Bicycles are vehicles and, under the law, bike riders have the same rights and responsibilities as car drivers.
To stay safe when riding, make sure you obey the road rules, ride in a sensible and predictable manner, and share the road respectfully and safely with other road users. It is also important to have the right bike safety gear and keep your bike in good order.
For bike safety information and resources, see:
We offer a number of bike skills workshops covering key cycling skills, including bike maintenance.
Riding on the footpath
You can ride on a footpath if you:
- are a child under the age of 13
- are a person 13 and over who is accompanying a child under the age of 13
- are an adult 18 or over who is cycling with a young child in a child seat attached to their bicycle, or with a child pedalling on a bike attachment at the back of an adult bicycle
- have been given and are following the conditions on a medical certificate that says you have a disability that makes it difficult for you to ride on the road.
When riding on footpaths and shared paths, bike riders need to:
- keep to the left on footpaths and shared paths (unless impractical to do so)
- give way to pedestrians.
A bike rider is required to have a bell or similar warning device on their bicycle. When overtaking other path users a cyclist should use this warning device or their voice to warn others.
Riding on a shared path
Shared paths are for people of all ages and paces, including cyclists, pedestrians, joggers, children on scooters or roller skates, families with prams and dog walkers, as well as people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
A shared path is identified by a sign with an image of a pedestrian and a bike on a path.
When riding or walking on a shared path, be considerate of other path users to keep our shared paths safe and enjoyable for everyone.