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Bicycle and E-Bike Safety

When drivers and bicycle riders share the road, everyone should look out for each other and follow the road rules.
 

Passing Distance

Drivers must leave at least:

  • 1 metre when passing a bicycle rider in speed zones of 60km/h or less.

  • 1.5 metres when passing a bicycle rider in speed zones of more than 60km/h.

 

Safe Riding Tips

  1. Always wear an approved bicycle helmet that is fitted and fastened correctly.

  2. Obey all road rules, including traffic lights, stop signs and give way signs.

  3. Use hand signals when turning right or changing lanes.

  4. Wear bright or reflective clothing to help others see you.

  5. Plan your route using bicycle paths, shared paths and quieter streets where possible.

  6. Ride in a predictable manner so other road users can anticipate your movements.

  7. Always keep control of your bicycle and have at least one hand on the handlebars.

  8. Use a bell or horn to warn pedestrians and other path users when needed.

 

Bicycle Riding Rules

Footpaths Children under 16 can ride on footpaths.

Adults supervising a child under 16 can also ride on the footpath.

Riders aged 16 or over who are not supervising a child under 16 are generally not permitted to ride on footpaths.
 
Bicycle Lanes Riders must use a marked bicycle lane where one is provided, unless it is impracticable to do so.
 
Riding Side By Side Bicycle riders can ride two abreast, provided they are no more than 1.5 metres apart.
 
Helmets By law, bicycle riders must wear an approved helmet that is securely fitted and fastened.

Replace your helmet if it has been involved in a crash, dropped heavily, damaged, or if the straps are worn.
 
Horns and Bells Every bicycle must have a working bell, horn or other warning device.
 
Shared paths A shared path is used by both bike riders and pedestrians. Shared paths can be identified by signs and/or pavement markings showing a pedestrian and a bike.
 
Shared path rules for 
bicycle and e-bike riders

When riding on a shared path:

  • Keep left.
  • Give way to pedestrians.
  • Slow down when approaching others.
  • Use your bell when approaching from behind.
  • Ride at a safe speed and be prepared to top if necessary.
  • Rules with shared paths for pedestrians
Shared path rules for 
pedestrians
When walking on a shared path, to share the path safely, it is recommended that pedestrians:
  • Keep to the left.
  • If there is room, move off to the path to the left if you wish to stop walking.
  • Keep animals on short leads and under control.
  • Be aware of bicycle riders sharing the path. To improve your safety we recommend riders use their bell to let you know they are approaching from the behind. We also recommend you focus on the path ahead when approaching corners.
 

E-bikes

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are becoming a popular way to travel and recreate. Riders of legal e-bikes must follow the same road rules that apply to bicycle riders.

  • Legal e-bikes can be ridden on roads, bicycle lanes, bicycle paths and shared paths where bicycles are permitted.

  • Riders using shared paths must give way to pedestrians and ride at a safe speed.

  • Riders under 16 years of age may ride on footpaths. Adults may ride on a footpath when supervising a child under 16 years of age.

  • E-bike riders must wear an approved bicycle helmet that is securely fitted and fastened.

  • Ensure your e-bike complies with NSW requirements before riding on public roads and paths.

  • Consider dismounting and walking your e-bikes in busy pedestrian areas.

 

Stay Safe

Whether you ride a bicycles, e-bikes, scooter, skateboards or rollerblades:

  • Always wear a properly fitted helmet.

  • Wear bright or reflective clothing.

  • Watch out for pedestrians and vehicles at driveways and intersections.

  • Stay alert and follow the road rules at all times.

  • Ride your bike, scooter, skateboard or rollerblade away from the road.

 

How Georges River Council Is Supporting Our Community?

Council supports bicycle and e-bike safety through community road safety education, promotion of Transport for NSW safety resources, and bicycle maintenance workshops for local residents and families.
 

Further Information

For information about legal e-bike requirements and riding rules, visit the NSW Government and Transport for NSW E-bikes webpages.



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