The rules outlined below are an overview, please refer to the rule references for more details.
A bicycle is a vehicle that has two or more wheels, built to be propelled by human power through a belt, chain or gears. Pedicabs, penny farthings and tricycles are considered to be bicycles. However, wheelchairs, wheeled toys and scooters are not.
You don't need a licence to operate a bicycle in Victoria.
A motorised bicycle is identical to a pedal powered bicycle, except it has an auxillary motor or motors that have in combination a maximum ungoverned and continuous power output of 200 watts or less. Auxillary motor means that the primary propulsion is via pedalling and the motor is simply to assist.
A motorised bicycle is not classed as a bicycle if:
- the motor is the primary source of power
- the motor's power output exceeds 200 watts (whether or not the motor is operating).
These are considered to be motorcycles. The rider will be required to hold a motorcycle licence and have the vehicle registered before it can be used on the road network. Motorcycles cannot be ridden on footpaths or bicycle paths. Motorcycle riders must wear an approved motorcycle helmet.
Riders of bicycles and their passengers must wear an Australian Standards approved bicycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on their head. This rule applies when riding on roads and road-related areas like bike paths, bike lanes, shared and separated footpaths.
Bicycle helmet exemptions
Those applying for a bicycle helmet exemption for religious reasons, the religious custom being to wear a headdress at all times, must complete a formal Statutory Declaration. If successful, VicRoads will issue an identifying exemption card, which the cyclist must carry at all times when riding.
See also Medical exemptions for wearing a bicycle helmet.
When riding a bike you must sit astride the rider’s seat facing forwards and have at least one hand on the handlebars. Bicycle passengers must sit on a seat designed for passengers.
Children under under the age of 12 and adults supervising them can legally ride on the footpath but must give way to pedestrians.
A rider of a bicycle can also ride on the footpath if:
- the rider is carrying a current certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner that states the rider has a disability which makes it undesirable to ride on the road, and
- the rider produces the certificate when requested by an authorised person, such as a police officer, and
- the rider is complying with the conditions stated on the certificate.
Riding at night is illegal unless the bicycle or the rider has a white light (flashing or steady) on the front, a red light (flashing or steady) at the back and a red reflector at the back.
A bicycle trailer means a vehicle that is built to be, or is, towed behind a bicycle. A cyclist must not tow a bicycle trailer with a person in or on the bicycle trailer, unless all of the following apply:
- the cyclist is 16 years of age or older;
- the passenger is under 10 years of age;
- the bicycle trailer can safely carry the passenger; and
- the passenger is wearing an approved bicycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on their head.
Riders must not ride more than two abreast. If riding two abreast, riders must not ride more than 1.5 metres from the other rider.
Under the Road Rules, bicycles are considered to be vehicles and riders must obey traffic signals, stop signs and give way signs.
- Cyclists must stop at red traffic signals. A cyclist who is approaching a set of traffic lights showing red or who is at a red traffic light, and is travelling in the direction indicated by the light, must stop at the intersection.
- A cyclist who is approaching a set of traffic arrows showing red or who is at a red traffic arrow, and is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow, must stop at the intersection.
- A cyclist who is approaching or who is at a place with a stop sign must stop and give way to any vehicle or pedestrian at, or near, the stop sign.
- A cyclist who is at an intersection with a give way sign must give way to any vehicle in, entering or approaching the intersection. The cyclist must also give way to pedestrian at, or near, the intersection.
A cyclist must use the bicycle lane if there is a bicycle lane on a length of road in the same direction as they are riding, unless it is impracticable to do so.
There is no specific requirement for cyclists to use an off road bicycle path, including separated footpaths and shared paths. A cyclist's level of skill and experience when cycling in traffic and the purpose for their ride are all factors that influence where they cycle.
A driver facing a red light at an intersection with a bicycle storage area (a ‘box’ containing a bicycle symbol) must stop at the first stop line and not proceed into the area marked for bicycles until the light changes.
Riders must stop within the bicycle box before the second stop line (nearest the intersection).
When turning at intersections with a bicycle box a bicycle rider:
- if turning left, must be in the left lane of the reserved area
- if turning right, must be in the right lane of the reserved area (where there is a bicycle box in the right lane).
Bicycle riders must not ride on a freeway or other road that has a sign showing that bicycles are not permitted beyond the sign. For details of specific freeways see Places to ride.
Please refer to Bicycle rack number plates information.
Road Safety Road Rules 2009
- 97 Road access signs
- Part 15 – Additional rules for bicycle riders
To look up these rules and check for other related rules, please refer to the Acts and Regulations administered by VicRoads.