Road rules for cyclists

Generally, as a bicycle is defined as a vehicle [Road Traffic Act 1961(SA) s 5], cyclists are subject to the same basic road rules as drivers of motor vehicles but with some important additions, including that they must wear an approved bicycle helmet [Australian Road Rules rule 256]. If it is safe, cyclists are permitted to pass vehicles on the left in the lane unless the vehicle is indicating and turning left [Australian Road Rules rule 141]. There are also specific requirements when riding at night [Australian Road Rules rule 259].

Cyclists must keep as close as reasonably practicable to the left-hand side of the road or bikeway except when making, or about to make, a right hand turn or where the road is divided into lanes [Australian Road Rules rule 129]. Changes to the Australian Road Rules brought in on 30 March 2024 clarify that cyclists are not required to keep as far left as possible when approaching, entering or riding in a roundabout [Australian Road Rules rules 111, 129].

Just as drivers must keep their hands on a steering wheel, cyclists must keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times [Australian Road Rules rule 245] and they must signal when turning right [Australian Road Rules rule 48].

Bicycles are exempt from requirements to be registered or insured, as they are not motor vehicles pursuant to the Motor Vehicles Act 1959 (SA) or the Road Traffic Act 1961 (SA).

Riding abreast

Cyclists can ride two abreast on a carriageway not more than 1.5 metres apart, but any more than two riding abreast is an offence [Australian Road Rules rule 151].

Riding on footpaths

As of 25 October 2015 cyclists of all ages are allowed to ride on footpaths [Australian Road Rules rule 250].

Shared facilities for both pedestrians and cyclists called "shared paths" are designated by signs or line marking. Cyclists riding a footpath or shared path must keep left unless it is impractical to do so [Australian Road Rules rule 250(2)].

Carrying passengers

Cyclists must not carry more people on the bicycle than it is designed to carry [Australian Road Rules rule 246]. For example, a bicycle with a child's seat attached is designed to carry two people (provided one is a child in the child seat). The old practice of "donkeying" (carrying another person on the bike, such as on the handle bars) is also against the law.

Other restrictions

Cyclists are also subject to other restrictions. It is illegal to hold on to a moving vehicle [Australian Road Rules rule 254] or to ride for more than 200 metres within two metres of a motor vehicle [Australian Road Rules rule 255].

Cyclists can also be charged for riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs and face a fine up to $500 if convicted [Road Traffic Act 1961 (SA) s 47, see Alcohol, drugs and riding a bicycle].

For general penalties applying to cyclists, see PD320A - Expiable Offences and Fees on the SAPOL website.

Power-assisted bicycles or e-bikes

Pursuant to the Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are not Road Vehicles) Determination 2021 (Cth), there are two types of power-assisted pedal cycles which are considered to be bicycles in South Australia:

Only these two types are legally allowed on South Australian roads and public spaces. Riders must follow the same rules as for other cyclists, including wearing helmets and ensuring adequate brakes.

Other power-assisted bicycles, in particular petrol-powered bicycles, are subject to the same requirements as motor vehicles. Registration and insurance requirements mean that riding petrol-powered bikes is illegal on South Australian roads and charges such as drive unregistered/drive uninsured and drive disqualified can follow.

Keeping a sufficient distance when passing bicycle

From 25 October 2015 it is an offence to fail to keep a sufficient distance when overtaking a cyclist [Road Traffic (Road Rules - Ancillary and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2014 (SA) reg 11A].

A "sufficient distance" is defined as the lateral distance between the bicycle and a car, that is, the distance between the furthermost point to the right of the bicycle and the furthermost point to the left of the driver’s vehicle (including any projection from the vehicle).

When travelling at speeds 60 km/h and under this is a distance of at least one metre and a distance of 1.5 metres when travelling over 60 km/h.

There is an exemption from certain rules in relation to overtaking if it is necessary in order to comply with regulation 11A. For example, if a driver is driving on a road with a dividing line they may drive to the right of the dividing line provided they have a clear view of any approaching traffic and can do so safely [see Road Traffic (Road Rules - Ancillary and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2014 (SA) reg 11B ].

Maximum penalty: $2,500