All road users – motorists and cyclists alike – need to ensure bike riders’ safety in the ACT.

ACT Policing joined forces this week with Pedal Power and Lonsdale Street Cyclery to remind the public of their responsibility to share the road and their right to travel safely.

Cyclists should always wear a helmet, obey the road rules, be visible, and indicate to motorists before changing direction or turning.

Drivers should leave a 1 metre distance between their car and cyclists if the posted speed limit is up to 60 km/h, and a 1.5 metre distance if the posted speed limit is above 60 km/h.

Detective Superintendent Matt Craft said officers are constantly looking out for drivers putting cyclists at risk, and cyclists who take chances with their own safety.  

“We all have a responsibility to share the road,” Superintendent Craft said. “The ACT is an active transport city, whether that’s using a bike, e-scooter, light rail, or buses. We can all do better at looking out for one another.”

Simon Copland, Pedal Power executive director, said: “Cyclists do not have the same physical protection that those passing us in cars, trucks, and buses have, making us extremely vulnerable road users. We can, however, all do better to ensure everyone’s safety on our roads.”

Cyclists should  

• Obey the road rules, such as stopping at all red traffic lights, and wear a bicycle helmet. 
• Be visible. Wear brightly coloured clothing and use lights when cycling at night.  
• Ride predictably and indicate to motorists before changing direction or turning.  
• When riding two-abreast on a single lane road, cyclists must not ride more than 1.5 metres away from the other rider.   
• Cyclists may not ride on a single lane road alongside more than one other rider unless overtaking or if they are taking part in an approved event.   
• Keep your bicycle in good order. Good brakes, tyres, and a bell will assist with safety.  
• Anticipate other road-users’ actions.  

Drivers should   

• Leave 1 metre between their car and bicycle if the posted speed limit is up to 60 km/h.  
• Leave 1.5 metres between their car and bicycle if the posted speed limit is above 60 km/h.  
• Watch out for cyclists, particularly at intersections and roundabouts.  
• Check behind you for cyclists before opening your car door.  
• Remember that cyclists are legitimate road users – please treat all road users with respect and according to the road rules.  
• Anticipate other road-users’ actions. 

The ACT Policing Traffic Focus for March will focus on commuters, including public transport passengers, e-scooter and bike riders, and pedestrians.