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 passengers must wear an approved bicycle helmet that is securely fitted and fastened.
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 reduced visibility you need a white front light and red rear light visible for 200 m, plus a red rear reflector visible for 50 m.
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. Stop and park before touching your phone. Limited hands-free and mounted navigation exceptions apply.
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 ride alongside one other rider. The two riders must remain no more than 1.5 m apart.
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 hold or manipulate a phone while moving or stopped but not parked. Limited mounted and hands-free exceptions apply.
- Alcohol and drugsIt is an offence to ride while affected by alcohol or drugs to the point that you cannot properly control the bicycle. It is also an offence to consume alcohol while riding.
- Legal e-bikesLegal categories include power-assisted pedal cycles up to 200 W and compliant electrically power-assisted cycles up to 250 W. Additional construction and assistance requirements apply.
Stop. Share details.
Report it.
Crash duties also apply to bicycle riders. If anyone is injured, call emergency services first.
Stop
Stop at the scene and make it safe. Call 000 for urgent police or medical help.
Exchange details
Give your name and contact details to the relevant people involved.
Report within 24 hours
Report the crash to ACT Policing or through the ACT crash reporting website.
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 legislation in force on 11 August 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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