Safe Cycling – A Common Sense Guide
Are you ready to go cycling? Don't start pedalling without learning how to stay safe.
Helmets
A helmet is your most important piece of gear and a must for cyclists of all ages. If you are wondering whether a helmet is really necessary, drop in to the emergency ward of your local hospital and ask one of the Doctor’s or Nurse’s why they are important.
By law, all helmets must comply with and carry an Australian safety standards approved sticker, so even the cheapest helmet provides you with a recognised level of protection. When purchasing a helmet consider how much your life is worth or that of your children and think about which is the best fitting helmet, not which is the cheapest one.
- For advice on choosing the right helmet click here
Rules of the Road
Follow these basic rules and you’ll be a safer cyclist
- Follow traffic signals and laws. Stop at red lights and obey stop, give way, and other traffic signs, etc.
- Always ride on the left and with the flow of traffic so cars can see you.
- Use hand signals when making turns or changing lanes.
- Be careful if riding on the sidewalk. Crossing driveways, streets, and intersections is more dangerous because cars aren't expecting you and can't see you as well.
- If you are riding for recreation try to use bike paths where provided, and follow any local council laws relating to their use.
- Stay alert. Be on the lookout for anything that can cause an accident: doors opening on parked cars, animals, other bikers, joggers, walkers, and motorists who might be in your blind spot.
- You should use a bicycle lane whenever possible.
- You should dismount to walk across pedestrian crossings and signalised intersections.
- You can ride in a bus, transit or bicycle lane.
- You can turn right from either the right or left lane of a multilane roundabout – if you use the left lane you must give way to traffic exiting the roundabout since you are changing lanes.
- You can overtake other vehicles on the left unless they are signalling and turning left.
- You can ride in a traffic lane, but you should use the road shoulder whenever possible.
- You can ride two abreast but stay within 1.5m of each other.
- Take care at narrow bridges and roundabouts. When entering a single lane roundabout watch for other vehicles when merging with traffic.
The Queensland Government has specific rules relating to riding your bike if you would like the complete version click here
Cycling on Rural Roads
These routes are more suited to experienced sport and touring cyclists with good fitness levels. Be prepared for:
- Undulating (hilly) terrain.
- Narrow roads.
- No road shoulder (just dirt and gravel)
- Motor vehicles travelling at higher speeds.
- Heavy industrial vehicles.
- Punctures and emergencies – take sufficient food, water and spare equipment.
Cycling on Bike Paths and Walkways
While enjoying bikeways and paths there are a few simple things to remember:
- Give way to pedestrians on the bikeway/pathway.
- Keep left - Bikeways are similar to roads. To avoid accidents all cyclists and pedestrians must keep to the left and pass on the right.
- Wear a helmet - Remember, it is compulsory for cyclists to wear helmets. Failure to do so will attract a penalty.
- Use your bell: ensure you warn pedestrians you are passing (by law, you must have one).
- Teach children to check for others when using or crossing a path.
- Be visible - Always use your lights at night and wear reflective/bright clothing.
- Be predictable – don’t suddenly change direction or stop without warning, this may cause accidents.
- Watch your speed – cyclists should ride at a speed to match the conditions. Go slower around pedestrians.
Other Safety Issues
Here are some other important safety issues to keep in mind when biking:
- Stay visible. It's important to stay visible at all times when you're on a bicycle. Wear bright clothes. If you must ride at night, make sure you have both reflectors and lights, including a red flashing light on the back of your bike and a front headlight.
- Be prepared. Carry a portable repair kit and pump, know how to use it if something goes wrong with your bicycle.
- Take care of yourself. Biking can be strenuous exercise, especially on hills and rough terrain, and in extreme heat or bad weather conditions. Make sure you drink enough water before you set out and carry some with you. Protect yourself from the sun and wind, and dress for the weather if it's hot or cold. If you get overheated or feel dizzy, shaky, or nauseous, stop and rest.
If you're serious about biking, consider taking a bicycle maintenance class. It will teach you more about bike safety, how to maintain and repair simple problems you may encounter with your bike, and increase your enjoyment of the sport. If the cycling bug has really bitten then you may want to get involved with a local cycling group or club they can offer helpful information in addition to organized trips and races.
