Keeping riders safe

Ways you can help keep bike riders safe

You can avoid a crash with a bike rider by:

  • Giving space: leave sufficient distance between your vehicle and the bike rider when passing. Provide at least one metre in speed zones up to 60km/h, and at least one and a half metres in zones over 60km/h.
  • Slow down: drive within the speed limit and slow down until it’s safe to pass.
  • Check your blindspots: take your time to check for riders especially at intersections and when turning left or right.
  • Look left: Check to your left before parking your vehicle for riders in your blindspot.
  • Look right: Check over your shoulder before opening your car door to make sure no bike riders are coming past. This will protect the rider from the risk of dooring.

How to improve your safety as a bike rider

  • Follow the law by always wearing a bicycle helmet, it reduces your risk of head injuries in a crash by up to 60%.
  • Wear closed footwear to protect your feet.
  • Ensure you have both front and back lights switched on while riding at night. Lights can also increase visibility during the day.
  • Make yourself visible by wearing reflective or light-coloured clothing, especially at night.
  • Use bike lanes or bicycle paths where available.
  • Stay alert and avoid distractions.
  • Supervise young children using wheeled toys and bikes, and always ensure they wear a properly fitted helmet.
  • Encourage friends and family to use their left hand while opening the driver's side door. This ensures people turn and check for oncoming people on bikes before leaving their vehicle.
It is law to give bicycle riders 1m when driving up to 60kmh

Ways you can help keep bike riders safe

You can avoid a crash with a bike rider by:

  • Giving space: leave sufficient distance between your vehicle and the bike rider when passing. Provide at least one metre in speed zones up to 60km/h, and at least one and a half metres in zones over 60km/h.
  • Slow down: drive within the speed limit and slow down until it’s safe to pass.
  • Check your blindspots: take your time to check for riders especially at intersections and when turning left or right.
  • Look left: Check to your left before parking your vehicle for riders in your blindspot.
  • Look right: Check over your shoulder before opening your car door to make sure no bike riders are coming past. This will protect the rider from the risk of dooring.

How to improve your safety as a bike rider

  • Follow the law by always wearing a bicycle helmet, it reduces your risk of head injuries in a crash by up to 60%.
  • Wear closed footwear to protect your feet.
  • Ensure you have both front and back lights switched on while riding at night. Lights can also increase visibility during the day.
  • Make yourself visible by wearing reflective or light-coloured clothing, especially at night.
  • Use bike lanes or bicycle paths where available.
  • Stay alert and avoid distractions.
  • Supervise young children using wheeled toys and bikes, and always ensure they wear a properly fitted helmet.
  • Encourage friends and family to use their left hand while opening the driver's side door. This ensures people turn and check for oncoming people on bikes before leaving their vehicle.


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