Safety and Education
Sharing the Streets
Bike riding is a smart and sustainable active transport option for short inner city trips, which is why the number of bike riders has increased by 10% every year over the last decade and by 20% in 2009 and by 50% in 2010.
With bike riding booming in Sydney it is imperative that the behaviour of all road users – bike riders, pedestrians and motorists – is improved to ensure a safer environment for all.
The City is already working towards making bike riding a safer and more convenient option by introducing a high-quality 200 kilometre bike network that will include a combination of cycleway types and shared paths.
To support the infrastructure build, the City also has a range of safety and awareness messaging in the community to reinforce safe and courteous behaviour for all road users. This is in addition to ongoing on-the-ground activities aimed at bike riders and pedestrians.
To reduce the risk of accidents, all road users need to be aware of new road conditions and be considerate to each other.
Safety around cycleways
This factsheet contains information on what types of cycleways make up the network, how they are signed and how to use the different types of cycleways safely.
Download
- Keeping safe on our new-look streets | PDF 1Mb
When Riding
- Obey the Rules - Always follow the road rules – it’s for your own safety.
- Ring Your Bell - On shared paths always give way to people walking and ring your bell early to alert walkers of your presence.
- Slow Down - Always slow down on a shared path environment and be courteous to pedestrians – they have right of way.
- Safe Speed - Be in control. Ride at a speed that will allow you to stop safely. Do you know that it can take up to six (6) metres to stop from 15 km/hr?
- Be Responsible - Ride in your lane and when you’re on a cycleway keep to the left.
- Watch Out - Look for turning cars and try to avoid the 'door-zone'. Always watch for car doors opening.
When Driving
- Follow the Rules - Obey the road signs and stay within lane markings. Do not park on or block a cycleway.
- Safe Speed - Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop safely. Do you know it can take 26 metres to stop from 40 km/hr?
- Be Aware - Slow down and watch for people walking or on bikes.
- Give Way - When entering or leaving a driveway, give way to people walking and riding bikes. Do not block a cycleway.
- Parking - Before opening your car door, look out for people on bikes. Check for people and bike riders before driving away from the kerb.
When Walking
- Be Aware - Do not walk along a cycleway. Look both ways before crossing a cycleway.
- Listen for the Bell - If you hear a bike bell on a shared path, move to the left hand side in a safe fashion and allow the bike rider to pass.
- Be Predictable - Keep to the left on shared paths and walk in a predictable manner.
- Use Crossings - Always use a pedestrian crossing if nearby. If not near a pedestrian crossing look both ways and take extra care. Avoid crossing between parked vehicles. Watch for bikes.
- Be Considerate - Keep animals under control and ensure children are supervised.
Safer riding
Follow these tips for a safer journey:
- Know the rules - a bike is a vehicle. Know the road rules that apply to all road users as well as those specifically for cyclists
- Do a cycling course - City of Sydney offers two FREE cycling courses – one that teaches basic bike maintenance skills and another that teaches low-risk riding techniques. Whether you are new on the road or an experienced bike commuter, both courses will help increase your enjoyment and confidence on the road:
- Be seen - Ride in a prominent position where other road users can see you. Do not weave in and out of cars. When riding at night wear reflective clothes or use reflective tap on clothing, bags and equipment.
- Communicate - Give hand signals when turning and make eye contact with drivers (see next point).
- Make eye contact - making eye contact with drivers of cars behind you or acknowledging their presence with a wave and smile; is a great way to create a positive vibe between road users and to guarantee that you have been seen.
- Choose the best route - consider existing cycling infrastructure, quiet streets and off road paths, or better yet, go to our Cycle Maps and Routes page for information on choosing the best routes.
- Use the lane – sometimes the safest way to deal with car traffic is to take control of the lane to give yourself room to avoid drains, gutters and car doors.
- Watch for car doors – don’t rely on car drivers and passengers to see you. Be alert and ride with caution in the door-opening zone of cars.
- Use your lights - the law requires all cyclists to have a white light on the front and a red light and red reflector on the rear of their bike at night. Click here to watch a video with tips about being visible as a cyclist.
- Watch for pedestrians – slow down, use your bell and be ready to stop suddenly when riding near pedestrians. Pedestrians ALWAYS have right-of-way on shared paths.
- Careful in the wet - take care when cycling in the rain as wet roads are much more slippery.
- Watch videos – The Cycling Promotion Fund have a range of cycling videos on their website with tips for dealing with intersections, cycling with traffic, avoiding car doors and being seen as a cyclist.
Footpaths shared paths
Footpaths
In NSW, it is illegal to ride on a footpath. Those riding on footpaths illegally can be fined by NSW police.
The only exception to this rule applies to children under 12 or an adult accompanying a child under 12; or when the footpath is a designated shared path.
Shared Paths
Shared paths are for the use of both pedestrians and bike riders. They are designated by images of a pedestrian and a bike on the pavement or on a street sign.
On shared paths, pedestrians always have right of way, and bike riders must ride with in a safe and courteous manner. On a shared path:
- Always give way to pedestrians;
- Ring your bell early to warn of your approach;
- Slow down;
- Be considerate.
Know the road rules
All road users are required to keep to the Road Rules regardless of how you travel.
The NSW Roads and Traffic Authority is responsible for road safety in NSW. For up-to-date information on the NSW Road Rules and to download a copy of the RTA’s publication: A handbook for Bicycle Riders, go to: www.rta.nsw.gov.au/road safety/bicycles
Under the Australian Road Rules, a bike is considered a vehicle and is required by law to obey road rules, including stopping at red lights and stop signs.
Behavioural educational campaigns
The City runs ongoing campaigns targeting key behavioural issues in the City.
These include campaigns encouraging bike riders to obey road rules such as stopping at red lights and to ride responsibly on roads and shared paths.
Following is an example of a recent Share the Path Campaign.
The City also runs campaigns aimed at motorists and pedestrians to increase awareness and consideration between all road users.
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Last Updated: Friday 16 December, 2011
