Safety tips for cyclists
Footpaths
In Queensland, it is legal for a cyclist to ride upon the footpath except for where a Bicycle Prohibition sign is posted. Cyclists are, however, required by law to give way to pedestrians on the footpath.
Keep left
The traffic rules on bikeways are similar to those on roads. All cyclists and pedestrians must keep to the left and pass on the right to avoid accidents.
Wear a helmet
Bicycle helmets save lives. Helmets aren’t just for road riding. Serious injuries occur on off road cycle paths. Cyclists face a $75 penalty for not wearing a securely fastened Australian Standards approved helmet.
Obey traffic laws
Like roads, bikeways are regulated by the Traffic Act. This means that Police Officers have the power to ticket or arrest cyclists who fail to obey road rules.
Be visible
It is illegal to ride your bike at night without lights. Make sure your bike is also fitted with reflectors and wear bright coloured clothing to ensure that you can be seen by others.
Give signals
Be sure to signal your actions well in advance. Signals are required when turning left or right, or if you are stopping. Use your bell to warn people that you are near them, especially when passing.
Give way
Cyclists must give way to pedestrians at all times, except where the ‘Bicycle Only’ sign is displayed on a bikeway.
Avoid collisions
Keep your speed down so that you can react quickly to sudden emergencies such as young children running out in front of you.
Ride safe
Never ride more than two abreast unless overtaking and then only ride this way if it is safe to do so. Keep both hands on the handle bars at all times, except when signalling turns and stopping. Watch out for cars pulling away from the side of the road or opening their doors.
Other tips
Always watch what other vehicles are doing and do not assume they have seen you. Be sure to make eye contact.
Do not ride with headphones as they distract your concentration and prevent you from hearing other vehicles and road users.
Having a rear vision mirror is a good idea to constantly monitor what is behind you and give you time to react.
Be assertive of your rights as a cyclist and take the right of way unless the other vehicle does not appear to have seen you or there is risk of collision.
Avoid situations you are not comfortable in by using quieter roads and pathways. If you are not confident at intersections, get off your bike and walk across as a pedestrian.
Watch out for people in parked cars opening their car doors. Stay alert.
Watch out for vehicles overtaking and then turning left in front of you, especially at roundabouts. Some motorists don’t realise how quickly cyclists can catch them when their vehicle slows to turn.
Where it is too narrow for a vehicle to pass you safely, check for vehicles coming from behind, signal and take up the whole lane. When the situation is safe, move to the left again and allow vehicles to pass.
Roundabouts are often safer if you take up a whole lane, thereby preventing vehicles from turning left in front of you or squeezing you into the kerb. In this situation, use your judgement and consider other road users.
Be considerate of other road users and try not to hold up traffic unless necessary for your own safety. Cycling side by side up hills or in narrow passageways whilst holding up traffic does not help the image of cyclists. Where safe to do so, cycle in a single file and allow traffic to get past you.
