Cyclists
The changes are about the helmet and using the proper seat for bicycle passengers, and for cyclists turning from, and stopping in, bicycle boxes at intersections with traffic signals.
Seat and helmet
A bicycle passenger must wear an approved bicycle helmet and sit on a proper seat when riding on a bicycle.
Area reserved for cyclists (bicycle box)
A driver must stop at the first line of the bicycle box while a cyclist must stop at the second line, within the bicycle box. See diagram right.
Turning at intersections
When turning at intersections with a bicycle box a bicycle rider:
- if turning left, must be in the left lane of the reserved area
- if turning right, must be in the right lane of the reserved area (where there is a bicycle box in the right lane).
If no reserved area is present a standard right hand turn can be performed by signaling and turning
from the right hand turn lane. Alternately a rider may perform a hook turn from the left lane.
What you have to do
If you are a bicycle passenger, make sure you are wearing an approved bicycle helmet
and sitting on a proper seat.
If you are using the bicycle box ensure you keep clear of the pedestrian area.
What else can cyclists do to increase safety?
- use lights at night at both the front and rear of the bicycle
Road safety reasons
Cyclists and their passengers are some of the most vulnerable road users. More than 1,000 cyclists are injured in crashes with motor vehicles each year. These new rules aim to improve their safety when riding with traffic.
If both cyclists and their passengers wear helmets, the risk of head injury is reduced in a crash.
Using a proper seat keeps the bicycle more stable and lessens the risk of crashing.
Bicycle boxes allow cyclists to wait ahead of traffic at signalised intersections and to get a head start on motor vehicles. This way cyclists can be more easily seen by drivers.
Click here to see the Frequently Asked Questions.
Information on the new road safety rules and seatbelts is also available in the following languages.
