Cycling Safety

Here's what you should know about cycling, etiquette and staying safe on your bike.  

Cyclists:

• Cyclists can ride two abreast ride on the road, with up to 1.5m between riders.
• It is illegal to ride less than 2m behind a vehicle.
• Cyclists cannot pass on the left of a vehicle that is turning left.
• Cyclists are not permitted to ride their bikes on freeways or in pedestrian malls.
• Cyclists can use the left lane of a roundabout when turning right, but must give way to vehicles exiting a roundabout.

• Cyclists of all ages may ride on footpaths in WA, unless otherwise signed.
• Cyclists must ride in single file on footpaths.
• Pedestrians, including mobility scooters and motorised wheelchair users, always have right of way.
• Cyclists should use their bell to alert other shared path users that a bicycle is approaching.
• Cyclists should use their bell to alert pedestrians/mobility scooter operators/motorised wheelchair users that a bicycle is approaching.
• Drivers must give way to cyclists at driveways, but cyclists should slow down to ensure they have been seen.
• Animals must not be tied to a moving bike.
• Animals and children on footpaths can be unpredictable. Cyclists should slow and cycle to the conditions.

• Motorists are required to keep a safe distance when overtaking cyclists.
• When the speed limit is 60km/h or under, motorists must leave a gap of at least 1m when passing a bicycle rider.
• When the speed limit is over 60km/h, the gap must be at least 1.5m.
• The safe passing distance law allows drivers to cross centre line markings, including single and double continuous white lines and painted islands, to give the correct amount of space to the cyclist, but only when it is safe to do so, and when the driver has a clear view of oncoming traffic.
• If it is not possible to safely overtake, slow down and wait until it is safe to overtake.
• Motorists should check blind spots for riders before moving left or right on the carriageway.
• Motorists are only permitted to drive in a marked bicycle lane for 50m to stop or park in a designated parking area.
• Public bus and taxi drivers may also drive in a bicycle lane for up to 50m, if the driver is dropping off or picking up passengers.

For more information visit the Road Safety Commission website. 

 

Cycling etiquette

To find out more about cycling etiquette and cycling during COVID-19, visit WestCycle website. 

 

Useful information

Download Cycling Information sheet

Download Cyclist FAQ's

 

Bikelinc

Join Crime Stoppers WA’s free Bikelinc network so the WA Police Force and your community can help return your bike to you if it’s lost or stolen.

Register your bike with Bikelinc 

Why use Bikelinc?

• want to protect your bike/s
• want the WA Police Force to get your bike back to you quickly & easily if lost or stolen
• want to see a reduction in bike theft and bike thieves apprehended
• want to join a community of cycling enthusiasts
• enjoy bike riding as a form of commuting, recreation or sport
• want to check if a bike for sale is listed as safe, lost or stolen
• want to ensure people in the community aren’t buying stolen bikes unknowingly
• like to support WA initiatives and not-for-profit community organisations and charities such as Crime Stoppers WA