Cycleway safety
New Cycleway Opening
As sections of the new Kingsford to Centennial Park cycleway open, there are some important safety issues to consider. Below are some tips and reminders on safely navigating the new cycleway.
It may take some time for some residents to adjust to the new conditions. As a rider it's important to be patient with drivers as they enter and exit their driveways, make sure you give them some space to manoeuvre into or out of the traffic lane.
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As a bike rider
Driveways
- Green bike lanes are high risk areas, be alert to vehicles that may cross in front of you. This could be a vehicle turning in or reversing out of a driveway.
- Try to establish eye contact with the driver at intersections or before you ride across a driveway, if a vehicle intends to enter or leave.
- Look for reversing lights and listen for beeps that warn you of a vehicle which is about to reverse.
- Be predictable and ride at a safe speed for the conditions and the time of day
- Be respectful and aware of local residents accessing their home.
Cycleways
- When riding beside parked cars, it is important to position yourself to allow sufficient space between you and the parked vehicle (if possible and safe to do so).
- In places where there are lots of parked cars, slow down.
- Wear the appropriate safety wear, including an approved helmet, bright coloured clothing, and a reflective vest. Make sure your lights are working well for night and low light riding.
- Be aware and considerate of all road users, including pedestrians.
- Acknowledge good behaviour and ride considerately.
Vehicles parked next to a cycleway
- Look out for drivers and passengers getting into and out of parked cars and be aware of the risk of car doors opening.
- Slow down if you are aware someone is about to open a door or if you are in a busy area, so you have time to react.
As a car driver
Driveways
- It is your responsibility to always check the cycleway in both directions looking out for people on bikes before moving into and out of your driveway.
- Take extra care and check your blind spots for people walking or riding a bike when reversing or turning into or out of your driveway.
- Indicate well in advance when entering your driveway so all road users are aware of your intentions.
- give way to cyclists if you are crossing the cycleway.
Cycleways
- The cycleway is for use by cyclists, you cannot obstruct or park your vehicle in the cycleway.
- Be aware of cyclists using the cycleway, they can travel very quickly.
Parking on a street with a cycleway
- Take extra care when opening doors where vehicles or cyclists may be approaching.
- Use your side mirrors to check for cyclist before opening the vehicle door.
- Use the 'Dutch Reach' technique (using your left hand to open the driver side door or right hand for the passenger side) when opening your door so your body and head turn, and you can see approaching riders or vehicles.
- Look both ways for oncoming bikes when crossing the cycleway to the footpath.
Safe and respectful
For the safety of ALL people using our roads, footpaths and cycleways it's important to travel in a safe and respectful manner.
External references
Road rules for drivers and cyclists can be found in the NSW Road User Handbook.
A handbook for Bicycle Riders is also available on the Transport for NSW website.