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.
Bicycle Victoria position: Registration of bicycles
Information about registering your bicycle.
Bicycles and trams
Bike lanes and cars
Bike lanes are for bicycles.
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"?
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.
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.
Motorised and powered bikes
Info about the laws for powered bikes, skateboards and scooters.
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 a dead end
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...
Share the path
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 ...