Here's what you need to know about when Melbourne's Metro Tunnel is opening, the new stations and how it will affect you.
Cycling
Can you ride a bicycle on the footpath?
Do bike riders have to stop at zebra crossings and school crossings?
The must-know road rules for all bike riders in Victoria
Can you ride on the footpath, use your phone while cycling, or ride two-abreast? These are the Victorian cycling road rules every bike rider, motorist, and pedestrian should know to help keep all road users safe.
Riding a bike is a popular pastime in Victoria, with RACV data showing almost half of those surveyed use a bike as a form of transport.
However, people riding bikes face a risk of serious injury in a crash that is 34 times higher than for vehicle occupants, according to the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
TAC data also shows that an average of 12 bike riders have died each year over the past five years, underscoring the persistent safety risks on Victorian roads.
RACV Head of Policy James Williams says everyone has a part to play in keeping bike riders safe.
“Bike riders are among the most vulnerable road users,” he says. “Both motorists and cyclists can help improve everyone’s safety by knowing and adhering to the road rules.”
Read on to understand the most critical road rules for bike riders, motorists and other road users in Victoria.
Bike riding rules in Victoria
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Yes. When it comes to helmets, the law is clear: all bike riders regardless of age, plus any passengers (such as children in bike seats), must wear an approved helmet and it must be done up securely. This is one of the simplest ways to stay safe when riding a bicycle.
Here is a checklist to follow when buying a helmet:
- Check the interior of the helmet for a label stating it complies with Australian Standards.
- Make sure the helmet fits snugly but comfortably on your head.
- When done up correctly, it should not be possible to move the helmet forward on your head.
By law, you must also wear an approved helmet if you’re riding a scooter or e-scooter. Helmet laws apply when riding on the road, footpath, in car parks, in bike lanes, on shared paths and in parks.
More: Helmet rules for cyclists, scooter and skateboard riders in Victoria.
What are the rules for motorists interacting with bike riders?
Motorists must leave at least one metre between them and bike riders when overtaking if travelling at 60km/h or less. If driving in speed zones over 60km/h, motorists must leave at least 1.5m of space.
Keep in mind that bike riders can legally take up an entire traffic lane, which may be the safest option on narrow roads where there is no bike lane present.
Can you ride a bicycle on the footpath?
Children aged 12 and under can ride their bike on footpaths. An adult or teenager can also ride on the footpath if accompanying a child under 12, or if they’re riding with a child in a child bike seat attached to the bike.
Riders aged over 12 can also ride on the footpath if they have a medical condition or disability that makes riding on the road difficult. Riders must carry a medical certificate confirming the condition. A person accompanying someone with a medical condition or disability may also ride on the footpath.
Note that footpaths are different to shared paths. Shared paths are clearly marked and can be used by bike riders, pedestrians, e-scooter riders and those using a wheeled recreational device (such as a skateboard). Bicycles must give way to pedestrians when using a shared path.
More: Pedestrian road rules in Victoria and safety tips
Bike riders must use bike lanes where they exist, unless it is impracticable to do so. Image: Matt Harvey
Do bike riders have to use bike lanes or can they cycle on the road?
Bike riders may ride on the road unless signs say otherwise. Where a marked bicycle lane is provided, riders must use it unless it is impracticable to do so, such as when making a right‑hand turn or avoiding an obstacle.
Riders are not required to use an off‑road or shared path, even if it runs alongside the road, and may continue riding on the road instead.
Bike riders may also use bus lanes unless signage specifically prohibits it.
Can bike riders use freeways?
Bike riders are not permitted on urban freeways, or on any other freeway where signage prohibits cyclists. However, cyclists may ride on the shoulder of some regional freeways where signs specifically allow it.
More: Freeway road rules in Victoria: merging, lanes, speed and breakdowns
Does a bicycle need to have lights and reflectors?
Working bike lights and reflectors are required for riding at night or in bad weather. This means a white light on the front, plus a red light and red reflector on the back. The lights can be either flashing or static, but must be visible from 200m away, and the reflector from 50m.
Your bike must also have at least one working brake, plus a working bell, horn, or other warning device.
Reflective clothing is not a legal requirement, but RACV recommends that bike riders, especially children, wear bright clothing to maximise their visibility.
What are the rules for motorists who need to cross a bike lane to make a left-hand turn?
In Victoria, a bicycle rider must not pass or overtake to the left of a vehicle that is in the process of turning left and is indicating a left turn.
If the vehicle has indicated a left turn but not commenced the turn, the vehicle must give way to the bicycle rider (regardless of whether the vehicle is in front of the bicycle).
Motorists may enter a bicycle lane for up to 50m to prepare for a turn or to park where permitted, but they must give way to bicycle riders when doing so.
Dooring and cyclist safety
Dooring is one of the most significant hazards for cyclists. RACV therefore supports the inclusion of the ‘Dutch Reach’ technique in the Victorian road rules handbook and learner driver materials. This technique encourages motorists to use their left hand to open the driver’s side door, prompting them to check for approaching bicycle riders.
You can wear headphones while riding a bike, but they shouldn't interfere with your ability to hear your surroundings. Image: Shannon Morris
Can bike riders cycle two-abreast?
Bike riders are legally allowed to cycle two abreast (two riders cycling next to each other) in both single and multi-lane roads in Victoria. When travelling two abreast, riders should be no more than 1.5 metres apart, and no more than two riders can cycle parallel next to each other (a third may do so temporarily to overtake).
Where there is a bike lane (and it is practicable to use), bike riders must use it.
Can I use my phone while cycling?
Like motor vehicle drivers, bike riders must not use a mobile phone or other portable device, such as a smartwatch, while riding. Limited exceptions apply, including briefly touching the device to make or receive a call, using the phone’s audio functions, or using GPS, provided these functions are operated hands-free and the phone is secured in a commercially designed mount attached to the bicycle.
Can I wear headphones while cycling?
It is not illegal to wear headphones while riding a bike, but you should make sure they don’t interfere with your ability to hear and safely react to the traffic around you. It's important to take into account that electric vehicles are quieter and harder to hear than diesel and petrol cars.
More: What is an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) for EVs?
What are the rules for riding an e-bike?
Electric bicycle or e-bike riders in Victoria must abide by the same road rules as conventional, non-powered cyclists.
E-bikes don't need to be registered in Victoria, as long as they meet the specification requirements as set out by Transport Victoria and have not been modified to exceed these specifications - visit the website to find out more.
Bike riders should use their bell to alert pedestrians when using a shared path. Image: Matt Harvey
Do bike riders have to stop at red traffic lights?
Yes. Bike riders must obey all traffic signs and signals, including traffic lights. This means they must stop at a red light and stop if safe to do so at a yellow light.
Do bike riders have to stop at zebra crossings and school crossings?
Yes, bike riders and e‑mobility users (including e‑bikes and e‑scooters) must give way to pedestrians under the same conditions that apply to motorists. This includes giving way to pedestrians at zebra crossings and children's crossings near schools. Riders should approach all types of pedestrian crossings at a safe speed and be prepared to stop.
Do bike riders have to indicate when turning?
Bike riders must signal their intention to turn right by extending their right arm.
Bike riders do not have to signal to turn left, but it is good practice if safe to do so.
When should I use the bell when riding a bike?
A bicycle must have a bell, horn or similar warning device to be considered roadworthy.
When on shared paths, or footpaths where applicable, bike riders should use their bell when overtaking to alert other path users to their presence.
