Australian Road Authorities and Bicycle Rules

An overview of Bicycle Rules and Road Laws

If you have additional links and information, please contact us and we’ll add them here.

International Bicycle Laws

AustRoads

AUSTLIII

Queensland

West Australia

  • Bicycle Rules: Part 5 Ride Safe People have a right to ride a bicycle on the road. They share the same rights and responsibilities as drivers and motorcyclists.
  • Driver Safe: This handbook is a guide to safe driving and an interpretation of the law. It is NOT the law, but a simplified version of the road rules contained in the Road Traffic Act 1974 and Regulations, including the Australian Road Rules that apply currently in Western Australia. It does not include all the traffic regulations.

Tasmania

  • Skating and Cycling Rules
  • New Road Rules As part of the new National Traffic Code, some new road rules will affect users of some alternative forms of transport. Important changes include:

Two abreast bicycling and horse riding in single traffic lanes; Riding of wheeled recreational devices or wheeled toys, such as skateboards and rollerblades, on roads and footpaths.

Northern Territory

  • Safe Cycling For detailed legislation refer to the Northern Territory Traffic Act and Traffic Regulations.
  • The Northern Territory Road Users’ Handbook is a comprehensive guide for the new driver, with important information in relation to obtaining a driver licence, the rules of the road, and basic driving skills. The handbook also explains the Australian Road Rules which are used in each State and Territory of Australia.

New South Wales

  • Bicycle laws and penalties Under NSW legislation a bicycle is considered as a vehicle. 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.
  • MASSBUG: The Bike Saint’s Favourite Road Rules. The Road Transport (Safety & Traffic Management) Act 1999, came into force in NSW in Dec 1999. It incorporates the Australian Road Rules plus NSW specific provisions (shown in italics). This document contains selected rules relating to bikes, wheeled recreation devices, pedestrians, bike exemption from certain rules, & car & parking rules you may find useful.
  • NSW: Road rules
  • Brendan’s law: New penalties for failing to stop after a vehicle accident (Also refer to Brendan’s Law page) Recent tragic cases in NSW and other States have highlighted what can happen when drivers leave the scene of an accident and don’t stop to help victims. Drivers need to be aware that with the privilege of driving on our roads comes a responsibility to fellow road users.

In 2004 a small boy riding a bicycle died in a terrible collision where the driver of the car involved did not stop. Thanks to a long campaign by his father a new offence of failing to stop (attracting much heavier penalties) has been introduced to the Crimes Act 1900 to recognise his death and society’s attitude.

South Australia
The South Australian Government recognises cyclists’ legitimate right to use our roads and is aware of the ongoing concerns cyclists have for their safety. This Government is committed to increasing the sustainability and health of our community and cycling is considered a key component of achieving this.

Australian Capital Territory
Links to information for bicycle riders in the Australian Capital Territory

Victoria
VicRoads information for bicycle users and pedestrians.