After much controversy about cyclists on roads it is important to remember the road rules. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers and motorcycle riders do on roads and should be shown the same care by other road users. However cyclists must also be mindful of road rules specific to them:
• Always wear an approved bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and fastened
•Always obey the road rules including traffic lights, stop signs and give way sign
•Allow pedestrians a metre of space on shared paths
•Ride in a predictable manner so that other road users do not have to react suddenly to your movements
•Give hand signals when changing lanes or turning left or right
•Make yourself visible by wearing bright, light or reflective clothing
•Plan your route using quieter streets, bicycle paths or shared paths
•You must only ride two abreast
•It is an offence to ride with both hands off the handlebars or feet off the pedals. You must always be in full control of your bike and not carry anything that may obstruct this.
•Drivers must also be mindful and keep a minimum of one meter when passing cyclists. Scan the road for cyclists and give way as you would for any other vehicle.
Source: New South Wales Government Transport website.