How to share roads and paths

Any person on a bike must:

• wear an approved, property fitted and securely fastened helmet at all times
• have at least one effective brake and a warning device such as a bell or horn
• have a front white light and red rear light, both visible for at least 200m, if riding in the dark or in poor light conditions
• have a red rear reflector.

Trial laws in the ACT

From November 2015 a trial commenced for road rules in the ACT. Find out more about ACT road rules.

Safer Cycling

Under the trial, cyclists may:

• cross a road using a pedestrian crossing – including zebra crossings, children's crossings and pedestrian crossing at intersections including traffic lights – while remaining on their bike, however:
• when using a pedestrian crossing, cyclists must slow to 10kph or less, and
• if crossing at a signalised intersection, a cyclist may cross only if the green pedestrian light is showing.

When overtaking a cyclist, a vehicle must provide a minimum 1m passing space in speed zones of 60kph or less and 1.5 metres in speed zones of more than 60kph, however:

• a bike lane does not always provide these spaces and vehicles may sometimes need to move further beyond a bike lane to provide the required minimum space when passing a cyclist
• when passing a cyclist, a vehicle may cross the centre white line, straddle lane-lines and/or drive on painted islands, provided the motorist has a clear view of approaching traffic and it is safe to do so
• if it is not clear ahead, or not clear to provide the required minimum distance passing space for a cyclist, a motorist must slow down behind the cyclist until approaching traffic has cleared and it is safe to pass.

Riding on shared paths and footpaths

In the ACT, a cyclist may ride on shared paths and footpaths. When doing so, a cyclist must keep to the left and must give way to pedestrians.

On-road bike lanes

If a bicycle lane exists, an on-road cyclist must ride in the lane provided, unless it is impracticable to do so. Examples where it may be impracticable to ride in a bike lane include if there is debris, potholes, overgrown vegetation and other hazards. Sometimes these hazards may not be apparent to drivers of motorised vehicles. Cyclists should beware that motorists may not anticipate a cyclist moving out of a bike lane to avoid such hazards.

Cycling two abreast

It is legal to ride two abreast in the ACT. This includes situations where one rider may be inside and the other outside of a dedicated bike lane; and instances where there are no bike lanes and both riders are in the regular lane of traffic. When riding two abreast, riders must not be more than 1.5 metres apart and should exercise consideration and courtesy for other road users.

Stop signs and traffic lights

Cyclists riding on roads have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. This requires cyclists to stop at stop signs and at yellow and red lights.

On approaching an intersection with a yellow light, if a rider can stop safely before reaching the intersection, they must do so. If it is not possible to stop safely due to speed and approach distance, the cyclist should continue through the intersection, taking necessary caution. If the intersection has a dividing strip, safety zone or traffic island forming an area set aside for bike riders, a bike rider should proceed to reach this area and then await the next green light to safely complete the crossing.

Hook turns

Cyclists may make a hook turn when turning right at an intersection unless there is a sign at the intersection preventing a cyclist from doing so. Some intersections might have a storage area for bikes making hook turns.

Where an intersection has painted markings on the road to enable hook turns, these are intended to act as an aid, rather than implying that it is compulsory for all cyclists to make a hook turn. Some cyclists may able to make a direct right hand turn, depending on their level of confidence and the volume of traffic.

Roundabouts

At a multilane roundabout, a cyclist may choose the safest means of traversing the roundabout, through either the left or right hand lane, despite any road markings indicating the lane direction, and regardless of where the cyclist is exiting the roundabout.

This is relevant particularly for cyclists who are turning right at a roundabout, and may do so from the left hand lane.

However, a cyclist in the left hand lane of a roundabout must give way to any vehicle exiting the roundabout.

At a single lane roundabout, a cyclist may choose to 'claim the lane' and take up the whole lane like other road users.

Vehicles turning left

If a cyclist is riding on the road (whether in a bike lane or not) and approaches from behind a vehicle that is in the process of turning left and is indicating to turn left, the cyclist must give way. However, if the vehicle is approaching from behind the cyclist, the vehicle must not cut-off the cyclist in order to turn left.

Bike storage areas

A bike storage area is an area of road, at a traffic light intersection, painted green with bike markings, allowing cyclists to move ahead of the traffic during a red stop light. The storage areas are placed in front of vehicular traffic to enable the cyclist to be easily seen. When the light turns green, the cyclist in the storage area can progress through the intersection ahead of other traffic.

Some roads are prohibited for cyclists

Some roads are not suitable for cyclists, due to high speed and heavy traffic volumes with nil or unsuitable bike lanes and shoulders. Where there is a 'bikes must exit' or 'no bicycles' sign, a cyclist must leave the road and use another means of path to continue their journey. Planning your route and journey in advance of your ride will assist you in avoiding these areas.

Emergency stopping lanes

Cyclists may stop in emergency stopping lanes if required.

In the unfortunate event of an accident or injury, you may need to contact the police and/or an ambulance by contacting emergency services on 000.

For all incidents, you are encouraged to report details through the AFP Crash Report online form. By providing this information, you will contribute valuable data which will assist the ACT Government in making our roads and paths safer for everyone.

Please be patient with cyclists – they are vulnerable road users and appreciate your being mindful of their safety. When driving, always expect:

• bikes to be on all roads and at all intersections and roundabouts
• bikes at on-street parking when you open your car door, and before pulling out onto the road or overtaking another vehicle
• pedestrians, particularly at shopping areas, around schools, near bus stops and elsewhere.

Please also remember:

• to dip your headlights when approaching cyclists and pedestrians
• to avoid cutting off cyclists when turning left, including through a slip-lane
• cyclists may not hear your approach
• most cyclists are also car drivers
• cyclists may 'claim the lane' – taking up a full vehicular lane – either in single file or while riding two abreast.

When cycling, please:

• be predictable – indicate your intentions and maintain a clean and straight line of riding and don't change direction or brake suddenly
• make eye contact with drivers, particularly at intersections, to be sure they’ve seen you
• point out any road hazards using hand signals to other cyclists behind you
• ride with caution past parked cars and be aware of opening car doors – ride outside the car door zone when safe to do so
• give way to pedestrians on footpaths
• signal your approach when behind pedestrians on a shared path or footpath, and slow down when you overtake them
• increase your visibility
• be considerate and courteous of other road users at all times.

When walking, please:

• keep to the left on a footpath or shared path
• keep dogs or other animals on a lead and to your left
• encourage children to keep left on a footpath or shared path
• allow space for a cyclist to pass to your right if walking two abreast
• make yourself visible in the dark with lights, reflective material and/or high visibility and bright colours.