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Cyling on roads and shared paths

Cycling on the road

Standard road rules

Most rules applying to car drivers also apply to cyclists riding on a road. A full list of these can be found in the Road Traffic Act 1974, Road Traffic Code 2000 and Road Traffic (Bicycles) Regulations 2000. The brochure entitled "Cycling and the Law" should be consulted for a basic coverage of this legislation.

There are a few rules that only apply to cyclists and not other road users.

Road rules applying only to cyclists

Must have at least one hand on the handlebars while in motion.
Must wear an approved helmet while in motion (unless exempted).
Must not ride within two metres of the rear of a motor vehicle, over a distance of more than 200 metres.
Must not hold onto another moving vehicle or be towed by it.
Must not ride a bicycle on a freeway or other road that has designated restrictions that prohibit riding.
Must not be more than two bicycles abreast on a road. When riding abreast, the two bicycles must be no more than 1.5 metres apart.
Must use the correct hand signals to turn left or right, and to stop.
Can use the left lane of a roundabout when turning right, provided he or she gives way to all exiting traffic.
Must not ride in a pedestrian mall.
Cannot overtake on the left side of a motor vehicle if that motor vehicle is moving and indicating to turn left.

Controlled intersections

There are a couple of special facilities at controlled intersections that can assist cyclists.
All light-controlled intersections are fitted with vehicle detection sensors. They work on an electrical conductivity principle and detect when a metal object is located directly above. Because bicycles have much less metal than other vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, they can be difficult for the sensors to detect. To maximise detection (when no motorised vehicles are present), riders should approach in the centre of the traffic lane and ensure one pedal is kept low to the ground as they wait for a green light at the intersection. Some intersections have a row of diamonds painted on the road surface that indicate the best location for cyclists to wait and be detected.

Advanced stop lines at intersections

An 'advance stop line' facility for turning right provides cyclists with their own waiting area in front of motorised traffic at some sets of traffic lights.

Use of these facilities is optional. They consist of an area where riders can wait in front of the line of motorised traffic. The waiting area and approaching sealed shoulder are coloured green, with white bike symbols.

A cyclist choosing to use the advance stop lines for a right hand turn should approach the intersection by riding on the sealed shoulder. The cyclist should wait in the shoulder for a red signal then cross in front of the line of stationary cars, to the spot indicated (see diagram).

When a green light and/or green arrow is displayed, the cyclist can turn right. A special push-button enables cyclists to activate the green turn arrow when no other vehicles are present.

advanced stopline at intersection

Dealing with traffic

Apart from obeying legal requirements, on-road cyclists need to ride defensively at all times. Being legally in the right is of little consolation if you are involved in a serious crash with a motor vehicle.

Try not to ride along a road directly into a rising or setting sun. These light conditions make it harder for motorists to see you.
Show caution when nearing a motorist who is intending to turn left across your path. Always assume the motorist has not seen you.
If the road you are on has a sealed shoulder in good repair, you should use it.
Always use the correct hand signals to indicate when you want to turn left or right and to stop.

Turning left:	fully extend your left arm and hand.
Turning right:	fully extend your right arm and hand.
Stopping:	extend the left arm horizontally, bending upwards at the elbow. Hand should be open with the palm forward.

Allow some space when passing parked cars. A door suddenly opening can be a hazard so stay about 1 metre away.

Cycling on shared paths

Shared paths provide cyclists and pedestrians with a safe travel environment that reduces the potential for interaction with motor vehicles. They have their own set of rules and code of behaviour.

Shared path rules

Children under 12 years of age may ride on any footpath unless a no bicycles sign has been erected. Riders 12 years of age and over are not permitted to ride on a footpath.
Riders must keep left on shared paths and footpaths unless overtaking.
Riders must give way to pedestrians at all times.
At path intersections you must signal your intention to turn, and give way to motor vehicles entering or exiting an intersection road.
Riders must only travel in single file on all paths, though they can travel two abreast on a road.
Animals must not be tied to a moving bike.
Adults are permitted to ride a compliant power assisted pedal cycle (PAPC) on shared paths with the power engaged. To be compliant power assisted pedal cycles must have a maximum power output of 200 watts which restricts maximum speed capacity to approximately 25 km/hour.
You must use lights on your bicycle at night.
Under the Road Traffic Code 2000, it is an offence to speed. The Code also requires that you do not ride carelessly or recklessly. Reckless riding includes riding at a speed that places other path users at risk.

Shared path courtesy

When using a shared path, keep to the left at all times.
Travel in single file on shared paths unless overtaking.
Slow down when passing pedestrians - remember they are slower and can be unpredictable.
When approaching pedestrians from behind, always ring your bell about 30 metres before reaching them. If they are aware of your presence with plenty of time to spare, they are less likely to make sudden sideways movements.

Dealing with traffic

Be particularly careful where a shared path crosses a busy road. Look in all directions before proceeding across the road and onto the path on the other side. Cyclists also need to show caution where a shared path crosses residential and commercial driveways. In some instances, a reversing driver cannot see a person using the path.

Planning a route

Good planning is the key to getting the most from Perth's network of shared paths and quiet streets.

Maps

The Department produces a variety of free and low costs maps and guides for cyclists in the city. These range from the comprehensive Perth Bike Map series which covers all of the metropolitan area, through to individual rides such as Around The Rivers, Kings Park and Along the Sunset Coast. There are also maps that cater for mountain bike enthusiasts. All of the products are available at your local bicycle retailer.

PBN Signage

The Perth Bicycle Network is made up of many routes that travel between two specific points (usually major population or commercial centres). Routes often join and cross each other. They are a mixture of shared paths and modified on-road sections that offer a low degree of stress for the rider. The network is well designated with numerous blue and white signs. PBN signs are easy to understand. They show the route name at the top (e.g. NW2) and below this, the distances in kilometres to nearby suburbs.

Prevailing conditions

Before planning a route, it is wise to make an assessment of the prevailing weather conditions. A direct route that has you riding into a howling gale may be more time consuming than a longer winding one that is easier on bike and rider.

Reporting a hazard

A cycling hazard can take many forms including potholes, grates, broken glass, overhanging branches and poorly aligned grab rails. It is important that any potential problem be reported so that it can be investigated.

Please report any hazard to the relevant local council, noting the nature and exact location of the hazard.

Or you can report the hazard to the Department of Transport and we will forward it to the appropriate authority:

Please use our online Hazard Report form

Reporting a crash

If as a cyclist on either a road or path, you are involved in a crash with another rider, a pedestrian, a motor vehicle or an animal, and either party is injured or property damage is estimated to exceed $1,000, the incident must be reported to the police. In addition, incidents involving personal injury must be reported to the Insurance Commission of Western Australia.

Reporting dangerous and threatening behaviour

It is important that all members of the cycling community report behaviour from other road and path users that could be considered dangerous or overtly threatening in nature. It could help prevent further problems in the future for other riders. Any troubling incidents should be reported to your local police as soon as possible. If the incident involves a vehicle, it is useful to note the relevant make, model and registration details.

Publications

The following brochures in this series are available at bicycle retailers.