Bicycle Network: Behaviour

* Overview of road rules

Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users.

Arrive Alive 2008 - 2017

This is the government's new road safety strategy. The section on cyclists is below. You can see they are keen on the bit about legislation as it is in twice.

Bells on bikes

Bicycle Network Victoria supports the use of bicycle bells, especially by riders using Rail Trails and bike paths (shared footways) where there are many people walking.

Better legislation

Bicycle Network Victoria works to change Victoria's traffic rules and other legislation to make conditions better for bike riders. Our calls for new legislation are part of a wider effort to prevent death and injury. This effort is based on actual cases and the best evidence. This page sums up our main recent efforts to change legislation.

Bicycle Network Victoria position: Registration of bicycles

Information about bicycle registration.

Bicycle Victoria position: Road rules

Bicycle Network Victoria's position on various issues relating to road rules

Bicycle Victoria position: Road safety

Bicycle Network Victoria's approach to road safety

Bicycles and trams

Bike lanes and cars

Bike lanes are for bicycles.

Bikes on metro public transport

Bicycle Network Victoria has argues that riders should be able to use buses and trams - as well as trains - to further their cycling range

Critical Mass rides

Bicycle Network Victoria is not involved in any way in the organisation of the regular Critical Mass rides and we do not support their actions.

Cyclists' rights to use the road

What do you say when someone challenges you with: "Cyclists should get off the road because they don't pay for them"?

Demerit points for riders

Bicycle Network Victoria's position

Footpath cycling

People aged under 12 years of age are permitted to ride their bicycles on the footpath.

Freeway cycling

Cycling is only permitted on the shoulders of some parts of rural freeways (not urban sections) and is not permitted on urban freeways.

Helmet cam as witness

Increasing numbers of riders have a camera on the helmet or handlebar just in case there is a dispute over the facts of a crash.

Helmet laws

Bicycle helmets are compulsory in Victoria.

Hoon aggression looms as problem

As rider numbers grow, so do reports of wanton hostility from the hoons.

Police and the law

The City of Melbourne has several full-time bicycle police.

Reporting unacceptable behaviour

Its a jungle out there . . . well, not quite. But there continues to be distressing incidents involving aggression, and illegality towards cyclists.

Reporting: Statutory declarations

Reporting incidents to the authorities is the duty of all bike riding citizens. A valid 'Stat Dec' can ensure that the authorities follow through and that matters don't fall between the cracks.

Review of Road Rules

The Federal Government is reviewing the national road rules and vehicle regulations. Changes are needed to make our roads more bike friendly.

Road rage research

Staying calm, cool and collected is a win you and all your fellow bike riders.

Roundabouts

What to do at a roundabout. It's essential to know the rules to get through roundabouts. Single-lane roundabouts In single-lane roundabouts, riders must...

Roundabouts got you in a spin?

They may seem innocuous enough, but roundabouts present a unique challenge for bike riders. Emma Clark investigates how they should be tackled.

Share the path

Sharing mountain bike tracks

The Info Sheet (right) outlines how we can do the right thing when riding in the bush.

Sharing rail trails

Rail trails are multi-use trails converted from disused railway lines.

Tram lanes and bikes

Information about tram lanes. According to the road rules vehicles are not permited to travel in a tram specific lane, this includes bicycles. This ...

Turning left: don't be left confused

"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.” Sound simple enough? As Emma Clark finds out, it’s not that straightforward.

Zebra Crossings

Bicycle Network Victoria's position on "Zebra" and other uncontrolled crossings