Content provided with permission of NT Govt, Department of Transport 2016.
The NT Road Users’ Handbook is a comprehensive guide for all drivers.
The handbook contains information about the rules of the road and basic driving skills.
The handbook also explains the Australian Road Rules which are used in each state and territory of Australia.
Bicycle Safety
It is important that all cyclists obey the road rules.
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users, however they are more vulnerable when travelling on the road. Cyclists and motorists need to consider each other and share the road safely.
Cyclists can read the following guides for more information:
Bicycle safety [595.8 kb] pdf
Bicycle safety rules [543.7 kb] pdf
Cycling safety rules
All of the below are some main road rules cyclists must follow:
- ride your bicycle correctly with a least one hand on the handlebars while in motion
- sit astride the seat facing forwards – unless the bike is designed otherwise
- always ride on the left unless overtaking or giving way to pedestrians
- you must not ride more than two bicycles abreast on a road
- you must use correct signals to turn left or right and to stop
- keep more than 2m from the rear of a vehicle
- do not hold onto moving vehicle while riding
- do not overtake on the left of a vehicle if the vehicle is moving and indicating to turn left
- use the left lane of a roundabout when you are turning right – providing you give way to all exiting traffic
- ride with an approved helmet if you are 17 years or riding on the road.
If you don’t follow these rules, you may face cycling offences and penalties.
Helmets
Cycling helmet must meet all of the following:
- have an Australian Standards sticker
- not be broken or damaged
- fit snugly and must not be too tight or too loose
- cover the forehead and temples
- have a chinstrap clip that is not broken and fastens firmly.
Riding on the footpath or bike path
You must follow these rules:
- keep to the left of any oncoming bicycle rider or pedestrian
- give way to pedestrians
- use your bell or horn to warn others, especially when riding up behind them.
Riding on the road
You must follow these rules:
- ride close to the far left side of the road
- obey all road rules including traffic signs, lights and road markings
- always give hand signals to indicate which direction you are about to travel
- don’t ride past, or overtake, to the left of a vehicle that is turning left
- don’t cause a traffic hazard by moving into the path of a driver or pedestrian
- don’t ride across a road on a children’s crossing, marked foot crossing or pedestrian crossing
- don’t carry a load that flaps, sways or overhangs the sides, front or back of the bicycle.
Riding your bike at night or in poor weather conditions
You must follow these rules:
- front light – a flashing or steady white light that is clearly visible for at least 200m
- rear light – a flashing or steady red light that is clearly visible for at least 200m
- rear red reflector –-that is clearly visible for at least 50m from the rear of the bicycle.
Sharing the road with cyclists
Drivers must:
- keep a safe distance and leave at least 1m when overtaking cyclists if travelling under 60km/h
- leave at least 2m if travelling more than 70km/h
- look for cyclists’ hand signals so you are aware of their intentions
- watch for pedestrians and cyclists when leaving or entering a driveway
- be aware that cyclists can legally ride two abreast
- give cyclists space when sharing the road as sometimes they need to ride out of a lane to avoid a hazard or obstacle.
Cyclists turning on the road
Cyclists can turn right from either the left or right lane of a multi-lane roundabout. If you use the left lane, you must give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout.
You can turn right at an intersection by making a hook turn unless prohibited by a sign on the road.
Summary of rules and responsibilities
Cyclists:
- Are allowed to ride side by side (up to two abreast) on the road and are permitted to use the right lane to turn right or perform a U-turn at a roundabout.
- Are allowed to ride on the footpath. All cycle paths are shared paths (with pedestrians) unless a sign indicates otherwise.
- Have a 20km/h speed limit on Darwin City Council shared paths.
- Must wear a helmet which meets Australian Standard AS/NZS 2063. The helmet must be properly fitted and fastened when riding a bicycle on a road or road-related area.
