Right: Adelaide's green bike paths; the South Australian capital is experimenting with non-skid, brightly coloured bicycle paths. The contrast between the motorway surface and the green bike section is expected to remind motorists that cars are barred from the bicycle routes.
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Background information
Cycling Rules
(The following information is taken from the 'Cycling Rules' brochure produced by the Western Australian Department of Transport. It is current as of November, 2013. The full document can be accessed at http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/activetransport/24949.asp)
Definition of a bicycle
A bicycle is a legal vehicle with two or more wheels that is built to be propelled by human power through a belt, chain or gears. Pedicabs, penny farthings and tricycles are considered bicycles. Vehicles not considered bicycles are wheelchairs, wheeled recreational devices like Segways, wheeled toys like scooters or skates, or any vehicle with an auxiliary motor capable of generating a power output over 200 watts (whether or not the motor is operating).
Standard requirements
There are standard requirements that need to be met before a bicycle can be considered legal for use on the roads and shared paths.
These requirements include:
* a bell (or other effective warning device) that functions correctly and is fixed in a convenient position;
* an effective foot operated or hand operated rear wheel brake. A front brake is optional;
* a red reflector fitted to the rear;
* a yellow side reflector (visible from both sides) on each wheel; and
* yellow reflectors fitted to both side edges of each pedal.
When riding in hazardous weather, dusk, dawn or dark conditions, a bicycle must also have:
* a front light showing an unbroken or a flashing white beam that is clearly visible from 200 metres, and;
* a rear light showing an unbroken or flashing red beam that is clearly visible from 200 metres.
The rider, passenger and helmets
A bicycle rider does not have to be licensed in order to use public roads. Police recommend that children under nine years of age do not ride on a road unless closely supervised by a responsible adult.
Passengers
The number and design of seats on a bicycle governs the number, size and age of passengers it can legally carry. Children can be carried in an approved child bicycle seat or bicycle trailer, providing the rider is at least 16 years of age. The passengers must be under the age of 10.
A bicycle trailer must be designed so that it can safely carry the passenger.
The seats for children must be:
* securely attached to the frame;
* attached in a position that is not directly located on the handlebar;
* fitted with a footrest and guard that prevent the child's feet from coming into contact with moving parts of the bicycle; and,
* fitted with a restraining device that cannot be accidentally released.
Helmets
Bicycle riders travelling on roads and paths must wear an approved helmet. The helmet must be of a standard approved by the Director General of the Department of Transport. At present, these only include helmets that comply with AS/NZS 2063:2008-Bicycle helmets.
All approved helmets must be sold with a compliance sticker attached.
A child carried in a child carrier seat and the passenger in a trailer being towed by a bicycle must also wear approved helmets. Passengers in a pedicab are not required to wear helmets.
Retention straps of helmets must be fastened at all times.
Rules affecting cycling
When using a public road all bicycle riders must obey the same rules as other vehicles such as cars and trucks. The most common rules include those applying to traffic control lights, stop signs, careless and reckless riding, riding under the influence of alcohol, and keeping left. Riders can access a full version of the Road Traffic Act 1974, Road Traffic Code 2000, and the Road Traffic (Bicycles) Regulations 2002 at their library or on the State Law Publisher's website.
Overtaking vehicles
Bicycle riders cannot overtake on the left side of a motor vehicle if that motor vehicle is indicating or appears to be turning left, except for locations such as traffic lights where motor vehicles are stationary at a red light.
U-turning
A U-turn is a turn by which a vehicle, facing or travelling on a carriageway in one direction, is made to face or travel in the opposite direction. Bicycle riders must not commence a U turn unless it can be performed with safety and without interfering with the movement of other traffic. The U turn must only be commenced if the rider has a clear view of approaching traffic. Drivers/bicycle riders are not allowed to make a U-turn at an uncontrolled intersection if there is a "no U-turn" sign. A U-turn at a controlled intersection (i.e. with traffic lights) is illegal unless otherwise stated.
Roads with bicycle lanes
Wherever a bicycle lane is provided as part of a road and is in a reasonable condition for use, the rider must use that portion of the road and no other.
Using designated crossing points
The rider of a bicycle must not ride across a road by using a children's crossing, a pedestrian crossing or a marked foot crossing. A rider wishing to cross at these points must walk the bicycle across. Some controlled crossing points (where a shared path meets a road) will have special bicycle crossing lights indicating that it is permissible to ride across when lights are green. When lights are red, bicycle riders must stop.
Causing an obstruction
The rider of a bicycle shall not unreasonably obstruct or prevent free passage of a vehicle or pedestrian upon a path or road. Similarly, vehicles and pedestrians shall not unreasonably obstruct a bicycle. Riding slower than other vehicles is not considered an obstruction.
Rules applying only to cyclists
In addition to the road rules applying to all vehicles, there are some specific rules that only apply to bicycle riders, who:
* Must have at least one hand on the handlebar while in motion.
* Must wear an approved helmet while in motion.
* Must not ride within two metres of the rear of a motor vehicle, over a distance of more than 200 metres.
* Must not hold onto another moving vehicle or be towed by it.
* Must not ride a bicycle on a freeway or other road that has designated restrictions that prohibit bicycle riding.
* Must not be more than two bicycles abreast on a road. When riding abreast, the two bicycles must be no more than 1.5 metres apart. This rule does not prevent another cyclist from overtaking.
* Must use the correct hand signals to turn left or right, and to stop. Turning left: horizontally extend your left arm and hand. Turning right: horizontally extend your right arm and hand. Stopping: extend the right arm and bend upwards at the elbow. Hand should be open with the palm forward.
* Must not ride in a pedestrian mall, square or plaza.
* Must not ride recklessly or carelessly.
Reporting dangerous or threatening behaviour
It is important that all members of the cycling community report behaviour by other road users that could be considered dangerous or overtly threatening in nature. It could help prevent further problems in the future for other riders. Any troubling incidents should be reported to your local police as soon as possible. If the incident involves a vehicle, it is useful to note the relevant make, model and registration details for ID purposes.