Safely ride a bike
A bike is an easy, cheap and reliable way to get around. To learn how to maintain and safely and legally ride your bike follow the steps below.
Outcome
To know basic bike safety and bike maintenance
Let's start with why this is important:
- riding your bike is great for you and it's a free way of getting around
- following bike road rules is important to avoid getting a fine
Information
Did you know that it is against the law to ride a bike without a helmet? You can get a fine of $194.33!!
It is important and crucial to your health that whenever you ride a bike you wear a helmet that fits comfortably. You can buy cheap helmets from places like Kmart and Big W.
What is the deal with riding on the footpath?
You can legally ride on the footpath if you:
- are a child under 13
- are 13 or over and riding with a child who is under 13
- are 18 or over and riding with a young child in a child seat attached to your bicycle or you have a a child pedalling on a bike attachment connected to your bicycle
- have a medical certificate that says you have a disability that makes it difficult to ride on the road. You must carry a copy with you to show to police or an authorised person if asked
- are 13 or over and riding with someone who has a medical certificate that says they have a disability that makes it difficult to ride on the road.
What to do next
Do your ABC before you ride your bike
Every time you get on your bike, do your ABC.
A = Air, check your tyres
B = Brakes, check your brakes
C = Chain, check your chain isn't slipping or too dry
You can get air at a service station or ask another bike rider as they may have a pump on their bike.
For video transcript, click here.
Got a fine for not riding your bike correctly
Use this website to help you work out your options.
Plan your bike route
Download this app to help you find the best bicycle routes and also where to easily park your bike too.
Basic bike safety
Here is a basic video to check your bike for safety.
For video transcript, click here. The same rules apply in Australia to New Zealand in terms of brakes.
Need a bike?
If you are in need of a bike let your case manager know, back2bikes is an organisation that can provide you with a bike.
What to do next
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