Cyclists

Many South Australians cycle for recreation and transport. Around 17% of the population ride their bicycles weekly.

Cyclists have limited protection. They are more likely to suffer injuries in the event of a crash, particularly if the crash involves a motor vehicle. Most serious injuries that involve a bicycle rider occur in metropolitan Adelaide and during peak times.

Cycling rules and safety

Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. The law defines bicycles as vehicles on the road and any road-related area.

As cyclists share roads and paths with other road users, there are also specific rules for them. Cyclists must understand and behave according to the road rules for their own and everyone's safety.

When cycling on the road, there are numerous safety rules for cyclists, such as:

• keeping to the left
• using hand signals
• passing vehicles on the left
• cycling abreast
• not causing a hazard.

When cycling on footpaths or shared paths, cyclists must:

• share the path with other users
• give way to pedestrians.

Cyclists must:

• use an approved bicycle helmet
• have an effective brake and warning device on their bike
• use lights at night and in hazardous weather.

My Licence contains information on road rules, videos and road rules refreshers for all road users. It also provides links to specific rules for cyclists.

Plan your bike ride

When cycling for fun or transport, a little planning goes a long way for a safe and enjoyable ride. It's easy to get started, whether you're new to cycling or dusting off the old bike.

To help you prepare, download Cycle Instead: A guide for new and rusty riders (PDF, 5025 KB).

Where to cycle

The Cycle Instead Journey Planner is an interactive tool that uses the Bikedirect network to help plan cycling trips. It uses a variety of options that consider:

• fitness and confidence levels
• road conditions
• speed of travel.

Visit SA.GOV.AU to view these cycling maps:

• 14 Bikedirect cycling maps provide options for people with different needs and abilities. The maps show main roads, bicycle lanes, local streets and off-road paths.
• Five printed cycling and walking maps help people make active travel choices in Adelaide’s metropolitan suburbs. They include estimated travel times. To order copies, email dit.roadsafety@sa.gov.au.

Trails SA also more than 600 trail experiences across South Australia, from local sealed paths to off-road adventures.

Your local council may also provide local mapping options for cycling.

Making roads safer for cyclists

Connected routes and calmer traffic mean safer cycling. Slower traffic in urban areas make people feel more comfortable riding bikes, This makes them more likely to choose active travel to get around, and is good for the environment and health.

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport invests in safety for cyclists through changes to:

• roads
• intersections
• separated bicycle routes
• crossing facilities.

A range of these treatments are listed below.

To learn how the government is improving safety for cyclists, read the SA Road Safety Action Plan.