1. Who gives way when a car needs to turn left across the path of a cyclist?

In most cases, the car will need to give way. Cyclists are legally allowed to overtake on the left, so if you think they might have to slow down, stop or change direction to avoid hitting you, then wait for them to pass before making the turn.

You should only go if the cyclist is clearly far enough back that you’re not cutting them off. So in the picture below, the car should give way. However, if the driver’s already in the process of turning, then the cyclist must wait for the car to pass safely.

2. What are the rules for cyclists on footpaths?

Cyclists of all ages have been allowed to ride on most footpaths since October 2015, even if there’s a bike lane available. In some areas (such as busy pedestrian spots), there may be a ‘no bicycle’ sign, so keep a look out for these or you could be up for a $56 fine and a $60 Victims of Crime Levy.

When riding on a footpath, you’ll need to give way to all pedestrians and keep left wherever possible. Worried a pedestrian hasn’t seen you pedalling towards them? You must warn them by ringing your bell if needed to avoid danger or you could be fined the same amount as above.

Also keep an eye on your speed – while there’s no set limit in place, you need to ride at a pace that allows you to slow down or stop if needed to avoid a crash. Not wearing an approved, properly fastened helmet (even if you’re just riding on the footpath) could get you a $102 fine and a $60 Victims of Crime Levy.

Whether riding on a footpath or the road, cyclists need to follow the same rules as other road users. They can be fined for breaking them and can even incur demerit points. If they don’t hold a current licence, these demerit points may stop them from getting a licence in the future.

3. What do I need to know about overtaking cyclists?

When the speed limit is 60km/h or less, leave a 1m gap when overtaking cyclists. Allow a bit more space – 1.5m to be exact – if the speed limit is more than 60km/h. If you don’t keep these distances, you could get a $298 fine, a $60 Victims of Crime Levy and two demerit points.

You can cross solid white lines (both single and double ones) and drive over painted islands to pass a cyclist, as long as you make sure you’ve got a clear view of oncoming traffic and that it’s safe before moving onto the other side of the road.

Cyclists need to ride as near as possible to the left side of the road so that it’s safer for cars to overtake.

4. Can cyclists ride alongside each other on the road?

Cyclists can ride two abreast, but any more than two is against the road rules. When riding next to each other, cyclists can’t be more than 1.5m apart and, if there’s a bike lane, both riders must be in it.

If they can’t fit next to each other in the bike lane, they’ll have to ride single file. Break this one and you’ll be up for a $102 fine, $60 Victims of Crime Levy and three demerit points.

5. If there’s a parked car on the side of the road, who gives way – the cyclist or the motorist?

Parked cars are one of the biggest challenges and dangers of riding on busy roads. When going around one – or any other obstacle for that matter – cyclists should check behind for other road users, wait for a safe gap in traffic and only move out when it’s safe to do so.

Moving into the path of another road user, without ensuring there’s enough space to safely do so, could be classed as causing a traffic hazard. It’s a good idea though for drivers to be aware and courteous of cyclists trying to manoeuvre around obstacles and always put safety first.

Also, if you’re in a parked car, make sure you and any passengers check for cyclists before getting out. It’s actually an offence to open a car door when it’s not safe to do so and you can be fined $179, a $60 Victims of Crime Levy and receive three demerit points.

6. Where can you ride a motorised bike?

Have you seen someone zipping around with a motor on their bike and wondered if it’s legal? Well, they have to meet certain criteria, but as long as they do, they can be ridden on roads, in bike lanes and on footpaths.

If you’re thinking of buying one yourself, look into the restrictions in more detail, but as a rough guide, the motor can only give the rider a bit of assistance (it can’t be the main source of power).

It can only have a maximum power output of 200 watts (if that power is controlled by a throttle or accelerator) or up to 250 watts if it’s a pedelec (that’s when the power is controlled by the rider using the pedals).

Also, only electric motors are allowed – so nothing petrol powered. If it doesn’t meet the criteria, you’ll need a driver’s licence, registration and Compulsory Third Party Insurance to drive it on the road. However, few, if any, of those bicycles could be registered, as most don’t meet rego requirements.

Motorised or not, all cyclists are bound by the same rules, which include wearing an approved helmet, having a bell or another audible warning device fitted, and clearly visible lights if riding at night.

Did you know?

Whether riding on a footpath or the road, cyclists need to follow the same rules as other road users. They can be fined for breaking them and can even incur demerit points. If they don’t hold a current licence, these demerit points may stop them from getting a licence in the future.