Important Safety Tips for Cyclists

• Always wear an approved safety helmet

• It is compulsory to wear a bicycle helmet that meets the relevant Australian Standards in NSW and the ACT. Wearing a bicycle helmet can save your life. Helmets are not just for riding on the road, serious injuries can also occur on paths.

• Be seen, be heard

• Wear bright colours or reflective clothing that make it easier for others to see you when cycling – whether it be on the road or a path. When riding at night and during low light conditions, ensure you have front and rear lights. Your bike must be equipped with a bell, horn or similar warning device; use it to warn others that you are approaching.

• Light up your life!

• If riding at night, it is a legal requirement that your bike has a white headlight, a red taillight and a red tail reflector. Make sure you have these whether you are riding on a road, footpath or shared path. It is important that (a) you can see when you are cycling and (b) you can be seen.

• Make sure your bike is in good working condition

• Keep your bike well maintained – check that the brakes, lights and bell on your bicycle are working before you set out on your ride.

• Riding in a manner suitable for the condition

• Ride safely, predictably and defensively. All users should exercise care for their own safety and that of others. In particular, they should take into account the state of the path and be alert to the presence of dangers (eg. damaged paths, overhanging trees, other path users and when on the road, cars). Maintain control of your bicycle at all times, making sure you are able to stop quickly and safely if you need to. Assess the risks and weigh up your ability and road user knowledge against those risks if you intend riding on the road (including on-road cycle lanes). If in doubt, use a shared path or footpath.

• Reporting of hazards

• Report potholes (on roads or paths), tree root intrusions and other maintenance issues.

  For hazards in the ACT report to: Canberra Connect website or
  the Canberra Connect operator on 13 22 81.

  For hazards in Queanbeyan report to: Queanbeyan City Council website or call the Queanbeyan Depot on (02) 6298 0250

  Please provide as precise a location as possible (eg. Nearest path, ramp or street location) and leave your contact details as this assists Urban Services if the hazard is difficult to locate.

  For more information about road and path user rules:

  ACT - view the Road Transport  content or call on 13 22 81

  NSW - visit the RTA website  or call on 13 22 13