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 Safe Cycling Tips


Be predictable
Ride in as straight a line as possible. This will involve keeping to the left but not hugging the gutter and not weaving around parked cars. Signal your intentions - you are legally required to signal a right-hand turn (extend your right arm sideways from the bike) and it is a good idea to signal left as well.  You do not have to indicate slowing or stopping.

Keeping left
All road users are obliged to keep as far to the left as practicable. For cyclists this means leaving space for those unexpected pot holes and car doors!   On two-lane roads, you may occupy the lane and may travel in the right lane when necessary (eg. to make a right-hand turn).

Shared Paths
Cyclists must slow down and sound their bell (which is required to be fitted to all road bicycles under Queensland legislation) as you approach pedestrians to warn that you are about to pass on the right.

Bike lanes and bike paths
Where there is a bike lane on the road, you should ride in this lane unless it is impracticable to do so.  Travel in the same direction as the general traffic flow. Where there is a separated bike path, you may choose whether to ride on this path or ride on the road.  Cyclists may ride on any road unless directed otherwise.

Riding abreast
Cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast within a single lane as long as they are not more than 1.5m apart.  You may also overtake other cyclists who are riding two abreast.

Footpaths, shared paths and pedestrian crossings
Cyclists are allowed on footpaths unless prohibited by a bicycle prohibition sign.  You must keep left and give way to pedestrians.  Please note that there are some areas on campus where cyclists are requested to dismount. You must never ride your bike across a pedestrian crossing.  Dismount and walk across or ride with the flow of vehicle traffic.

Speed
Speed is a known contributor to accidents.  The speed limit on campus roads is 30km/h, reducing to 15km/h at pedestrian crossings and speed bumps.  High speed training groups must obtain permission (contact Geoff Dennis, Operations Manager, Property & Facilities Division by e-mail for more information).

Overtaking on the left
You can overtake other vehicles on the left unless they are signalling and turning left.  Be aware!  Remember sometimes drivers forget to indicate.

Roundabouts
This is one area where there is a rule specific to cyclists.  Motor vehicles must turn right from the right lane whereas cyclists may turn right from either lane.  If turning right from the left lane, then you must give way at each exit to vehicles leaving the roundabout.  Turn right from the right lane in the same way as other vehicles.

Hook Turns
As a cyclist, you are allowed to perform a hook turn to turn right at an intersection. Remain on the left while approaching the intersection. While applying the normal give way rules, enter the intersection and cross over to the far side of the road you wish to enter. As necessary, either wait for a green light or give way to traffic as per normal before crossing the intersection again and continuing in your new direction of travel.

The Queensland Transport maintains a Road Rules for Cyclists website, that contains detailed information for bike riders.