National Road Safety Week: A Reminder That Everyone Has a Role to Play
This week is National Road Safety Week, an annual campaign encouraging all Australians to help reduce road trauma and make roads safer for everyone, whether they are driving, riding, walking or rolling.
Throughout the week, Pedal Power has been sharing a series of cycling road rules and safety reminders across social media to help raise awareness of some of the ACT laws that affect people riding bikes and those sharing the road with them.
Many of the rules discussed during the week are designed not only to improve safety for people riding bikes, but also to make interactions between all road users more predictable and safer.
Riding across crossings
One of the ACT’s lesser-known cycling laws allows people riding bikes to legally ride across pedestrian and signalised crossings, provided they approach and cross at speeds of 10km/h or less and give way to pedestrians.
The rule was introduced to improve convenience and safety for riders while still prioritising pedestrian safety. Riders are expected to slow down, check for approaching traffic and be prepared to stop if necessary.
Minimum passing distance laws
The ACT also has minimum passing distance laws designed to improve safety when drivers overtake people riding bikes.
Drivers must leave:
at least 1 metre when overtaking in speed zones up to 60km/h
at least 1.5 metres in speed zones above 60km/h
Many people are unaware that ACT road rules specifically allow drivers to cross double unbroken centre lines when overtaking a person riding a bike if it is necessary to provide the required passing distance and it is safe to do so.
However, this does not remove a driver’s responsibility to ensure the road ahead is clear and that the manoeuvre can be completed safely.
Filtering and shared paths
People riding bikes in the ACT are also permitted to overtake slow or stopped traffic on the left in many situations. However, riders cannot pass on the left if a vehicle is turning left and indicating.
On shared paths and footpaths, people riding bikes must keep left and give way to pedestrians. Slowing down when passing and using a bell courteously can help create safer and more comfortable shared spaces for everyone.
Visibility and bike safety requirements
Visibility remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve rider safety.
ACT law requires bikes ridden after dark to display:
a white front light
a red rear light
a red rear reflector
The rear reflector remains important because it continues reflecting vehicle headlights even if bike lights are switched off or batteries fail.
Every bike ridden on ACT roads must also have:
at least one effective brake
a warning device such as a bell
an approved helmet worn securely
A quick bike safety check before heading out can help riders avoid mechanical problems and improve safety on the road.
Bike trailers and family riding
The ACT also permits the use of bike trailers, though several safety rules apply:
the rider towing the trailer must be at least 16 years old
passengers must be under 10 years old
all passengers must wear an approved helmet
Cargo bikes and bike trailers are becoming increasingly common across Canberra as more families use bikes for school drop-offs, errands and daily transport.
Sharing the road
National Road Safety Week serves as a reminder that safety on Canberra’s roads depends on awareness, patience and cooperation from everyone using them.
Whether driving, riding or walking, understanding the road rules and looking out for one another can help reduce conflicts, prevent crashes and make Canberra’s roads and shared paths safer for everybody.
