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Cycle commuting

A different way to get to work

Commuting to work image When riding to work it is important to remember that bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers and motorcycle riders. When driving, be on the look out for bicycle riders as they are smaller than cars and harder to see.

Bicycle rider safety

You, and any passenger, must wear correctly fitted approved bicycle helmets.
Always obey traffic lights and signs.
You must ride with traffic on the left side of the road.
Give a hand signal if you want to turn. You do not need to signal to stop or hook turn.
Give way to pedestrians and other vehicles when entering a road.
You must not ride in a Bus Only Lane.
Give way to pedestrians crossing the road.
You must not be towed by another vehicle. When visibility is poor, you must display a white light (steady or flashing) on the front of your bicycle and a red light (steady or flashing) to the rear. These must be visible from at least 200 metres. The bike must also have a red reflector visible for at least 50 metres to the rear.
Your bike must be fitted with at least one working brake and a functioning warning device such as a bell or horn.
You must use the bike lane where one is available.
Maintain control of your bicycle at all times. It is an offence to ride with both hands off the handlebars or feet off the pedals or to carry any load which prevents you from having control.
When using a footpath or shared pedestrian/bicycle path, keep to the left and give way to pedestrians.
The bicycle must not carry more people than the bicycle is designed to carry. All passengers must sit on a seat designed for them.
Bicycle riders are not allowed to ride on a pedestrian crossing unless there are bicycle crossing lights.
Allow ample room away from parked cars in case a car door is opened.
Do not ride between parked vehicles.

It is against the law for cyclists to ride on footpaths, unless they are:

Under 12 years of age.
An adult 18 years or older supervising a child under 12 years old.
Under 18 years old and riding with an adult who is supervising for a child under 12 years old.
On a footpath that is for shared use by bicycle riders and pedestrians.
On a designated bicycle path.

Last updated 02.11.2010