Cyclists are supposed to follow the same rules as a car when on the road, but there are some bike-only rules that apply. You can be fined for disobeying bike laws.

     First, what is the definition of a bicycle?
A bicycle has two or more wheels and is moved through human power – a belt, chain, or gears. This includes pedicabs, penny farthings, tricycles or power-assisted bicycles. Wheelchairs, wheeled toys and scooters are NOT considered bicycles for legal purposes.

A power-assisted bike uses pedals as its main source of power, but also has a motor. The same rules apply to power-assisted bikes as to regular bikes.

     Using a mobile phone while on a bike
Use of a mobile phone on a bicycle is illegal, except if you are making or taking a call, or using its audio or music functions so long as the phone is secured in a commercially-designed holder that is fixed to the bike, or can be operated by the rider without touching the phone, with the phone not resting on your body (shoulder-head as the classic example). It can be in pocket.

You aren’t allowed to use the phone as GPS or navigation unit while riding unless it’s in the commercially-designed phone holder. There is to be no video calls, texting or emailing while riding a bike.

     Penalties for using a cell phone on a bike
Using your smartphone on your bike can result in a fine of $476. Demerit points do not apply to bike riders, but if you are caught using your phone in a car, demerit points do apply.

     Drink-driving on a bicycle
Drinking and driving is the same for as in a car. Read more about when you can ride a bike drunk here. 

     Extra rules that apply to bike riders

• You must wear an approved bicycle helmet if you are riding on roads, road-related areas, bike paths or lanes, and shared-separated footpaths. Some exemptions may apply to people with certain medical conditions.
• The bike must be ridden ‘correctly’, meaning one leg on each side of the seat, facing forwards, with at least one hand on the handlebars.
• Any passengers must sit on a seat designed for passengers, so no double dinking on the bar or handlebars.
• At night, the bike must have a white flashing or steady light at the front and a red flashing or steady light at the back, and a red reflector at the back. The lights must be visible from 200 metres and the reflector from 50 metres.
• You can ride side-by-side with another rider so long as you are not on a single-lane road (unless overtaking) and stay less than 1.5 metres apart.
• Cars are not allowed to use bike lanes.
• From 1 July 2017, cyclists can ride in a bus lane unless otherwise signed.
• Some highways allow cyclists, but you are not allowed to ride a bike on an urban freeway or a highway with a sign saying bikes aren’t allowed.
• All bikes must have a bell and at least one working brake.

     Riding a bike on the footpath
You can ride a bike on the footpath if you are aged under 12, are an adult with a child under the age of 12, or have a medical certificate that explains it is medically difficult for you to ride on the road. Bikes on footpaths must keep left and give way to pedestrians.

     Towing someone else in a bicycle trailer
You must be at least 16 years old and your passenger must be aged 10 or less. Your trailer must be able to safely carry your passenger, who will be wearing a helmet. If your passenger is over 10 years old, you must have a medical certificate on you that explains why.

Got caught out? Call Vanessa Ash and Associates.