Bike pathAustralia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Australia. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


6. Bike path

A bike path is a part of a road or a separate route intended primarily or exclusively for people riding bicycles. It may be physically separated from motor traffic, marked on the road surface or identified by traffic signs.

Bike paths may be one-way, two-way or shared with other road users. The permitted users, direction of travel, priority rules and obligation to use the path depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Bike path
Path for pedestrians and cyclists. Cyclists have to give way to pedestrians. (Iron Cove Bridge, New South Wales, Australia)
Wikimedia.org • Andy Mitchell • CC BY-SA
Must cyclists use every Australian bicycle lane?

The obligation varies by jurisdiction. In New South Wales, use a provided bicycle lane unless impracticable. Queensland does not legally require cyclists to use bicycle lanes. Check the rules for the state or territory; these examples do not establish one rule for all Australia.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — path-cyclist

🔗 qld.gov.au • Australia, official supporting guidance — path-cyclist

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, official supporting guidance — path-cyclist

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Transport for NSW — Road User Handbook, relevant topic

Is a bicycle lane the same as a bicycle path in New South Wales?

No. A bicycle lane is a marked part of a road reserved for bicycle riders. A bicycle path is a separately designated route. A shared path permits both bicycle riders and pedestrians, so check its signs before assuming exclusive cycling use.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — path-cyclist

🔗 qld.gov.au • Australia, official supporting guidance — path-cyclist

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, official supporting guidance — path-cyclist

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Transport for NSW — Road User Handbook, relevant topic

Mandatory path for cyclists. Mandatory path for cyclists.

English • Model rules 239 and 252 • bicycle path sign • Bicycle path. This path is designated for bicycles. Pedestrians may cross only as permitted by the local rules; other users and exceptions depend on the jurisdiction. State and territory rules and exceptions apply.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Government of Queensland • CC BY 3.0 au)
🔗 Pcc.gov.au • Australian Road Rules • model law • rules239,252; Schedule2p303
🔗 Legislation.qld.gov.au • Queensland Road Rules • local legislation example

SVG source: Government of Queensland • CC BY 3.0 au • Original revision 2012-10-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Who has priority on a shared walking and cycling path in New South Wales?

Bicycle riders must give way to pedestrians and keep left unless impracticable. On a separated path, use the side designated for bicycles. These are New South Wales rules; consult the applicable state or territory rules when travelling elsewhere.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — path-cyclist

🔗 qld.gov.au • Australia, official supporting guidance — path-cyclist

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, official supporting guidance — path-cyclist

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Transport for NSW — Road User Handbook, relevant topic

1 Australia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Speed limit 5 Advisory speed 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 Toll road 11 One-way traffic 12 Slope 13 Bus stop 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 Mandatory direction 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Slippery road 24 Curve 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Height limit 28 Radar speed sign 29 Selective barriers 30 Traffic lights 31 Traffic lights warning 32 Pedestrian lights 33 Road markings 34 Left-hand traffic 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Emergency telephone 38 No parking 39 No stopping 40 Disabled parking 41 Traffic management 42 Reversing 43 U-turn 44 Uncontrolled crossroad 45 Oversize load 46 Licence plate 47 Charging station 48 Local traffic 49 Moped 50 Truck 51 Bus 52 Police 53 Ambulance 54 Pothole 55 Path 56 Particulates 57 Air pollution 58 Rush hour 59 Road code 60 Two-way traffic 61 Street gutter 62 Cargo bike 63 Forestry vehicle 64 Construction vehicle 65 Semi-trailer truck 66 Trolleybus 67 Speed pedelec 68 Delivery vehicle 69 Idling 70 Tow truck 71 Four-wheel drive 72 Bicycle 73 Motorcycle equipment 74 Tram 75 Rail track 76 Caravan 77 Trailer 78 Tow hitch 79 Fire truck 80 Siren 81 Convoy 82 Emergency vehicle lighting 83 Agricultural machinery 84 Electric bicycle 85 Electric vehicle 86 Pedelec 87 Quadricycle 88 Microcar 89 All-terrain vehicle 90 Van 91 Recreational vehicle 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Personal mobility device 95 Skateboard 96 Segway 97 Kick scooter 98 Roller skates 99 Mailman 100 Hitchhiker ...