Cycling

Whether for recreation, fitness or the daily commute, more people are riding bicycles on NSW roads than ever before.

Unfortunately, Federation Council consistently records a higher percentage of crashes involving cyclists than both the South West Region and NSW.

Federation Council and the Roads and Maritime Services support cyclists by providing a 50:50 match of funding to construct additional cycle ways throughout the city to promote safe cycling.

Launched in 2009, the Amy Gillett Foundation’s 'a metre matters' campaign, is simply about drivers not hitting cyclists. The message of the campaign is that when overtaking cyclists, drivers need to allow a minimum passing distance of one metre. For more information about why a metre matters, you can visit the Amy Gillett Foundation website.

More information for cyclists, including the locations of new cycle ways and shared paths, can be found at Bicycle NSW.

Cycling trails

Federation Council is served by a network of more than 60 kilometres of interlinked on-road and off-road trails and pathways providing cyclists and walkers with a safe and enjoyable means of exploring the city. Download a copy of the Corowa-Wahgunyah Walking and Cycling Trails Guide or find out further information about the trails.

Cycling on the road

When cycling on the road it is important to be visible, predictable in your actions and aware of what is happening around you. You also need to wear a correctly fitted, approved bicycle helmet. For day riding, wear bright coloured clothing and reflective clothing at night. Lights and reflectors, front and back, are also needed for night riding.

As a bicycle rider always make sure you:

• Give way to motorists and pedestrians when they have right of way.
• Cycle about a metre away from the kerb to avoid debris and from parked cars to avoid opening doors.
• Let people know your intentions by using hand signals when turning or changing lanes.
• Remember, eye contact with other road users is important to signal clear intention.

Using shared paths

Across NSW there are paths that can be used by both pedestrians and bicycle riders. To avoid collisions and make using these paths a pleasant experience, both pedestrians and bicycle riders need to look out for each other and follow a few simple rules.

As a bicycle rider always make sure you:

• Keep to the left.
• Give way to pedestrians, slowing down or even stopping if needed.
• Use your bell or horn, if needed, to avoid a collision.
• Be particularly careful around older pedestrians, young children and dogs as they are often unpredictable.

Always travel at a speed that promotes safety for you and the pedestrians you encounter.
When walking on a shared path be aware that cyclists can travel much faster and may suddenly appear around a corner or behind you.

As a pedestrian make sure you:

• Keep to the left.
• Move off the path to the left if you wish to stop.
• Keep animals on short leads and under control.