Safe Road Cycling for Cyclists

If cyclists are to have the respect and consideration of other road users, cyclists need to obey the same road rules and regulations as motorists.  It is important to know and understand these rules.  Some of the essentials are listed below.  If you want all of the rules relating to cycling, contact Queensland Transport and ask for the latest Road User Handbook.

  • Use a bicycle lane where provided unless impracticable to do so
  • Dismount to walk across pedestrian crossings and signalised intersections
  • You can ride in a bus, transit and bicycle lanes
  • You can turn right from either the right or left-hand lane of a multi-lane roundabout. If you use the left lane you must give way to traffic exiting the roundabout since you are changing lanes.
  • You can overtake other vehicles on the left unless they are signalling and turning left
    Use the road shoulder whenever possible, you can ride in a traffic lane but don't be a hog if a road shoulder is provided
  • You can ride two abreast but stay within 1.5m of each other.  In some circumstances (e.g. on a narrow road), it may be more sensible and courteous to motorists to ride in a single file.
  • Take care at narrow bridges and roundabouts. When entering a single lane roundabout watch for other vehicles when merging with traffic
  • Don't hold onto the rear of another vehicle and keep a safe following distance or at least two car lengths
  • Watch for parked cars pulling away from the kerb, opening doors and pedestrians

Sharing roads - for motorists  

  • Allow at least one metre clearance for cyclists
  • Give way to cyclists who are turning left and exiting properties
  • Look at approaching cyclists to make sure they have seen you
  • Look for cyclists on roundabouts

Cycling on rural roads in the Shire
These routes are more suited to experienced sport and touring cyclists with above average fitness levels. When riding on roads in the Cooroy, Pomona and Lake Cooroibah area be aware of the following:

  • Be prepared for undulating terrain
  • Be prepared for motor vehicles travelling at higher speeds
  • Watch for heavy industrial vehicles
  • Take sufficient food, water and spares equipment in case of punctures and emergencies
  • Take care as some roads have narrow shoulders and you will experience gravel and potholes.

Cycling and Roundabouts
Noosa has many roundabouts in its road system, so it's important to know how to travel though them safely, particularly when you wish to turn right. There are two ways to do this.

Single Lane Roundabouts
In single-lane roundabouts cyclists must obey the give-way-to-right rule, just like motorists.  The safest way to negotiate a single-lane roundabout is to check over your shoulder, indicate with your right arm that you are moving out from the edge of the road and merge into the middle of the lane.

Enter the roundabout in the middle of the lane and go through it the same way you would if you were in a car.  This will make you more visible to other vehicles approaching the roundabout and prevent cars travelling in the same direction from trying to 'squeeze' past you.   All other vehicles entering the roundabout from your left must give way to you (but be vigilant as sometimes drivers wont see you).  Signal if you are turning right.  Once through the roundabout move back to the left side of the road.

Some single lane roundabouts have bike lanes marked around the edge of the roundabout, but it puts cyclists in a position where they are less likely to be seen and they don't work if you are making a right hand turn as they place you in the wrong position on the road.  The outside edge of roundabouts are also often full of puncture-causing debris.

Multi-lane roundabouts
At multi-lane roundabouts, riders may make a right turn from either the left or right lane. If choosing to make the turn from the left lane, cyclists must give way to vehicles crossing their path to leave the roundabout.

When turning right from the right hand lane signal your intention and move across to the right hand inner lane and enter the roundabout when clear (obeying the give-way-to-right rule).

Cyclists may turn right from the right lane of a two lane roundabout

Cyclists may turn right from the left lane of a two lane roundabout, but must give way to vehicles that cross their path