Tips for riding your bicycle safely
Wear a helmet
When you ride a bicycle, electric-powered wheeled recreational device or a personal mobility device like an e-scooter, you must wear an approved bicycle helmet.
You must securely fit and fasten it. An approved bicycle helmet means a helmet that complies with:
- AS 2063
- AS/NZS 2063
- EN 1078
- CPSC 16
- ASTM F1447
- Snell B-95.
Look out for a sticker on the helmet that certifies its compliance with one of the standards above. RACQ recommends that stand-up e-scooter riders wear full-face style compliant helmets, due to the high risk of facial injury in a crash.
Safety requirements
Every time you ride, your bicycle must have:
- At least one working brake; and
- A working bell, horn or similar warning device.
Signal when turning right
You must use a hand signal when you turn right. To do this, extend your right arm out horizontally – at a right angle from the right side of the bicycle. Your hand should be open, with your palm facing forward.
Use lights for safety
If you ride at night or in poor visibility conditions, your bicycle (or you) must display:
- A white front light (flashing or steady) visible from at least 200m; and
- A red rear light (flashing or steady) visible from at least 200m; and
- A red rear reflector visible from at least 50m when illuminated by vehicle headlights.
Carrying other people
On a bicycle you can only carry another person if:
- The bicycle is designed to carry more than one person and has a passenger seat.
- Each person is wearing a compliant helmet.
Leave your pet at home
It is illegal under Queensland road rules to lead an animal while riding a bike or personal mobility device, including by tethering the animal to your bike or device.
Towing with a bicycle
You can tow a child in or on a bicycle trailer if:
- You are 16 years or older.
- The child is under 10 years old and is also wearing an approved helmet that is securely fitted and fastened.
- The bicycle trailer can safely carry the child.
What penalties can apply?
Bicycle riders who break the road rules while riding can be given the same fines as motorists, but do not accumulate demerit points.
For more information about the Queensland road rules contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads at tmr.qld.gov.au of 13 23 80.
Related topics
Things to note
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