What are the rules?
About this page
Official road rules and guidelines for all cyclists
* Overview of road rules
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users.
Arrive Alive 2008 - 2017
This is the government's new road safety strategy. The section on cyclists is below. You can see they are keen on the bit about legislation as it is in twice.
Bells on bikes
Bicycle Victoria supports the use of bicycle bells, especially by riders using Rail Trails and bike paths (shared footways) where there are many people walking.
Better legislation
Bicycle Victoria works to change Victoria's traffic rules and other legislation to make conditions better for bike riders.
Our calls for new legislation are part of a wider effort to prevent death and injury. This effort is based on actual cases and the best evidence.
This page sums up our main recent efforts to change legislation.
Bicycle Victoria position: Registration of bicycles
Information about registering your bicycle.
Bicycle Victoria position: Road rules
Bicycle Victoria's position on various issues relating to road rules
Bicycle Victoria position: Road safety
Bicycle Victoria's approach to road safety
Bike lanes and cars
Bike lanes are for bicycles.
Bikes on metro public transport
Bicycle Victoria has proposed that riders should be able to use buses and trams - as well as trains - to further their cycling range
Critical Mass rides
Bicycle Victoria is not involved in any way in the organisation of the regular Critical Mass rides and we do not support their actions.
Cyclists' rights to use the road
What do you say when someone challenges you with: "Cyclists should get off the road because they don't pay for them"?
Demerit points for riders
Bicycle Victoria's position
Folding bikes on public transport in Victoria
We believe all these bikes will comply with the Victorian public transport guidelines (which have yet to be confirmed). The guidelines will define which folding bikes can be taken on buses and trams.
Footpath cycling
People aged under 12 years of age are permitted to ride their bicycles on the footpath.
Freeway cycling
Cycling is only permitted on the shoulders of some parts of rural freeways (not urban sections) and is not permitted on urban freeways.
Helmet laws
Bicycle helmets are compulsory in Victoria.
Hoon aggression looms as problem
As rider numbers grow, so do reports of wanton hostility from the hoons.
Lights - Flashing LEDs
These are the cheapest lights and they will provide all the light you need to be seen by.
Lights - rechargeable battery pack lights
For regular night riders, especially those who ride on unlit paths, a light with a rechargeable battery pack may be a sensible choice.
National Light Up! 2008
The end of daylight saving means bike commuters will now be riding home in the dark. It is time to make sure you have effective lights on your bike.
Police and the law
The City of Melbourne has several full-time bicycle police.
Reporting unacceptable behaviour
Its a jungle out there . . . well, not quite. But there continues to be distressing incidents involving aggression, and illegality towards cyclists.
Reporting: Statutory declarations
Reporting incidents to the authorities is the duty of all bike riding citizens. A valid 'Stat Dec' can ensure that the authorities follow through and that matters don't fall between the cracks.
Road rage research
Staying calm, cool and collected is a win you and all your fellow bike riders.
Roundabouts
What to do at a roundabout.
It's essential to know the rules to get through roundabouts.
Single-lane roundabouts
In single-lane roundabouts, riders must...
Sharing mountain bike tracks
The Info Sheet (right) outlines how we can do the right thing when riding in the bush.
Sharing rail trails
Rail trails are multi-use trails converted from disused railway lines.
Tram lanes and bikes
Information about tram lanes.
According to the road rules vehicles are not permited to travel in a tram specific lane, this includes bicycles. This ...
Zebra Crossings
Bicycle Victoria's position on "Zebra" and other uncontrolled crossings
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