Bicycles

Bicycle safety and parking

Tips to keep you and your bike safe.

Pre-ride checks

Before jumping on your bike, you should check it over -  especially if you haven't ridden it for awhile.

Start by checking the tyres are pumped up and don't have obvious wear. Then move on to making sure the brakes work and the chain moves freely. If you discover any problems, you should visit your local bike shop.

You'll need to wear a helmet. Check your helmet for any signs of wear if it's been awhile since you last wore it. If you discover any cracks or damage to the internal foam, it needs to be replaced.

Be seen

When riding, do your best to stay out a vehicle's blind spots and to ride as defensively as you can. It's also a good idea to follow the ABC of awareness.

A: Always on

In Victoria, cyclists are required to have lights on their bikes.

One of the easiest things you can do for your safety is to use your lights during the day as well as at night. (You must use them at night.)

The most visible type are called daylight running lights. This type costs more but - as the name suggests - they're easier to see during the day.

B: Biomotion 

Think about how you can draw attention to your legs; they're the one part of you in constant motion when riding a bike.

One way to make your legs more visible is to wear brightly coloured socks during the day or a reflective band around your ankle at night.

C: Contrast 

Being visible relies on contrast.

During the day, something fluorescent is the way to go. However, anything loud and bright is an excellent option.

At night, think reflective. Consider getting a vest or jacket with reflective stripes, patterns or panels. A more expensive option is a vest or jacket made entirely of reflective material.

If you don't have anything reflective, wear white or the lightest colour you have.

Look Bright and use your lights day and night

Signal when turning

You should always let other road users know if you're going to turn or change lanes by signalling your intentions. It's as easy as sticking your arm out in the direction you want to go.

Before you move, do a head check to make sure it's safe.

Watch out near parked cars

Be cautious around parked cars and try to stay a metre away from them.

'Car dooring' (or just 'dooring') happens when someone suddenly opens their car door without checking. It can very dangerous for cyclists.

If you want to know more about safe passing distances, visit our driving with bike riders page.

Riding near pedestrians

If you're near pedestrains on shared parth, use your bell (or call out) to let them know you're there. Slow down when you pass.

In Victoria, you can only ride on a footpath if you're under 13 years and under or accompanying a child under 13 years.

Public transport

Bike wheels can get trapped in tram tracks so be extremely careful when riding over or near them. Tram and train tracks can also be especially slippery in wet weather.

You can't take your bike on a tram unless it's a folding bike. You can take your bike on trains and some buses but need to follow the rules for taking a bike on public transport.

Bike security and parking

If you're leaving your bike somewhere, you need to be able to lock it.

There are many different types of bike locks, the most secure being a D-lock (named for its shape). It's worth spending money on a good lock.

When you lock your bike:

  • Make sure the lock goes through the frame - not just the wheel. If you want to lock the wheels as well, buy one that comes with a cable. 
  • Lock your bike to a bike hoop. If there isn't one, find a secure pole or railing. If you can wobble the pole, don't use it.
  • Don’t make your bicycle a hazard for others. Park away from paths and other pedestrian areas. 

If you're riding into the CBD, the City of Melbourne website has information on where to park your bike. You can also visit your local council website for information on cycling infrastructure in other areas.

Parkiteer cages

You can find parkiteer cages at train stations. The cages give you somewhere to leave your bike while continuing your trip on public transport.

The cages have restriced access and CCTV for extra security. They're free but you need be registered to use one.

Useful links