Victorian road rules: Cyclists

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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:

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?

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.