With the most recent edition released in 2025, the National Highway Code introduced new regulations for Cyclists all over Australia to consider. These modifications strive to enhance the safety of both operators of two-wheeled vehicles and pedestrians, whilst clarifying the minimum and maximum requirements of cyclists on the road, shared pathways, and footpaths. Here are the most three significant regulations that every cyclist must be aware of.
General Restrictions for Shared Paths and Footpaths
With additional safety regulations, cyclists are permitted to ride on certain tracks. While restrictions have been relaxed in certain areas, Western Australia for example, has rules that are more stricter when compared to the relaxed approach that has been adopted. Cyclists in Western Australia are permitted to ride two abreast on roads but are required to ride in single file on footpaths. Cyclists must give pedestrians right of way and are encouraged to use bells to notify people of their approach. Most importantly, cyclists no longer have to dismount at pedestrian crossings while coming from connected pathways. Provided cyclists slow to under 10 km/hr and give way to pedestrians, dismounting is not required. However, some footpaths that are labeled as “Pedestrian Only” zones will be prohibited for cyclists. These measures to enhance pedestrian safety are being considered in other regions, with fines and penalties being issued for non-compliance.
Compliance with Helmet Regulations and Safety Equipment
As reiterated in the updated Highway Code, an approved helmet must be worn while riding throughout Australia. Compliant helmets with Australian safety standards must be worn by bicycle riders and passengers. Non-compliance incurs penalties which in Queensland includes fines of approximately AUD 166 for not wearing helmets or for carrying passengers without helmets. Moreover, bicycles must be equipped with operational brakes, and a bell or horn. Lighting requirements for bicycles and illumination of the bicycle is mandated during nighttime or when riding in dangerous weather conditions.
Road Manners and Signaling
Bicycle riders must observe common road rules which include signaling when making a right turn or changing lanes. Signaling must be done 30 meters prior to the maneuver. Riders must keep to the left and may ride two abreast, but are not permitted to pass left of turning left vehicles. At roundabouts, riders may occupy the left lane turning right, but must give way to vehicles that are exiting the roundabout. Most importantly, riders are not allowed to ride on pedestrian crossings and must walk their bicycles unless bicycle crossing lights are activated.
2025 Cyclist Regulations Summary
| Category | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Shared Paths & Footpaths | – Cyclists can ride on certain tracks; rules vary by state (e.g., WA stricter) – Must give way to pedestrians, use bells – No need to dismount at pedestrian crossings if < 10 km/h and giving way – “Pedestrian Only” footpaths prohibited for cyclists |
| Helmet & Safety Equipment | – Approved helmets mandatory nationwide – Fines approx. AUD 166 in Queensland for non-compliance – Bicycles must have operational brakes, bell/horn, lights at night/dangerous weather |
| Road Manner & Signaling | – Signal 30m before turns/lane changes – Keep left; no passing left of left-turning vehicles – At roundabouts, give way to exiting vehicles – Walking bicycles required on pedestrian crossings unless bike crossing lights active |
The enforcement of new rules has been updated as a part of a larger effort to mitigate injuries and deaths due to accidents, especially with the increasing number of cyclists in Australia. Compliance measures and enforcement of restrictions aimed at protecting sensitive road users have simultaneously been tightened. In 2025 Australia’s cyclists will be required to know the new rules as compliant with the legislation in order to ride safely and within the law. Everyone—cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians—wins when the road is shared responsibly.