Cycling at UWA

Cycling and the Law

When riding it is important to understand your legal responisbilties, and the legal resposibilties that other road users have towards you. This information comes from the Department For Planning and Infrastructure web site and the pamphlet Cycling and the Law. If you would like more information please see the Road Traffic Act 1974, Road Traffic Code 2000 and the Road Traffic (Bicycles) Regulation 2000.  

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.

Shared paths (cycle-ways) have their own set of rules and code of behaviour:

• 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.

• A power-assisted bicycle must not use a path when the power assistance is engaged.

• Under the Road Traffic Code, it is an offence to speed. The Code also requires that you do not ride carelessly or recklessly.

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.

Reporting a crash:

If you are involved in a crash, on a road or path 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 or 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.