Be Safe Be Seen

Monday, 17 January 2022

The big inflatable bike is back in Victoria Square – marking the start of the 2022 Santos Festival of Cycling and reinforcing the Government of South Australia’s commitment, through the THINK! Road Safety initiative, to supporting cycling safety.

As the Santos Festival of Cycling pushes off for 2022, we remind all road users that keeping bike riders safe on the roads is a joint effort between those on the bike and those behind the wheel.

Follow these tips to keep everyone safe on the road.

For bike riders:

Whether you are a Tour Down Under and Festival of Cycling fan or avid bike rider year round, there are always things you can do to improve your safety on the road.

All bike riders are reminded to:

  • Obey the road rules
  • Keep to the left on the road where practicable
  • Look for people opening car doors in front of you
  • Be safe and be seen, during the day wear bright coloured clothing, at night wear light-coloured clothing and use a white front light and red rear light
  • Look for other vehicles at intersections - never assume a driver has seen you
  • Signal your intention to turn or change lanes
  • Ride two abreast at a maximum, unless you are overtaking
  • Ride on footpaths, as long as you sound a warning on approach and give way to pedestrians.

For drivers:

This time of year inspires many regular and occasional bike riders to take to their two wheels.

Drivers are asked to:

  • Share the road: allow a minimum of one metre of space when passing a bike rider on roads with a speed limit of 60km/h and under, and 1.5 metres when passing on a road over 60 km/h
  • Give way to bike riders according to the road rules as you would for any other vehicle
  • Before opening your car door look behind and check blind spots for bike riders
  • Do not drive, stop or park in a bicycle lane. You can, carefully, cross a bicycle lane to turn left, enter private property or park in a parking lane
  • Keep in mind that bike riders can legally ride two abreast - be patient as you approach and overtake only when safe.

THINK! Road Safety is a South Australian Government initiative aimed at encouraging bike riders and all other road users to think about their behaviour and actions on the road. Every time you push off on your bike or get behind the wheel, THINK! Road Safety and help end the road tragedy heartache.