Do I need to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle in Australia?
Yes, everyone in Australia who's old enough to ride a bicycle must be wearing a helmet when out in public settings to help protect your head from serious injury or harm in the event that you fall off or crash your bike. But you can't just wear any old helmet. The helmets used when riding a bicycle need to be to the Australian Standard (AS 2063), meaning the helmet sits securely on your head and you can fasten it accordingly.
However, there are some exceptions to this law with members of religious groups who wear headdresses or other accessories as part of that religion exempt from wearing a helmet if it is impractical to do so. You also don't have to wear a helmet if you have a medical reason for doing so but you must carry a copy of a medical certificate from your GP (general practitioner) with you when you're riding a bicycle if that is the case.
What are the bike laws in Australia?
In each Australian state, the law recognises cyclists as operators of motor vehicles so there are various rules and regulations you need to follow in order to ride a bike safely on the roads. This also means that cyclists need to adhere to the same traffic laws as motor vehicle drivers such as stopping at red lights and stop signs, stopping for pedestrians at crossings, and giving way to traffic when exiting a driveway and at other times where applicable.
Other rules you need to adhere to in order to uphold bike laws in Australia include the following:
- You must use a hand signal when turning right.
- You must not lead an animal while riding a bike.
- You must keep a minimum of 2 metres distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- You must have a working bell or other warning devices on your bike at all times.
If there is a clearly marked bike lane on the road, it is up to the cyclist whether or not they want to use it or remain on the road. Cyclists can also ride their bikes on the footpath, as well as special purpose lanes such as bus lanes, tram lanes, and transit lanes.
Return to Australia Cycling FAQs
Read more about Australia
Mar 18, 2023
4 things you can expect when hiking...
One thing's for sure, hiking the Larapinta Trail will be one of the greatest...
Mar 26, 2023
7 ways to prepare for the Larapinta...
Here are 7 things you can do to set yourself up for success.
Aug 23, 2022
Championing coastal wetlands: Blue...
Intrepid Foundation partner Blue Carbon Lab is working to mitigate climate change...
May 16, 2023
The 6 things you should know before...
This trail will leave you feeling different. In the best way possible.
May 04, 2023
22 new ways we’re creating positive...
Our not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, is welcoming 22 new partners in 2023....
Sep 11, 2022
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape: stories...
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in Western Victoria is one of Australia’s most...
Oct 28, 2022
5 amazing First Nations travel...
Got a trip to Sydney on the cards? The iconic harbour city is home to some...
Nov 21, 2022
5 of Australia’s best First Nations...
Together with our friends at Welcome to Country, we’ve compiled a list of some of...
Apr 29, 2023
Best time to visit Australia
No matter what time of the year you want to travel, Australia’s mild climate and...
Jun 29, 2022
“NAIDOC is like a beacon.” We asked...
Held in the first week of July each year, NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises...
Dec 07, 2022
How to connect to Country on your...
Drew Roberts is the founder of Shared Knowledge, an organisation delivering...
Dec 31, 2022
Born to be wild: this Australian...
This year, we’re encouraging travellers to choose wildlife experiences that give...
Jan 01, 2023
7 unforgettable wildlife experiences...
If you dream of spotting sloths and sea turtles in Costa Rica or channelling your...
Jan 02, 2023
6 ways you can celebrate, support and...
Travel isn’t just about the places you go. It’s about the people you meet – and...
Jan 30, 2023
Standley Chasm – Angkerle Atwatye:...
The significant Women’s Dreaming site Angkerle Atwatye (also known as Standley...
Apr 05, 2023
5 amazing First Nations travel...
Planning a trip to Brisbane? Queensland's sunny capital has a rich Indigenous...
Jan 20, 2022
6 of the best Northern Territory...
You'll never run out of fascinating natural wonders to explore in the Northern...
Aug 17, 2022
The top 9 destinations for travel in...
From hiking in Patagonia to spotting newborn wildlife in Uganda, here's where you...
Jul 29, 2018
10 stops you can’t miss along the...
Feasibly the most famous of all the Australian road trips, the Great Ocean Road...
Dec 08, 2021
6 incredibly breathtaking Cradle...
Walk, hike, and trek your way through Cradle Mountain.
May 01, 2022
Life after cancer: the survivor who...
“A few years ago, my husband was killed. My children grew up and got married...
Sep 04, 2022
The top 10 destinations to travel in...
We're looking at where to travel in May, a balmy, sunshine-in-a-bowl sort of month...
Feb 16, 2022
12 things to add to your Eyre...
The Eyre Peninsula ticks all the boxes for an ocean-meets-outback adventure.
Aug 12, 2022
Australia or New Zealand? Where to go...
Here's an idea: visit one and then immediately go to the other one straight after.