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Cycle Safety

Cycling is affordable, fun and a great way to stay fit and healthy. It's important to remember, that as a road user, you must follow the road rules and you must also wear an approved safety helmet.

Group of people cycling along a 2 way cycleway near hagley park

Cycling smart

Cycling requires a certain amount of skill. If you’re not experienced at riding in traffic, take the time to build your confidence on quieter roads.

Practice your skills and plan your route to make use of cycle lanes or streets with less traffic and speeds of under 50km/h. If possible, find an experienced cycling friend or colleague to ride with.

We have some resources that can help build your cycling confidence and skills:

Sharing the road

Cycling is great fun and an excellent way to get around. Here are a few simple tips to stay safe when sharing the road.

  • Be seen - Wear high visibility or brightly coloured clothing and use lights. 
  • Be aware - Watch for car doors opening, potholes, rubbish, grates, and pedestrians. Always check for left turning vehicles.  
  • Be predictable - Make eye contact with other road users. Maintain a straight line and don’t pass on the left hand side.  
  • Be confident - Use hand signals and a bell. Ride at least one metre from parked cars. Use the cycle or traffic lane. 
  • Be safe - Follow the road rules and choose the safest route.  
  • Be patient - Slow down near parked or lined up vehicles. Pass slowly and only when safe.
  • Be prepared - Wear an approved helmet and check your bike regularly - brakes, tyres, chain, lights, reflectors.

Check out these resources for safety tips on urban roads (external link)  and safety tips on rural roads (external link) .

Safety reminders

Cycling safety information and campaigns.

How to use a cycleway

Learn all about using cycleways.