With the number of cyclists in Australia increasing, and the steps taken by major cities around the country to become more bicycle-friendly, it’s fair to say that Australians are a bike-loving country. Whether it’s a casual ride to and from school, a lycra-clad pack ride on a Thursday morning, or an easy Sunday roll by the beach, you’ll be sure to see plenty of Aussies out and about on bikes.
If you’re a cyclist or are looking at buying a bike to make your ride to university easier, there are a few laws—and some exceptions—that you’re going to want to pay attention to. And be careful, because breaking some of these laws can come with a pretty hefty fine.
Standard laws
In Australia on the whole, cyclists must follow the same rules as drivers: stop at stop signs, only turn where you’re allowed to, don’t ride up one-way streets etc. However, there are some laws that are specific to cyclists. Across the country there are a number of cycling laws that remain the same, no matter which state you live in:
- Cyclists must follow the same road rules as drivers
- Cyclists must not ride more than two people side-by-side, and no more than 1.5 metres apart
- Cyclists must not hold on to another vehicle while it’s driving
- Cyclists must have at least one hand on the handlebar at all times
- Bicycles must have working brakes and a working bell, horn, or similar warning device
- When riding at night, all bicycles must have the correct lights
- Cyclists must ride the correct way along bike paths
- Cyclists must not lead an animal while riding—so no taking your dog for a run
Most of these laws are common sense—stay visible, ride the right way, be safe—and are adopted to make sure both cyclists and drivers stay safe. As well as these standard laws, each state has its own specific cycling laws—and interestingly enough, not every state feels the same way about bike helmets, or riding on the footpath.
Below we’ve listed some of the differences you’ll find, depending on the state you’re in.
New South Wales
New South Wales recently introduced some new cycling laws, and they’ve been met with significant backlash and public complaint. There was even a proposed law to require cyclists to carry ID at all times, but this never went through.
- Cyclists must wear a helmet at all times, unless you have medical, cultural, or religious reasons not to
- Cyclists are not allowed to ride on footpaths
- Cyclists must have a bell on their bikes
- Cyclists are encouraged to carry ID at all times
Fines for cycling offences range from $71 up to $425 across the board, so always be sure to wear a helmet, stop at red lights, don’t hold on to moving vehicles—and generally just ride safely.
Victoria
Being such a bike-friendly city, Melbourne has a large network of bike paths, and laws in place to protect cyclists, but also to make roads and footpaths safer for other users:
- Cyclists must wear a helmet at all times unless you have medical, cultural, or religious reasons not to
- Cyclists must not ride on footpaths
- Cyclists must not use a mobile phone while riding
As such, they also have some pretty strong fines in place, too.
Queensland
Queensland takes a tough stance on helmets, and has equally tough fines to match:
- Cyclists must wear a helmet at all times, unless you have medical, cultural, or religious reasons not to
- Cyclists are only allowed to ride on a footpath where indicated
- Using a hand-held mobile phone – $1,078
- Failure to wear a helmet – $143
- Failure to give way – $143
- Exceeding the speed limit by 11km/h – $287
- Following another vehicle too closely – $335
- Cyclist drinking alcohol while riding – $431
South Australia
South Australia’s cycling laws get quite specific:
- Cyclists are allowed to ride on footpaths unless stated otherwise but must give a warning to pedestrians prior to overtaking
- Cyclists must wear a helmet at all times unless you have medical, cultural, or religious reasons not to
- Cyclists must not ride within two metres of the back of a moving vehicle for more than 200m
- Cyclists will be fined for riding under the influence of drugs or with a blood alcohol level of 0.05 or over—so no more than 1 standard 425ml glass of beer
The fines are a little more lenient than in other states, but are clearly in place for safety reasons:
- Failure to give warning to pedestrians on the footpath – $63
- Turning or changing lanes incorrectly – $63
- Carrying someone else on your bicycle – $63
- Failure to give way – $63
- Riding without a helmet – $115
- Holding on to moving vehicle – $115
Western Australia
Western Australia’s cycling laws are quite straightforward, in line with their push to make Perth a more bike-friendly city:
- Cyclists are allowed to ride on the footpath unless otherwise stated
- Cyclists must use bike lanes where marked
- Cyclists must wear a helmet at all times, unless you have medical, cultural, or religious reasons not to
- Bikes are not allowed on buses
- Bikes are not allowed on trains to Perth between 7am-9am
- Bikes are not allowed on trains from Perth between 4.30pm-6.30pm
- Cyclists no longer need to dismount at pedestrian crossings and can simply ride across. This new rule applies when the rider enters the crossing from the connected path and not the road.
Fines range from $50 for not wearing a helmet, to $100 for incorrect lighting at night, or riding closer than two metres behind a moving vehicle.
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra is a relaxed mix of all other states’ laws:
- Cyclists must always wear a helmet unless you have medical, cultural, or religious reasons not to.
- Hand signals are not compulsory when stopping or turning left
- Cyclists are allowed to ride on footpaths
- Cyclists must use cycles lanes where available
Cycling fines in the Australian Capital Territory all come in at $146, whether you’re not wearing a helmet, you’re speeding, you’re carrying someone else on your bike, or you’ve got no hands on your handlebars.
Tasmania
Tasmania’s bike laws are aimed at users staying safe, and are a bit more laid back than other states:
- Cyclists must wear a helmet at all times, unless you have medical, cultural, or religious reasons not to
- Cyclists are allowed to ride on footpaths unless otherwise stated
- Cyclists must use bike lanes when they’re available
Tasmania’s cycling fines, however, are very high, with fines ranging from $260 to $650—so you always want to make sure you’re riding safely in Tasmania.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory has some of the most relaxed bike laws around, with all fines coming in at a flat $25. Some people argue that this relaxed attitude encourages more people to take up cycling, thereby making cyclists more visible, and making cycling safer overall.
- Cyclists under 17 must wear a helmet at all times
- Cyclists over 17 are only required to wear a helmet when riding on the roads, they’re not required on footpaths
- Cyclists must always use the on-road bike lanes where they’re available
