Key takeaways

• In Queensland, a bicycle is considered to be a vehicle under the law, so riders must follow the general road rules as well as bike-specific rules.
• You must wear an approved helmet, and your bike must have at least one working brake and a bell or similar warning device.
• At night, your bicycle must feature a white front light and red rear light (both visible from 200 metres) as well as a red rear reflector.
• Since 1 July 2026, police can randomly breath test bicycle and e-bike riders. The legal limit is 0.05 for riders.
• If you are hit by a car, you should consider getting medical help, reporting the crash to police, gathering evidence and seeking legal advice early. CTP claim deadlines can be as short as one month after you first speak with a lawyer.

Cycling is one of the most popular ways to commute, exercise and enjoy Queensland’s outdoor lifestyle. Whether you ride on city streets, shared paths or open roads, understanding bicycle safety in Queensland, including your legal rights and responsibilities, can reduce your risk of injury and make the roads safer for everyone.

In this article, Personal Injury Partner Jake Gardiner explains the key Queensland bicycle road rules and what to do if you are involved in a bike accident involving a motor vehicle.

Are bicycles considered vehicles in Queensland?

Yes. Under Queensland law, a bicycle is a vehicle. This means bicycle riders generally have the same rights and obligations as other road users and must follow both the general road rules and the specific road rules for bicycle riders set by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

5 essential bicycle safety tips for Queensland riders

1. Wear an approved, properly fitted helmet

Wearing a helmet is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself. Queensland law requires every bicycle rider, and any passenger, to wear an approved bicycle helmet that is securely fitted and fastened. Check for a sticker showing the helmet complies with a recognised standard, such as AS/NZS 2063.

Limited exemptions apply, for example where a rider carries a medical certificate stating they cannot wear a helmet for medical reasons.

2. Make sure your bicycle is roadworthy

Before every ride, check that your bike is in good working order. Queensland law requires your bicycle to have:

• at least one working brake; and
• a working bell, horn or similar warning device.

If you ride at night or in weather that reduces visibility, you must display, on your bike or on yourself:

• a white light (flashing or steady) clearly visible for at least 200 metres from the front;
• a red light (flashing or steady) clearly visible for at least 200 metres from the rear; and
• a red reflector clearly visible for at least 50 metres from the rear when a vehicle’s low-beam headlights shine on it.

3. Follow the road rules

Bicycle riders must obey traffic signs, traffic lights and road rules in the same way as motorists. In Queensland, riders must:

• keep at least one hand on the handlebars;
• ride with due care and attention;
• give a hand signal when turning right, by extending the right arm horizontally with the palm facing forward;
• keep as far left as is safe on a single-lane road (on a multi-lane road, riders may use any part of the lane);
• give way where required, including to pedestrians on footpaths and shared paths;
• not hold a mobile phone or rest it on their body while riding, even when stopped in traffic (hands-free use, such as a phone in a handlebar cradle, is allowed); and
• not ride with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 or more.

Cyclists who break the road rules can receive the same fines as motorists, although they do not lose demerit points.

Can police breath test cyclists in Queensland?

Yes. From 1 July 2026, Queensland Police can conduct random breath tests on riders of bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters and other personal mobility devices in public places, including roads, footpaths and shared paths. The legal limit is 0.05 BAC, the same as for drivers.

Riders caught with a BAC up to 0.149 may receive an infringement notice, while a reading of 0.150 or higher will result in a court appearance. A rider found over the limit also cannot ride for the following 8 hours.

Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times and affect balance and judgement, increasing the risk of colliding with vehicles, pedestrians, other cyclists and roadside hazards. To stay safe:

• never ride after drinking alcohol if it could affect your ability to ride safely;
• never ride while affected by illicit drugs, or medication that causes drowsiness or impairs judgement;
• arrange other transport if you have been drinking alcohol; and
• remember that even small amounts of alcohol can affect balance, reaction time and awareness of traffic.

4. Stay visible

Many cycling crashes happen because drivers fail to see the rider. You can improve your visibility by:

• wearing bright or reflective clothing;
• using front and rear lights, especially at dawn, dusk and night; and
• staying out of the blind spots of trucks, buses and other large vehicles.

5. Stay alert to your surroundings

Constantly scan for hazards such as opening car doors, turning vehicles, pedestrians, road debris and changing road conditions. Take extra care at:

• intersections and roundabouts;
• driveways;
• school zones; and
• areas with heavy traffic or parked cars.

Queensland roads are shared by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, and mutual respect is essential. Riders should ride predictably and avoid sudden movements. In turn, drivers must follow the minimum passing distance rules: at least 1 metre when passing a cyclist in a 60 km/h or lower speed zone, and at least 1.5 metres where the speed limit is over 60 km/h.

Where can you ride a bicycle in Queensland?

You can ride on the road, in bicycle lanes (their use is optional), on road shoulders, and on footpaths and shared paths unless a “no bicycles” sign applies. On footpaths and shared paths, you must keep left and give way to pedestrians.

A note for e-bike riders: Queensland introduced major e-mobility reforms in 2026, including licensing requirements for many e-bike riders from 31 August 2026. If you ride an e-bike, be sure to check the current Queensland e-bike rules to make sure you and your bike are compliant.

What should you do after a bicycle accident with a car in Queensland?

If you are hit by a car while riding, the most important steps are to get to safety, get medical help for any resulting injuries, report the accident to police, collect evidence regarding the accident and the at-fault party, and consider seeking legal advice. Taking these steps can help ensure your recovery and protect your entitlement to possible compensation.

Step 1: Get to safety

If it is safe to do so, move out of immediate danger. If you suspect a head, neck or spinal injury, stay where you are and wait for emergency services.

Step 2: Get medical attention

Call 000 if anyone is injured. Even if your injuries seem minor, consider seeing a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussion and soft tissue damage, may not cause symptoms straight away, and early medical intervention can make a difference to your recovery and your potential entitlement to compensation.

Step 3: Report the accident to police

In Queensland, anyone involved in a crash must stop, help anyone who is injured and exchange names and addresses. If details are not exchanged, the crash must be reported to police through Policelink or by calling 131 444.

Even if you have exchanged details, we recommend reporting the accident to police as soon as possible, as a police report is required if you wish to make a CTP claim for compensation. Keep a note of the police event number.

Step 4: Exchange information

Get the driver’s:

• full name;
• address;
• phone number;
• vehicle registration number; and
• insurance details, if available.

Step 5: Gather evidence

If you can, collect:

• photos of the scene, the vehicle and your bicycle;
• photos of your injuries;
• names and contact details of witnesses;
• any helmet camera, dashcam or bike computer data; and
• notes about the weather, road conditions and how the accident happened.

Keep your damaged bike, helmet and clothing, and do not repair or throw them away until they have been photographed or assessed.

Step 6: Keep records

Keep copies of:

• medical records and reports;
• receipts for treatment, medication and travel to appointments;
• quotes or invoices to repair or replace your bicycle and gear; and
• records of time off work and lost income.

Step 7: Consider getting legal advice early

If you were injured, consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Strict time limits apply to compensation claims in Queensland; early advice ensures you meet every deadline and requirement.

Can I claim compensation after being hit by a car while cycling in Queensland?

In most cases, yes. If a motor vehicle caused or contributed to your accident, you may be able to make a claim under Queensland’s compulsory third party (CTP) insurance scheme. The claim is made against the CTP insurer of the at-fault vehicle, not the driver personally. You may still be able to claim even if you were partly at fault, although your compensation may be reduced.

If the vehicle is unidentified, you may still be able to make a CTP claim. This would involve lodging your claim with Queensland’s Nominal Defendant.

A CTP claim may cover costs such as medical and rehabilitation expenses, lost income, care and domestic help, and compensation for your pain and suffering.

CTP claim time limits in Queensland:

• Notice of Accident Claim Form: should be lodged within 9 months of the accident, or within 1 month of first consulting a lawyer about a claim, whichever is earlier.
• Hit and run or unidentified vehicle: the claim is made against the Nominal Defendant and should be lodged within 3 months of the accident. It must be lodged within 9 months of the date of the accident.
• Court proceedings: generally must be commenced within 3 years of the accident, if a settlement cannot be negotiated beforehand.

You can read more about CTP claim timeframes on the MAIC website.

Depending on how the accident happened, other options may also be available. If you were riding to or from work, you may have a workers’ compensation journey claim. If another cyclist, a defective road or a faulty bike caused your accident, a public liability or product liability claim may be available to you. Learn more about your options if you were injured while riding your bike.

You may also have insurance coverage associated with your superannuation membership. This can often assist you and pay a regular or lump sum benefit you if you are unable to work because of your bicycle accident.

How Evolve Legal can help

If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident, our personal injury lawyers can guide you through the potential claims process, so you can focus on your recovery. We are experienced in motor vehicle accident and CTP claims across Queensland and offer a free initial consultation with a senior lawyer.

Contact us today if you would like to discuss your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Do cyclists have to follow the same road rules as cars in Queensland?

Yes. Bicycles are considered vehicles under Queensland law, so riders must obey the general road rules, including traffic lights and signs, plus extra rules that apply only to bicycle riders, such as wearing a helmet.

Is it legal to ride a bicycle on the footpath in Queensland?

Yes, unless a “no bicycles” sign says otherwise. You must keep left and give way to pedestrians on footpaths and shared paths.

How much room must drivers give cyclists in Queensland?

Drivers must leave at least 1 metre when passing a cyclist in a zone of 60 km/h or less, and at least 1.5 metres where the speed limit is over 60 km/h.

Do I have to signal a left turn on a bicycle in Queensland?

No. Queensland law only requires bicycle riders to give a hand signal when turning right. Signalling a left turn can still help other road users predict your movements if it is safe to do so.

How long do I have to make a claim after a bike accident in Queensland?

For a CTP claim, you should generally lodge a Notice of Accident Claim Form within 9 months of the accident, or within 1 month of first speaking to a lawyer, whichever comes first. Court proceedings must be commenced within 3 years of the date of accident.

Can I still claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Possibly. You may still be entitled to compensation, but the amount may be reduced if not wearing a helmet contributed to your injuries.

 

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your circumstances, contact our team.