Road rules related to cycling
When cycling you are bound by the same rules as driving but there are some exceptions. We've also listed a few rules that may be of interest.
Intersections
Cyclists can make hook turns at all intersections unless signage prohibits hook turns by bicycles (Rule 35).
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Cyclists riding through multi-lane roundabouts who travel on the far left line of traffic must give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout (Rule 119)
Overtaking
A driver on a road with a dividing line may drive to the right of the dividing line to overtake or pass the rider of a bicycle that is travelling in the same direction as the driver if the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic; and it is necessary and reasonable, in all the circumstances, for the driver to drive to the right of the dividing line to overtake or pass the rider; and the driver can do so safely (Rule 139A).
A driver must not overtake a vehicle unless the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic; and the driver can safely overtake the vehicle (Rule 140)
A driver (except the rider of a bicycle) must not overtake a vehicle to the left of the vehicle (with some exceptions). The rider of a bicycle must not ride past, or overtake, to the left of a vehicle that is turning left and is giving a left change of direction signal (Rule 141).
A driver overtaking a bicycle must pass at a sufficient distance to avoid a collision or obstructing the path of the bicycle; and must not return to the marked lane or line of traffic where the bicycle is travelling until the driver is a sufficient distance past the bicycle to avoid a collision or obstructing the path of the bicycle (Rule 144). In October 2017 a new safe passing distance law was introduced. A driver must maintain at least 1.0m clearance when passing in 60kph or less speed zones and at least 1.5m in speed zones over 60kph.
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Cyclists can not ride more than two abreast unless overtaking. When riding two abreast riders should not be more than 1.5m apart. This rule also applies on bike paths, shared paths and shoulder of the road (Rule 151)
Bicycle Lanes
A driver must not drive in a bicycle lane unless the vehicle is entering or leaving the road, avoiding an obstruction or right turning vehicle, stopping or parking or a bus or taxi picking up or dropping off passengers. The driver should not travel for more than 50 metres in the bike lane (Rule 153 & 158)
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The rider of a bicycle riding on a length of road with a bicycle lane designed for bicycles travelling in the same direction as the rider must ride in the bicycle lane unless it is impracticable to do so (Rule 247)
Footpaths, Shared paths & Cycleways
The rider of a bicycle can ride across pedestrian crossings, marked foot crossings (controlled by lights) and children's crossings. At Pedestrian crossings with lights the same rules apply to cyclists as pedestrians and can only cross when the pedestrian lights are green. When riding across a crossing cyclists must ride slowly and safely, give way to pedestrians on the crossing, and keep left. (Rule 248)
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It is legal to ride a bicycle on the footpath in Tasmania, unless there is signage prohibiting cycling. The rider of a bicycle riding on a footpath or shared path must keep to the left of the footpath or shared path unless it is impracticable to do so; and give way to any pedestrian on the footpath or shared path (Rule 250)
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The rider of a bicycle riding on a bicycle path, footpath, separated footpath or shared path must keep to the left of any oncoming bicycle rider on the path (Rule 251)
Equipment
A bicycle is defined as a vehicle with 2 or more wheels that is built to be propelled by human power through a belt, chain or gears (whether or not it has an auxiliary motor), and includes:
- a power-assisted pedal cycle where the primary source for propulsion is via the use of the pedals by the rider. The auxiliary motor/s on a power-assisted pedal cycle must not be capable of producing a combined maximum power output exceeding 200 watts, and the power from the motor/s may be controlled by a throttle or accelerator.
- an E-bike (pedalec) fitted with an electric motor that meets the European Standards for power-assisted pedal cycles. The rider must pedal the cycle to activate the motor and the maximum continuous power output of the motor cannot exceed 250 watts. The motor must cut-off once the cycle reaches 25km/h or sooner if the rider stops pedalling.
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The rider of a bicycle must wear an approved bicycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on the rider’s head, and any passengers (eg: child in child seat) must also wear an approved helmet (Rule 256).
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The rider of a bicycle must not tow a bicycle trailer with a person in or on the bicycle trailer, unless the rider is 16 years old, or older; and the person in or on the bicycle trailer is under 10 years old, the bicycle trailer can safely carry the person; and the person in or on the bicycle trailer is wearing an approved bicycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on the person’s head (Rule 257)
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The bike must have at least one effective brake and a warning device such as bell or horn (Rule 258)
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In poor light conditions or at night the bicycle must have a flashing or steady white light that is clearly visible for at least 200 metres from the front of the bicycle; and a flashing or steady red light that is clearly visible for at least 200 metres from the rear of the bicycle; and a red reflector that is clearly visible for at least 50 metres from the rear of the bicycle when light is projected onto it by a vehicle’s headlight on low-beam. (Rule 259)
Operating the bicycle
A bike rider must have at least one hand on the handlebar (Rule 245)
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The rider of a bicycle must not carry more persons on the bicycle than the bicycle is designed to carry eg: no dinking (Rule 246)
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The rider of a bicycle must not lead an animal, including by tethering the animal to the bicycle (Rule 301)
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Driver Responsibilities
A person must not cause a hazard to a cyclist by opening a door of a vehicle, leaving a door of a vehicle open, or getting off, or out of, a vehicle (Rule 269)
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A driver must not drive in a bicycle lane except for up to 50m in order to enter or leave the road, to overtake a vehicle that is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre of the road (Rule 153 & 158)