Cyclist Rights and Responsibilities

Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers and motorcycle riders.

When riding a bicycle, you must:

• Correctly wear an approved helmet, with straps fitting snugly under the chin.
• Obey all road rules.
• Ride on the left side of a road unless signposted otherwise.
• Only ride on a footpath if aged under 16 years (or an adult accompanying a rider under 16 years)
• Use a bicycle lane if one is marked on the road, unless impracticable to do so.
• Always use hand signals when turning or stopping.
• Walk, not ride, across pedestrian crossings.
• Travel no more than 1.5 metres apart if riding two abreast.

All bicycles must:

• Be fitted with an effective brake and a bell, horn or similar warning device.
• If used at night have a steady or flashing white light on the front.
• If used at night have a red reflector and steady or flashing red light at rear.

On shared paths:

• Give way to pedestrians.
• Use your bell to warn others when you are approaching - be aware that older pedestrians and people with hearing impairments may not be able to hear your bell.
• Take care around young children, dogs and older pedestrians, as they are often unpredictable in their movements.
• Travel at a safe speed so you can stop within a safe distance of pedestrians on the path.