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 blind spots: Take your time to check for riders especially when leaving a kerb, at intersections, and when turning left or right.
• Look left: Check to your left before parking your vehicle for riders in your blind spot.
• Look right: Check over your shoulder before opening your car door to make sure no bike riders are coming past.

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.