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Under
NSW legislation a bicycle is considered as a vehicle. As such, cyclists
are required to obey the road rules, including stopping at red lights
or Stop signs, Giving Way as indicated by signage and giving hand
signals when changing direction. As cyclists have responsibilities
when using the road system, they also have the right, like other
vehicles, to use the road and be shown courtesy and care by other
road users.
A bicycle means a vehicle with one or more wheels that is built
to be propelled by human power through a belt, chain or gears (whether
or not it has an auxiliary motor) and includes a pedicab, penny-farthing,
scooter, tricycle and unicycle. See Australian
Road Rules for further information.
Cyclists also have some special rights, which include:
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Riding two abreast, no more than 1.5 m apart;
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Travelling to the front of a line of traffic on the left hand
side of the stopped vehicles;
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Travelling in Bus Lanes and Transit Lanes. However, cyclists cannot
travel in Bus Only Lanes;
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Travelling on the footpath where indicated by signage;
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Cycling on the footpath if the cyclist is less than 12 years old.
An adult, who is riding in a supervisory capacity of a cyclist
less than 12 years old, may also ride with the young cyclist on
the footpath; and
-
Turning right from the left hand lane of a multi-lane roundabout
with the proviso the cyclists must give way to exiting traffic.
To be a legal road vehicle during the day, a bicycle must
have:
-
At least one working brake
-
Either a bell or horn fitted to the bike, within easy reach and
in working order
To be a legal road vehicle at night, a bicycle must also
have :
-
Lights fitted and in use when riding at night - a steady or flashing
white light that is clearly visible for at least 200 metres and
a flashing or steady red light that is clearly visible for at
least 200 metres from the rear of the bike; and
-
red rear reflector that is clearly visible for 50 metres when
light is projected onto it by a vehicle's headlight on low beam.
It is compulsory to wear an approved helmet correctly when riding
a bike. This applies to all cyclists, regardless of age, including
children on bicycles with training wheels and any child being carried
as a passenger on a bike or in a trailer.
Failing to obey road or bicycle rules may result in a fine.
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