Know the rules.
Ride with confidence.
A clear, practical guide to the ACT road rules that apply when you ride on roads, crossings, bicycle lanes, footpaths and shared paths.
Six rules to check
before every ride.
These are the everyday requirements that matter most. The detailed sections below cover the rules people often miss.
Fastened and approved
Riders and most passengers must wear an approved bicycle helmet, securely fitted and fastened. Limited exceptions apply.
Brake and warning device
Your bicycle must have at least one effective brake and a working bell, horn or similar warning device.
White front, red rear
At night or in hazardous weather reducing visibility, display a white front light and red rear light visible for at least 200 m, plus a red rear reflector visible for at least 50 m in low-beam headlights.
Keep left, give way
On footpaths and shared paths, keep left unless impracticable and give way to every pedestrian.
Maximum 10 km/h
Approach and ride across at no more than 10 km/h. Look for traffic, prepare to stop and give way to pedestrians.
Do not hold or operate it
Mobile device rules apply to bicycle riders, including while stopped in traffic. Park before handling your phone; limited mounted and hands-free exceptions depend on your licence status.
Road, lane or path.
Know your place.
In the ACT, bicycle riders of any age may ride on footpaths unless a sign or road marking prohibits bicycles.
A bicycle is a vehicle
Most general road rules apply to bicycle riders, including traffic lights, signs, lane markings, speed limits, safe overtaking, due care and proper control.
Use the lane when practicable
If a same-direction bicycle lane is provided, you must use it unless it is impracticable.
Keep left and give way
Keep left unless impracticable, give way to pedestrians and keep left of oncoming riders.
Stay on the bicycle side
Do not ride on the part designated for pedestrians. Obey no bicycles signs and road markings.
You can ride across.
Slowly and carefully.
The ACT permits riding across children’s crossings, marked foot crossings and pedestrian crossings when the crossing rules are followed.
- Approach at no more than 10 km/h.
- Look for approaching traffic and prepare to stop.
- At a signalised crossing, start only on the appropriate green bicycle or pedestrian light.
- Give way to pedestrians and keep left of oncoming riders and pedestrians.
Leave room.
It is the law.
Drivers passing bicycle riders travelling in the same direction must leave the required minimum distance.
At 60 km/h or less
At least one metre when the applicable speed limit is no more than 60 km/h.
Above 60 km/h
At least one and a half metres when the applicable speed limit is more than 60 km/h.
When necessary to leave this distance, a driver may cross certain dividing or continuous lines, but only with a clear view and when the manoeuvre can be completed safely.
The details that make
a safer ride.
Two abreast is permitted
You may generally ride alongside one other rider, no more than 1.5 m apart. Exceptions allow more riders abreast when overtaking or in an approved event.
Signal before turning right
Give sufficient warning by extending your right arm horizontally before turning right, unless making a hook turn.
Passing on the left
You may pass vehicles on the left, but not when a vehicle is turning left and giving a left-turn signal.
Stay in proper control
Ride facing forward with at least one hand on the handlebars and maintain proper control.
Do not create a hazard
Do not move into another person’s path, hold a moving vehicle or remain within 2 m behind a moving motor vehicle for more than 200 m.
Use bicycle storage boxes correctly
Enter storage areas from a bicycle lane where required and give way to vehicles entering or already in the area.
Carry people
the right way.
A bicycle may carry only the number of people it is designed to carry, and each passenger must use the seat designed for them.
When towing a child in a trailer
- The rider must be at least 16.The rider towing the trailer must be 16 years old or older.
- The passenger must be under 10.The trailer must be able to carry them safely.
- A helmet is required.The passenger must wear an approved helmet, securely fitted and fastened, subject to the limited legal exception.
A bicycle does not
put you outside the law.
General road transport laws also apply because a bicycle is a vehicle.
- Mobile devicesDo not use a mobile device while riding or stopped but not parked. Rule 300 permits limited mounted navigation and hands-free uses, with tighter conditions for learner and provisional licence holders.
- Alcohol and drugsIt is an offence to ride while affected by alcohol or drugs to the point that you cannot properly control the bicycle.
- Legal e-bikesLegal categories include power-assisted pedal cycles up to 200 W and compliant electrically power-assisted cycles up to 250 W. For the latter, motor assistance cuts out at 25 km/h while pedalling; limited start-up assistance may operate up to 6 km/h. Other requirements also apply.
Stop. Share details.
Report it.
Crash duties also apply to bicycle riders. If someone is seriously injured or in immediate danger, call 000.
Stop
Stop at the scene and make it safe. Call 000 for urgent police or medical help.
Exchange details
Give your name and at least one contact detail (address, phone number or email) to the people required by road rule 287. Provide the bicycle owner’s details if it is not yours.
Report within 24 hours
Report the crash as soon as possible, generally within 24 hours, to police or through the ACT Policing collision page.
Questions,
answered.
These answers summarise the current rules. The official legislation always takes priority.
Can adults ride on footpaths in the ACT?
Yes. Riders must keep left unless impracticable, give way to pedestrians and obey no bicycles signs or markings.
Can I ride across a pedestrian crossing?
Yes. Approach and cross at no more than 10 km/h, prepare to stop, give way to pedestrians and follow the appropriate crossing lights.
Do I have to use a bicycle lane?
You must use a same-direction bicycle lane unless it is impracticable to do so.
Can bicycle riders ride two abreast?
Yes. You may ride alongside one other rider, with no more than 1.5 m between you.
Do riders have to signal?
A rider must signal before turning right by extending their right arm horizontally, unless making a hook turn.
Is every electric bike treated as a bicycle?
No. Only e-bikes that meet the legal bicycle definition receive the same access as unpowered bicycles.
Are all bicycle offences the same fine?
No. Penalties vary by offence and can change. Check the current Road Transport (Offences) Regulation 2005.
Read the current law.
This guide was checked against the ACT legislation and guidance current on 29 September 2026.
Important: This page provides general information, not legal advice. It does not replace the legislation or cover every factual situation.
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