classified in the Australian Road Rules as being any responsibilities as other road users, other road users may two or more wheeled vehicle that is built to be propelled by not be aware of this human power through a belt, chain or gears (whether or not it has you an auxiliary are more motor) easily and injured includes than motor a pedicab, vehicle penny-farthing, occupants tricycle and and it is therefore a Pedalec. safer The for definition you to be does highly not visible include and a look wheelchair, out for other wheeled road recreational users when device riding (such as a kick scooter, skateboard or roller blades etc), wheeled toy, or any vehicle 28 CYCLING cycling & the THE law LAW
with the an law auxiliary does motor not give capable anyone of indisputable generating a right power of way, output nor over should 200W you (whether assume or that not another motor road is operating). user is going There to give are two way types of power-assisted bicycles that are legal to ride in South Australia. Here the bicycle s attached motor may provide some people will judge all bicycle riders by your actions. assistance but the pedals are the main source of propulsion. If you disregard the road rules, you can undermine the One type is a power assisted bicycle with up to 200 watts of goodwill of other road users. power (the power is controlled by a throttle or accelerator). The other type is a power assisted bicycle (or pedal cycle) BICYCLE meeting European HELMETS standard EN 15194 for a Pedalec. These When pedal cycles riding, have you must up to wear 250 an watts approved of continuous bicycle power helmet and that is properly the power adjusted is controlled and securely by the rider fastened. using An the approved pedals. A bicycle helmet Pedalec must must comply have a with clear Australian label certifying Standard that AS/NZ2063 it complies with which EN 15194. will appear on the helmet, and shops must not sell or offer bicycle helmets for sale unless they meet this standard. This BRAKES also applies to any passenger that you may have on your bicycle. Every bicycle Evidence must indicates have least that a one helmet effective can help brake. to As reduce a the minimum, severity the of bicycle head injuries is required in the to event have of an a operational crash. back pedal foot brake or a hand brake fitted to either the front or KEEPING back wheel. TO The THE levers LEFT for hand brakes should be within You easy must reach. keep as close as reasonably practicable to the left side of the road except: WARNING when making, DEVICE or about to make, a right turn Every bicycle must have within easy reach a functioning where the road is divided into lanes warning device, such as a bell or a horn. when overtaking. 39
YOUR BICYCLE rules for roads RIDING AT NIGHT AND IN HAZARDOUS WEATHER Riding when visibility is reduced such as at night or in The South Australian Road Traffic Act hazardous weather conditions (heavy rain), you must have including the Australian Road Rules (either on you or on your bicycle): define the rules and responsibilities of all a flashing or steady white light that is clearly visible at least road 200 users, metres from including the front of bicycle the bicycleriders. The following a flashing or section steady red outlines light that is rules clearly visible that at apply least specifically 200 metres from to the bicycle rear of the riders bicycleand includes other a red relevant rear reflector road that is rules. clearly visible for at least 50 metres from the rear of the bicycle when light is projected Bicycles on to are it by classified a vehicle s as headlight vehicles and on low therefore beam. bicycle riders have the same responsibilities, and must obey the same rules, as TRAILERS motor vehicle drivers. Remember: You may want to use your bicycle to tow a trailer in order to you can be charged with a traffic offence in the same way carry a passenger or goods. When using a bicycle trailer you as a motor vehicle driver. This includes incurring demerit are able to carry a child under the age of 10. The trailer must points against your driver s licence if you hold one. If you do be able to carry the passenger safely and they must wear an approved not hold helmet. a driver s licence you will still incur demerit points which can prohibit you from obtaining a licence in the future There are a number of restrictions for trailers which need to be followed. although the The law attachment gives you device the same (coupling) rights and used to join the trailer responsibilities to your bicycle as must: other road users, other road users may not be aware of this permit adequate left to right movement between bicycle you and are trailer more easily injured than motor vehicle occupants and be robust, it is therefore preventing safer the for bicycle you to and be highly trailer visible from coming and look out apart for other road users when riding 48 CYCLING cycling & the THE law LAW
have a safety connection such as a chain, that: the - will law hold does the not trailer give in anyone the event indisputable that the coupling right of way, nor should comes you apart assume that another road user is going to give way - will not easily or accidentally come apart itself, and some - permits people normal will judge movement all bicycle without riders more by your slack actions. than If you necessary disregard for the that road purpose. rules, you can undermine the You goodwill must not of other tow: road users. a bicycle trailer carrying a person unless you are 16 years BICYCLE old or older HELMETS When riding, you must wear an approved bicycle helmet that is a bicycle trailer with a passenger 10 years or older properly adjusted and securely fastened. An approved bicycle more than one bicycle trailer at a time helmet must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZ2063 which any will equipment appear on or the load helmet, on the and trailer shops exceeding must not 850 sell or offer millimetres bicycle helmets in width. for sale unless they meet this standard. This A trailer also must applies be fitted to any with passenger two reflectors, that you which may must have on be your bicycle. between Evidence 330 millimetres indicates and that 1000 a helmet millimetres can help from to the reduce ground. the They severity must be of fitted head to injuries the rear, in the evenly event spaced of a crash. either side of the trailer and on the same level. KEEPING TO THE LEFT You If travelling must keep between as close sunset as reasonably and sunrise, practicable or in hazardous to the left weather conditions, either one or two red lights must also be side of the road except: fitted to the rear of the trailer. If one light is fitted, it must be placed when at making, the right or hand about side to of make, the centre a right of turn the trailer. If two lights where are fitted, the road they is must divided be into evenly lanes spaced either side of the centre when of overtaking. the trailer at the same level. In either case, the light(s) must be between 330 millimetres and 1000 millimetres from the ground. 59
YOUR BICYCLE rules for roads BICYCLE RACKS ON VEHICLES A bicycle rack attached to a motor vehicle, and any bicycle The South Australian Road Traffic Act on the rack, must not obscure the rear number plate of the including the Australian Road Rules vehicle. define the rules and responsibilities of all When attaching a bicycle rack to the rear of a vehicle, you can road users, including bicycle riders. The either: following section outlines rules that apply display a bicycle rack number plate on the rack, or specifically to bicycle riders and includes take the rear number plate off the motor vehicle and attach other relevant road rules. it to the bicycle rack. Bicycles You must are not classified display a as standard vehicles number and therefore plate on bicycle both the riders rear have of a motor the same vehicle responsibilities, and a bicycle and rack must or obey display the same homemade rules, as number motor plates. vehicle drivers. Remember: Bicycle you can rack be number charged plates with have a traffic the offence same registration in the same number way as your as a motor vehicle and driver. cannot This includes be used incurring on any other demerit vehicle. Between points sunset against and your sunrise driver s or licence during if periods you hold of one. poor If visibility, you do the not number hold a plate driver s on the licence rack you must will be still illuminated incur demerit with a points white light, which making can the prohibit number you clearly from obtaining visible from a licence a distance in the of future 20 metres. although This the light law gives must you not project the same light rights to the and rear of the vehicle, responsibilities other than as reflected other road light. users, other road users may When not carrying be aware bicycles of this on your rack, you must attached an additional you are brake more light easily if the injured brake than lights motor on vehicle the motor occupants vehicle are and not visible it therefore from a safer distance for you of 200 to be metres highly (under visible normal and look weather out for conditions). other road users when riding 68 CYCLING cycling & the THE law LAW
Bicycle rack number plates can be purchased at your nearest Service the law SA does Centre not or give online anyone at www.ezyplates.sa.gov.au indisputable right of way, nor should you assume that another road user is going to give way some people will judge all bicycle riders by your actions. If you disregard the road rules, you can undermine the goodwill of other road users. 9.8cm BICYCLE HELMETS When riding, you must wear 25.2cm an approved bicycle helmet that is properly adjusted and securely fastened. An approved bicycle Bicycle rack number plate helmet must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZ2063 which will appear on the helmet, and shops must not sell or offer CHILD bicycle CARRIER helmets SEATS for sale unless they meet this standard. This When also carrying applies children to any in passenger bicycle carrier that you seats, may they have must on your wear bicycle. approved Evidence bicycle helmets indicates and that be a helmet safely restrained. can help to The reduce carrier the seat severity or trailer of must head be injuries a sufficient in the distance event of a from crash. the bicycle wheels to ensure the child can not put fingers, toes or toys into KEEPING the moving TO bicycle THE wheel. LEFT You must keep as close as reasonably practicable to the left side of the road except: when making, or about to make, a right turn where the road is divided into lanes when overtaking. 79
rules for roads The South Australian Road Traffic Act including the Australian Road Rules define the rules and responsibilities of all road users, including bicycle riders. The following section outlines rules that apply specifically to bicycle riders and includes other relevant road rules. Bicycles are classified as vehicles and therefore bicycle riders have the same responsibilities, and must obey the same rules, as motor vehicle drivers. Remember: you You can be charged with a traffic offence in the same way as a motor vehicle driver. This includes incurring demerit points against your driver s licence if you hold one. If you do not hold a driver s licence you will still incur demerit points which can prohibit you from obtaining a licence in the future. although Although the law gives you the same rights and responsibilities as other road users, other road users may not be aware of this. you You are more easily injured than motor vehicle occupants and it is therefore safer for you to be highly visible and look out for other road users when riding. 8 CYCLING cycling & the THE law LAW
the The law does not give anyone indisputable right of way, nor should nor should you you assume assume that that another another road road user user is going is going to give to way give way. some Some people will judge all bicycle riders by your actions. If you disregard the road rules, you can undermine the goodwill of other road users. BICYCLE HELMETS When riding, you must wear an approved bicycle helmet that is properly adjusted and securely fastened. An approved bicycle helmet must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZ2063 which will appear on the helmet, and shops must not sell or offer bicycle helmets for sale unless they meet this standard. This also applies to any passenger that you may have on your bicycle. Evidence indicates that a helmet can help to reduce the severity of head injuries in the event of a crash. KEEPING TO THE LEFT KEEPING You must keep TO THE as close LEFT as reasonably practicable to the left You side must of the keep road as except: close as reasonably practicable to the left side when of the making, road except: or about to make, a right turn when where making, the road or is about divided to into make, lanes a right turn where when overtaking. the road is divided into lanes when overtaking. 9
RULES FOR ROADS rules for roads In deciding how close to the left side of the road or path is reasonably practicable, you should take into account factors The South Australian Road Traffic Act such as obstacles in your path, lighting conditions at the time, including the Australian Road Rules and the quality of the riding surface. define the rules and responsibilities of all A driver must provide a minimum of 1 metre of space when road users, including bicycle riders. The passing a cyclist on roads 60 km/h and under and 1.5 metres following on roads over section 60 km/h. Motor outlines vehicles rules are allowed that to apply cross specifically centre dividing lines to and bicycle straddle riders lanes in order and to includes safely pass other cyclists at relevant the minimum road distance rules. only if the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic and it is safe to do so. Bicycles are classified as vehicles and therefore bicycle riders have CAUSING the same A HAZARD responsibilities, and must obey the same rules, as You motor must vehicle not cause drivers. a traffic Remember: hazard (cause danger to yourself or others) you can by be riding charged into the with path a traffic of a offence driver or in pedestrian. the same way For as example, a motor if vehicle you move driver. out This to pass includes a parked incurring car or demerit avoid an obstacle points without against checking your driver s behind licence for other if you road hold vehicles, one. If you you do can not cause hold danger a driver s to yourself licence you or others. will still You incur should demerit only points move out which to pass can a parked prohibit car you or from avoid obtaining an obstacle a licence when in it the is safe future to do so. although the law gives you the same rights and responsibilities as other road users, other road users may NO not BICYCLES be aware of SIGNS this You must not ride on a length of road or you are more easily injured than motor vehicle occupants path to which a Road Access sign or a and it is therefore safer for you to be highly visible and look No Bicycles sign applies (see diagrams). out for other road users when riding These signs also apply to all riders Road Access sign 10 8 cycling CYCLING && the THE law LAW
including those under No Bicycles 12 years the law old does and not riders give with anyone a sign indisputable right of way, nor disability should (see you Footpaths, assume that p. another 22). road user is going to give way some people will judge all bicycle riders by your actions. HAND SIGNALS If you disregard the road rules, you can undermine the You must give a hand signal when preparing to turn right, goodwill of other road users. diverge right or when changing lanes to the right. However, when undertaking a hook turn, you do not need to give a hand BICYCLE signal (see Hook HELMETS turns, p. 20). When riding, you must wear an approved bicycle helmet that is properly RIDING adjusted AND SEATING and securely POSITION fastened. An approved bicycle helmet When riding, must comply you must with face Australian forward Standard be in AS/NZ2063 a seat designed which for travelling will appear on a bicycle. on the helmet, You must and not shops ride must the bicycle not sell seated or offer in any bicycle other position, helmets for e.g. sale on unless the handlebars they meet or this the standard. crossbar. This also applies to any passenger that you may have on your bicycle. CARRYING Evidence PASSENGERS indicates that a helmet can help to reduce the You severity must not of carry head more injuries passengers in the event than of a the crash. bicycle is designed or equipped to carry. Most bicycles are designed to KEEPING carry only the TO rider, THE however LEFT there are exceptions including You child must carrier keep seats, as close tandems as reasonably and bicycle practicable trailers. Extra to the persons left side are not of the to be road carried except: unless they are in a seat designed for a passenger. when making, or about to make, a right turn where the road is divided into lanes RIDING WITHOUT HANDS ON THE HANDLEBARS when overtaking. You must always have at least one hand on the handlebars and have proper control of the bicycle. 119
RULES FOR ROADS rules for roads HOLDING ONTO A MOVING VEHICLE You must not be towed or hold on to a moving vehicle, The South Australian Road Traffic Act including another bicycle rider. including the Australian Road Rules define LEADING the AN ANIMAL rules and responsibilities of all road You must users, not lead including (on a leash or bicycle any other leading riders. device) The an following animal from a vehicle, section including outlines a bicycle. rules that apply specifically to bicycle riders and includes SLIP STREAMING OR PACING other You must relevant not ride within road two rules. metres of the back of a moving motor vehicle for more than 200 metres. Bicycles are classified as vehicles and therefore bicycle riders have SPEED the LIMITS same responsibilities, and must obey the same rules, as Bicycle motor riders vehicle must drivers. obey Remember: the same speed limits as drivers of motor you vehicles. can be charged with a traffic offence in the same way as a motor vehicle driver. This includes incurring demerit BICYCLE points against LANESyour driver s licence if you hold one. If you do Bicycle not hold lanes a are driver s for the licence exclusive you will use still of bicycle incur demerit riders. points These lanes which are indicated can prohibit by you bicycle from lane obtaining signs or a by licence road in markings the future comprising both a white bicycle symbol and the word lane although the law gives you the same rights and painted in white. The lanes operate during the times indicated. responsibilities as other road users, other road users may If no times are stated, they operate at all times (see diagrams on the not opposite be aware page). of this you are more easily injured than motor vehicle occupants Green bicycle lanes are installed at intersections where there is a and higher it is potential therefore for safer conflict for you between to be highly motor visible vehicles and and look bicycles. out for They other clearly road users highlight when the riding boundaries of a bicycle lane. 12 8 cycling CYCLING && the THE law LAW
If you are riding on a road with a bicycle lane, you must, if practicable, the law does ride in not the give bicycle anyone lane. indisputable You may move right of out way, of the nor bicycle lane to avoid debris, potholes, or to safely overtake should you assume that another road user is going to give another bicycle rider. You must only ride in the correct direction way in the bicycle lane. some people will judge all bicycle riders by your actions. During the bicycle lane operating times, you must not ride If you disregard the road rules, you can undermine the outside a bicycle lane abreast of another rider unless you are goodwill of other road users. overtaking. Other road users are permitted to use a bicycle lane only when: BICYCLE HELMETS When the riding, bicycle you lane must is not wear in operation an approved bicycle helmet that is properly stopping adjusted in an and emergency securely fastened. An approved bicycle helmet entering must or comply leaving with the Australian road from Standard private property, AS/NZ2063 a parking which area, will including appear on a parking the helmet, lane, and or another shops must road not (and sell then or offer only bicycle for up helmets to 50 metres) for sale unless they meet this standard. This overtaking also applies a vehicle to any turning passenger right that or making you may a U-turn have on (and your bicycle. then Evidence only for up indicates to 50 metres) that a helmet can help to reduce the severity of head injuries in the event of a crash. avoiding an obstruction (and then only for up to 50 metres) KEEPING driving a TO bus THE or taxi LEFT picking up or dropping off passengers You (and must then keep only as for close up as to 50 reasonably metres). practicable to the left side of the road except: Bicycle Lane Bicycle Lane when making, operates or at about all to make, a right turn operates at times sign times stated LANE where the road is divided into lanes LANE sign when overtaking. 7-9 30 AM MON - FRI 139
RULES FOR ROADS rules for roads BICYCLE STORAGE AREAS (BIKE BOXES) A bicycle storage area, or bike box, is a safety feature at an The South Australian Road Traffic Act intersection to allow bicycle riders to be more visible to drivers. including the Australian Road Rules It is represented on the road with a white bicycle symbol, and define the area may the be rules painted and green. responsibilities of all road users, including bicycle riders. The following section outlines rules that apply specifically to bicycle riders and includes other relevant road rules. Bicycles are classified as vehicles and therefore bicycle riders have the same responsibilities, and must obey the same rules, as motor vehicle drivers. Remember: you can be charged with a traffic offence in the same way as a motor vehicle driver. This includes incurring demerit points against your driver s licence if you hold one. If you do not hold a driver s licence you will still incur demerit points which can prohibit you from obtaining a licence in the future although the law gives you the same rights and responsibilities as other road users, other road users may not be aware of this you are more easily injured than motor vehicle occupants and it is therefore safer for you to be highly visible and look out for other road users when riding 14 8 cycling CYCLING && the THE law LAW
Using a bicycle storage area: the at a law red does traffic not signal, give bicycle anyone riders indisputable wanting right to turn of way, left nor should go straight you must assume keep that to another left of road the user bike is box. going to give way bicycle riders wanting to turn right must keep to the right some of the people bike box. will judge all bicycle riders by your actions. If you disregard the road rules, you can undermine the When entering a bicycle storage area, a bicycle rider must goodwill of other road users. give way: to any vehicle that is in the area BICYCLE HELMETS When if the riding, area you is before must any wear green an approved or yellow bicycle traffic lights, helmet any that is properly vehicle adjusted that is entering and securely or about fastened. to enter An the approved area, unless bicycle the helmet motor must vehicle comply is turning with Australian in a direction Standard that is AS/NZ2063 subject to a red which traffic will arrow appear on the helmet, and shops must not sell or offer if the bicycle area helmets forms part for sale of a unless lane to they which meet traffic this arrows standard. apply, This any also vehicle applies that to is any entering passenger or about that to you enter may the have area on at your a bicycle. time Evidence when those indicates arrows that are green a helmet or yellow. can help to reduce the severity of head injuries in the event of a crash. KEEPING GIVING WAY TO TO THE BUSES LEFT You All vehicles must keep in the as left close lane as (including reasonably a practicable to the left side bicycle of the lane) road must except: give way to any bus displaying when making, a Give Way or about to Buses to make, sign a right turn and is indicating its intention to rejoin where the road is divided into lanes the traffic flow. when overtaking. Give Way to Buses sign 159
RULES FOR ROADS rules for roads BUS LANES You are permitted to ride in bus lanes; however you should not The South Australian Road Traffic Act obstruct a bus using the lane and ride as close as reasonably including the Australian Road Rules practicable to the left side. define the rules and responsibilities of all road users, Bus Lane including bicycle Bus riders. Lane The operates at all operates at stated following times section sign outlines rules times that sign apply LANE LANE specifically to bicycle riders and includes other relevant road rules. 7-9 30 AM MON - FRI Bicycles are classified as vehicles and therefore bicycle riders You are not permitted to ride in a Bus Only Lane. These lanes have the same responsibilities, and must obey the same rules, are usually coloured red and in South Australia most have a as motor vehicle drivers. Remember: bicycle lane adjacent for bicycle riders to ride in. you can be charged with a traffic offence in the same way When as a there motor is a vehicle separate driver. signal This for includes buses incurring demerit (a white points B against light) at your an intersection, driver s licence you if you must hold one. If you do allow not the hold bus a to driver s proceed licence on that you signal. will still It incur demerit points ONLY is illegal which for can any prohibit other vehicle, you from including obtaining a a licence in the future Bus Only bicycle, to proceed on the white B signal. although the law gives you the same rights and Lane sign responsibilities as other road users, other road users may not be aware of this you are more easily injured than motor vehicle occupants and it is therefore safer for you to be highly visible and look out for other road users when riding 16 8 cycling CYCLING && the THE law LAW
ROUNDABOUTS Like the all law motorists does not entering give anyone a roundabout, indisputable bicycle right riders of way, must nor give should way to you vehicles assume already that another on the roundabout road user is and going should to give look out for vehicles approaching the roundabout from the right.you way may turn right from either lane of a multi-lane roundabout. If you some are riding people in the will left judge lane, all you bicycle must riders give by way your to any actions. vehicle leaving If you the disregard roundabout. the road rules, you can undermine the goodwill of other road users. BICYCLE HELMETS When riding, you must wear an approved bicycle helmet that is properly adjusted and securely fastened. An approved bicycle helmet must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZ2063 which will appear on the helmet, and shops must not sell or offer bicycle helmets for sale unless they meet this standard. This also applies to any passenger that you may have on your bicycle. Evidence indicates that a helmet can help to reduce the severity of head injuries in the event of a crash. KEEPING TO THE LEFT You must keep as close as reasonably practicable to the left side of the road except: when making, or about to make, a right turn where the road is divided into lanes when overtaking. Bicycle rider giving way to vehicles leaving the roundabout 179
RULES FOR ROADS rules for roads RIDING ABREAST You may ride beside another bicycle rider on a road but must The South Australian Road Traffic Act not ride more than 1.5 metres apart. Three or more bicycle including the Australian Road Rules riders must not ride beside each other, although you are define permitted the to overtake rules other and bicycle responsibilities riders that are riding of beside all road each other. users, You must including not ride outside bicycle a bicycle riders. lane abreast The of following another rider in section a bicycle lane outlines unless you rules are overtaking that apply (see specifically Bicycle Lanes, p. to 12-13). bicycle riders and includes other relevant road rules. PASSING (OVERTAKING) VEHICLES ON THE LEFT Whether you are riding in a marked bicycle lane or sharing a Bicycles are classified as vehicles and therefore bicycle riders lane with a vehicle, a bicycle rider must not pass or overtake have the same responsibilities, and must obey the same rules, on the left of any vehicle that is giving a left change of direction as motor vehicle drivers. Remember: signal and is turning left. A bicycle rider may pass or overtake you can be charged with a traffic offence in the same way a vehicle on the left when the vehicle is giving a left change of as a motor vehicle driver. This includes incurring demerit direction signal and is stationary or moving forward to turn left. points against your driver s licence if you hold one. If you do Once the vehicle begins turning left the rider must not ride past not hold a driver s licence you will still incur demerit points or overtake the vehicle on the left. which can prohibit you from obtaining a licence in the future A driver although turning the left law through gives you a break the same in a dividing rights and strip must give responsibilities way to any cyclist as other travelling road in users, the bicycle other road lane. users A dividing may strip not is a be painted aware of area thisor a raised structure, located between intersections, you are more separating easily injured the bicycle than motor lane from vehicle a marked occupants lane. Drivers and must it is therefore not overtake safer a for cyclist you to and be then highly turn visible left in and front look of the out cyclist s for other path road without users when due care riding and consideration to the movement and safety of the cyclist. 18 8 cycling CYCLING && the THE law LAW
PEDESTRIAN AND CHILDREN S CROSSINGS There the are law special does not rules give that anyone apply indisputable at children s right crossings of way, nor (i.e. should crossings you with assume red and that white another posts road and user orange is going flags to or give flashing way lights). All road users (including bicycle riders) must give way to pedestrians on children s crossings. You must not some people will judge all bicycle riders by your actions. overtake another vehicle that has stopped at a crossing to give If you disregard the road rules, you can undermine the way to pedestrians, either to the right or left of that vehicle. goodwill of other road users. You must remain stationary if any pedestrian is on or entering the crossing. BICYCLE HELMETS You must not ride across a pedestrian crossing to cross the When riding, you must wear an approved bicycle helmet that is road from one side to the other. You must walk with your properly adjusted and securely fastened. An approved bicycle bicycle across the road. This rule does not apply to those helmet must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZ2063 bicycle riders who have an exemption to ride across pedestrian which will appear on the helmet, and shops must not sell or crossings, provided they carry a letter issued by their doctor offer bicycle helmets for sale unless they meet this standard. (see Exemption to Ride Across Pedestrian Crossings, p. 22). This also applies to any passenger that you may have on your bicycle. Evidence indicates that a helmet can help to reduce BICYCLE CROSSING LIGHTS the severity of head injuries in the event of a crash. Bicycle crossings have been installed to KEEPING assist bicycle TO riders THE to LEFT cross busy roads You the must same keep way as in close which as pedestrian reasonably lights practicable to the left side assist of pedestrians. the road except: If you are approaching or at bicycle crossing lights, you must obey the when making, or about to make, a right turn lights and only proceed when the traffic or bicycle where light the is road green. is divided Unlike a into pedestrian lanes or children s when overtaking. crossing, you can ride across a bicycle crossing. 19
RULES FOR ROADS rules for roads HOOK TURNS When turning right at an intersection, you have the option of The South Australian Road Traffic Act making a hook turn (from the left lane), rather than making a including the Australian Road Rules normal right turn. A hook turn may be more convenient on define some roads, the such rules as those and with responsibilities heavy traffic. When making of all road a hook users, turn, you must including obey all traffic bicycle laws such riders. as only The following proceeding on section a green light outlines and giving rules way to other that traffic. apply specifically When making a hook to bicycle turn you must riders complete and the includes following other steps (see relevant diagram below): road rules. 1. Approach and enter the intersection from the left side. Bicycles are classified as vehicles and therefore bicycle riders 2. Move forward and wait on the opposite left corner. have the same responsibilities, and must obey the same rules, as 3. motor Then proceed vehicle drivers. onto the Remember: road to which the right turn was to be made. you can be charged with a traffic offence in the same way as a motor vehicle driver. This includes incurring demerit! points against your driver s licence if you hold one. If you do not hold a driver s licence you will still incur demerit points which can prohibit you from obtaining a licence in the future although the 2law gives you the 3same rights and responsibilities as other road users, other road users may not be aware of this you are more easily injured than motor vehicle occupants and it is therefore 1 safer for you to be highly visible and look out for other road users when riding How to make a hook turn 20 8 cycling CYCLING && the THE law LAW
rules for paths This the law section does not explains give anyone the indisputable different right types of way, nor of off-road should you paths assume available that another road to bicycle user is going riders to give way and some associated rules bicycle riders must some follow people will when judge using all bicycle them. riders by your actions. If you disregard the road rules, you can undermine the When goodwill riding of on other any path road you users. must: exercise due care and consideration for pedestrians and BICYCLE other users HELMETS When give riding, warning you to must pedestrians wear an or approved other path bicycle users helmet by sounding that is properly your bell adjusted or horn and or securely by other fastened. means, if An necessary approved for bicycle the helmet purpose must of comply averting with danger Australian Standard AS/NZ2063 which will appear on the helmet, and shops must not sell or keep to the left of any oncoming bicycle rider offer bicycle helmets for sale unless they meet this standard. This wear also an applies approved to any bicycle passenger helmet that that you is properly may have secured on your bicycle. and fastened. Evidence indicates that a helmet can help to reduce the Specifically severity when of head using injuries footpaths in the event or shared of a paths crash. you must: keep to the left of the path unless it is impracticable to do so KEEPING TO THE LEFT You give must way keep to any as close pedestrians. as reasonably practicable to the left side of the road except: when making, or about to make, a right turn where the road is divided into lanes when overtaking. 219
RULES FOR PATHS rules for roads FOOTPATHS Cyclists of all ages are permitted to ride on the footpath unless The South Australian Road Traffic Act a no bicycles sign is present (see No Bicycles signs, p. 11). including the Australian Road Rules define EXEMPTION the TO rules RIDE and ACROSS responsibilities PEDESTRIAN of all road CROSSINGS users, including bicycle riders. The following If you have a disability section or medical outlines condition, rules you that may be apply specifically permitted to ride your to bicycle across riders pedestrian and crossings includes if you obtain a letter from your doctor. You must be named in other relevant road rules. the letter and it would need to say that you are permitted to ride across pedestrian crossings due to your disability or other Bicycles are classified as vehicles and therefore bicycle riders medical condition. The letter must be carried whilst riding and it have the same responsibilities, and must obey the same rules, can be valid indefinitely or for a period specified by your doctor. as motor vehicle drivers. Remember: SHARED you can PATHS be charged with a traffic offence in the same way There as a are motor an increasing vehicle driver. number This of includes paths that incurring demerit can points be used against by bicycle your driver s riders. In licence most if cases, you hold one. If you do these not are hold shared a driver s paths licence with pedestrians. you will still incur demerit points These which paths can are prohibit identified you by from signs. obtaining a licence in the future although the law gives you the same rights and responsibilities as other road users, other road users may not be aware of this Shared path sign you are more easily injured than motor vehicle occupants and it is therefore safer for you to be highly visible and look out for other road users when riding 22 8 cycling CYCLING && the THE law LAW
SEPARATED PATHS A separated the law does path not is divided give anyone into sections, indisputable right of way, nor one should of which you is assume designated that for another road user is going to give exclusive way use of bicycle riders and the other for pedestrians. These paths are some people will judge all bicycle riders by ONLY your actions. ONLY identified by signs and path markings If you disregard the road rules, you can undermine the and you must not ride along the part goodwill of other road users. Separated path sign of the path designated for pedestrians. BICYCLE HELMETS PATHS When A bicycle riding, path you is for must the wear exclusive an approved use of bicycle helmet that is properly bicycle riders adjusted and and is identified securely by fastened. signs and An approved bicycle helmet path markings. must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZ2063 which will appear on the helmet, and shops must not sell or ONLY offer PARKS bicycle AND helmets PRIVATE for sale PROPERTY unless they meet this standard. This Some also parks applies do not to any allow passenger bicycle riding that you may have on your Bicycle path sign bicycle. within their Evidence grounds. indicates If you are that unsure a helmet can help to reduce the about severity bicycle of access, head injuries you should in the event contact of a crash. the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, KEEPING TO THE LEFT or the appropriate local council or land owner for advice. You must keep as close as reasonably practicable to the left side of the road except: when making, or about to make, a right turn where the road is divided into lanes when overtaking. 239
rules alcohol for & roads other drugs The South Australian Road Traffic Act including the Australian Road Rules define It is both the dangerous rules and and responsibilities against the of law all to road ride a users, bicycle including or any other bicycle vehicle, riders. under The following the influence section of alcohol outlines or rules drugs. that This apply is a specifically criminal offence, to bicycle and upon riders conviction and includes you other will be relevant fined and road will rules. consequently have a criminal record. You may also lose up to six Bicycles are classified as vehicles and therefore bicycle riders demerit points from your driver s licence have the same responsibilities, and must obey the same rules, or learner s permit, and potentially lose as motor vehicle drivers. Remember: your licence. If you do not hold a driver s you can be charged with a traffic offence in the same way licence as a motor you vehicle will driver. still This incur includes demerit incurring points demerit which points can against prohibit your driver s you licence from if you obtaining hold one. If you a do licence not hold in a driver s the future. licence you will still incur demerit points which can prohibit you from obtaining a licence in the future You can be fined or convicted for driving under the influence although the law gives you the same rights and regardless of whether you are over or under the 0.05 blood responsibilities as other road users, other road users may alcohol concentration level. This is particularly the case if you not be aware of this are so affected by any amount of alcohol or a drug that you are incapable you are of more exercising easily injured effective than control motor of vehicle your bicycle. occupants and it is therefore safer for you to be highly visible and look out for other road users when riding 24 8 cycling CYCLING && the THE law LAW
if you have a crash If you the law are does involved not give anyone in a indisputable crash, you right must of way, nor take should the you following assume that actions: another road user is going to give way some stop straight people away will judge and assist all bicycle any riders injured by people your actions. If give you your disregard name and the road address rules, and you any can other undermine information the goodwill necessary of to other identify road the users. bicycle you were riding. If the bicycle is not yours you must provide the name and address BICYCLE of the bicycle HELMETS owner to: When - any riding, other you driver must / rider wear in an the approved crash bicycle helmet that is properly - any adjusted injured person and securely fastened. An approved bicycle helmet - the must owner comply of any with damaged Australian property Standard AS/NZ2063 which will appear on the helmet, and shops must not sell or - any representative of these people offer bicycle helmets for sale unless they meet this standard. - any attending police officer. This also applies to any passenger that you may have on your bicycle. You must Evidence report indicates the crash that to a Police helmet if can one help or more to reduce of the the following severity apply: of head injuries in the event of a crash. any person is killed or injured KEEPING TO THE LEFT for any reason, you do not give the required particulars to You must keep as close as reasonably practicable to the left other people side of the road except: another driver s or rider s particulars are not given to you when making, or about to make, a right turn a fair estimate of the value of the total damage is more than where the road is divided into lanes $3000 (not required if the only property damage is yours when alone) overtaking. 259
IF YOU HAVE A CRASH rules for roads a vehicle involved in the crash is towed or carried away by another vehicle. The South Australian Road Traffic Act including When a person the is killed Australian or injured, reports Road to Rules the Police must be made as soon as possible. In exceptional circumstances it is define the rules and responsibilities of all advisable to notify the police within 90 minutes. road users, including bicycle riders. The following It is also advisable section that you outlines record all the rules details that of the apply crash, including: specifically to bicycle riders and includes registration number, if a motor vehicle other relevant road rules. the name and address of the other driver / rider Bicycles the name are classified of the owner as vehicles of the vehicle and therefore (if person bicycle driving riders is have not the the same owner) responsibilities, and must obey the same rules, as motor make, vehicle model and drivers. colour Remember: of the vehicle / bicycle you all details can be of charged the crash, with including a traffic names offence and in the addresses same way of as any a witnesses, motor vehicle description driver. This of the includes damage, incurring road surface demerit points and weather against conditions, your driver s positions licence and if you directions hold one. of If vehicles you do not before hold and a driver s after the licence collision you will still incur demerit points which can prohibit you from obtaining a licence in the future If you are able, take a photo of the scene. although the law gives you the same rights and For responsibilities further clarification, as other you road should users, contact other a road solicitor, users the may Legal Services not be Commission aware of thisor a community legal centre. you are more easily injured than motor vehicle occupants and it is therefore safer for you to be highly visible and look out for other road users when riding 26 8 cycling CYCLING && the THE law LAW
bicycle security & insurance the law does not give anyone indisputable right of way, nor should you assume that another road user is going to give way If you are leaving your bicycle in a public some people will judge all bicycle riders by your actions. area, try to leave it in a place that is If you disregard the road rules, you can undermine the easily visible, well lit, and where there will goodwill of other road users. be people passing by. Always lock your bicycle to an immovable object with a good BICYCLE HELMETS When quality riding, lock, you must even wear at an home approved or bicycle when helmet you that are is properly leaving adjusted it for and only securely a short fastened. time. An approved bicycle helmet must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZ2063 which Few stolen will appear bicycles on that the are helmet, found and are shops returned must to not their sell owners, or offer mainly bicycle because helmets owners for are sale unable unless to they give meet a description this standard. of This the bicycle. also applies Keep to a description any passenger of your that bicycle you may to have increase on your bicycle. your chances Evidence of getting indicates your that bicycle a helmet back can if it help is found. to reduce Take the a photograph severity of of head your injuries bicycle in and the keep event a of record a crash. of all relevant details such as the bicycle type, brand name, colour, size and KEEPING serial number. TO You THE could LEFT identify your bike by engraving your You (or a must family keep member s as close or as a friend s) reasonably drivers practicable licence number to the left for side easy of identification. the road except: Some when household making, insurance or about to polices make, now a right have turn public and personal where liability the road insurance is divided which into will lanes cover you and your bicycle if it is stolen or if you injure someone else or damage when overtaking. someone else s property. If you are in doubt you should refer 279
BICYCLE SECURITY & INSURANCE rules for roads to your insurance policy or contact your insurance company. If you do not have any insurance you should take out separate The South Australian Road Traffic Act public liability insurance against causing personal injury to including the Australian Road Rules another person to avoid any damages claim. A number of define cycling organisations the rules provide and some responsibilities form of public liability of all road insurance users, and personal including accident bicycle insurance. riders. Contact your The local following bicycle club or section association outlines to find more rules information. that apply specifically to bicycle riders and includes other relevant road rules. Bicycles are classified as vehicles and therefore bicycle riders have the same responsibilities, and must obey the same rules, as motor vehicle drivers. Remember: you can be charged with a traffic offence in the same way as a motor vehicle driver. This includes incurring demerit points against your driver s licence if you hold one. If you do not hold a driver s licence you will still incur demerit points which can prohibit you from obtaining a licence in the future although the law gives you the same rights and DISCLAIMER: responsibilities Copyright as other in Cycling road users, and the other Law road booklet users is owned may by the not Government be aware of this South Australia. Whilst every effort has been taken in the you preparation are more of easily this booklet, injured the than Government motor vehicle of South occupants Australia, its agents, instrumentalities, officers and employees accept no liability for and it is therefore safer for you to be highly visible and look any errors or omissions or reliance placed on the information provided. The out information for other is subject road users to change when without riding notice. Published by the Government of South Australia. Effective 25 October 2015. 28 8 cycling CYCLING && the THE law LAW
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON: Cycling the law & does the not Law give anyone indisputable right of way, nor Road should Traffic you assume Act and that Regulations another road user is going to give Australian way Road Rules Bicycle some people rack number will judge plates all bicycle riders by your actions. The If you Driver s disregard Handbook the road rules, you can undermine the Bicycle goodwill routes of other - Adelaide s road users. Bikedirect network General cycling information BICYCLE Cycle Instead HELMETS Journey Planner When Cycle riding, Instead: you must A guide wear for an new approved and rusty bicycle ridershelmet that is properly Cycling adjusted and Walking and securely maps fastened. An approved bicycle helmet must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZ2063 which Websites: will appear www.dpti.sa.gov.au/cycling on the helmet, and shops must not sell or offer bicycle www.mylicence.sa.gov.au helmets for sale unless they meet this standard. This Phone: also 13 applies 10 84 to (Service any passenger SA) that you may have on your bicycle. Monday Evidence to Friday, indicates 9am - 5pm that a helmet can help to reduce the Email: severity DPTI.enquiriesadministrator@sa.gov.au of head injuries in the event of a crash. KEEPING TO REPORT TO ROAD THE LEFT HAZARDS IN You METROPOLITAN must keep as close ADELAIDE as reasonably practicable to the left side Department of the road of except: Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Free when Call: making, 1800 018 or 313 about to make, a right turn TO where REPORT the road DANGEROUS is divided into DRIVING: lanes South when Australian overtaking. Police Traffic Watch Phone: 13 14 44 29
MR 1522 10/15