Police have been forced to step in and clear up the law surrounding cyclists taking up full lanes of traffic, sparking a massive online debate.
In New South Wales, it is written in the rule book that cyclists are legally allowed to take up an entire lane of traffic.
The clarification comes from NSW Police, specifically the Nepean Police Area Command, in a recent Facebook post confirming that riders can travel two abreast on public roads.
However, cyclists were also warned that riding three abreast carries a hefty $140 fine. The only exception to the rule is when a rider overtakes others who are already riding side-by-side.
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While the law applies across all Australian states and territories, it has sparked fierce debate among road users.
“Big example of when a road rule is very wrong,” one frustrated motorist commented.
“They should only be allowed on bike paths or the side of the road unless they start paying rego. Holding traffic so they can hold hands is so wrong.”
Another added, “When I drive the same speed they ride and they aren’t in front of me, will I be booked for impeding traffic?”
Police say the key is understanding how the road is meant to be shared.
“Best practice for drivers is to allow cyclists a full lane. Don’t try to squeeze past them,” the post said.
“Sometimes they may need the full lane because of rough road edges or gravel. Be prepared to slow down and give them room to ride away from the kerb.”
ONLY ONE FINE
But what is more interesting is enforcement of the rule is almost non-existent in NSW.
According to Revenue NSW, since records began in 2018, only one single cyclist in the state has been fined for riding more than two abreast.
While cyclists are legally required to follow the same road rules as motorists, the regulations surrounding them can get incredibly confusing — and that’s where things get tricky.
Let’s take a look at bike lanes, for example.
In NSW, cyclists must use a bicycle lane only when it is officially marked with both a bike symbol and the word “LANE” on a sign or painted on the road.
Failing to use one of these designated lanes carries a $140 fine, unless the lane is impractical to use or blocked.
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But there are some stretches of roads in NSW that look like bike lanes but are actually bike paths.
And there is a difference under NSW legislation.
On parts of Bobbin Head Road, for example, the cycling strip is technically a bike “only” path, not a designated bicycle ‘LANE’, meaning riders don’t necessarily have to use it.
And in the Sydney CBD, some of the bright green cycling corridors are not bike lanes at all.
In my attempt to find a Bike Lane sign, I noticed that the majority of the bicycle symbols painted on the ground across Sydney were on bicycle paths.
But properly marked bike lanes do exist.
One example can be found around Sydney Olympic Park, on Australia Ave, heading northwest toward Accor Stadium.
The stretch is clearly marked with both the bicycle symbol and the word “LANE”, meaning cyclists on that road are legally required to use it.
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However, a bicycle lane doesn’t stop cars from entering. Cars are allowed to enter the lane, but only briefly and up to 50 metres.
Drivers are permitted to cross into the lane to make a turn, enter a driveway, or avoid an obstruction, given they give way to any cyclists.
But while properly marked lanes do exist, data from Revenue NSW suggests the rules are scarcely enforced.
Between July 2024 and March 2026, just seven cyclists across the entire state were fined for failing to use a bike lane when required.
