Most commonly misunderstood bicycle rules
Both bicycles and cars are recognised as “vehicles” under the Queensland Road Rules. As such, users of both vehicle types have the right to safe, hassle-free travel. Unfortunately, crashes are still a frequent occurrence.
Common causes of bicycle-related crashes
Some of the most common crash causes involving cyclists and motorists include:
- Motorists failing to give way to cyclists when exiting side streets and driveways.
- Motorists turning left or right and cutting off a cyclist on the kerb side.
- Motorists overtaking too closely to cyclists.
Rules for sharing the road
When the speed limit is 60km/h or under, the minimum passing distance for motorists is at least a 1m gap between their vehicle and cyclists. If the speed limit is over 60km/h, this gap must be extended to at least 1.5m. Doing this allows enough space for both users to share the road in a safe manner.
It is strongly recommended for motorists to always look for cyclists and give-way when moving across lanes or turning into intersections and driveways. Cyclists are reminded that they must not ride within 2m of a moving motor vehicle continuously for more than 200m. They must leave a 2m gap between themselves and the motor vehicle in front of them, when following the vehicle for over 200m. If you choose to ride next to another cyclist, you must remain no more than 1.5m apart.
E-scooters and other personal mobility devices (PMD) such as e-skateboards are allowed on bike lanes on roads with a speed limit of 50km/h or less. This is accepted under the assumption that they are appropriately equipped with a working bell and stopping mechanism and abide by other PMD road rules.
How to negotiate roundabouts on a bike
When a cyclist enters a multi-lane roundabout, they are allowed to turn right from either the left or right lane. If they choose to turn right from the left lane, the cyclist is required to give way to any vehicle that is wanting to leave the roundabout. If you are on the roundabout and a motorist is entering, they must give way to you.
Can I ride my bike on a footpath?
In Queensland, cyclists are allowed to ride on footpaths, unless a ‘No bicycles’ sign is displayed.
Cyclists riding on footpaths must give way to pedestrians, keep to the left and ride in a safe manner. This also includes personal mobility devices such as e-scooters.
Cyclists who wish to ride on footpaths are encouraged to slow down, in order to reduce the risk of endangering other footpath users.
What to do at road crossings
According to the Queensland Government, cyclists are allowed to ride across pedestrian crossings at traffic lights. They must wait for the green ‘walk’ signal, keep left, and proceed slowly and safely, giving way to any pedestrians on the crossing.
This is the same for zebra crossings and children’s crossings, however, cyclists and PMD riders are required to come to a complete stop before riding across.
What helmet should cyclists wear?
When choosing to ride a bicycle, riders must comply with specified helmet standards. Failure to do so will result in a $161 fine.
Approved bicycle helmet standards will have a sticker on the helmet with one of the following:
- AS 2063
- AS/NZS 2063
- EN 1078
- CPSC 16
- ASTM F1447
- Snell B-95
Cyclists should be aware of all the rules and fines that can be applied to them before hitting the road.
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