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Bikeway safety, signage and rules

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Learn about rules and signage for bikeways and pathways so you can stay safe on your ride.

Female bike rider heading inbound on Brisbane City section of Bicentennial Bikeway.

Riding on bikeways and pathways

Unless otherwise signed, the following are permitted on Brisbane bikeways, shared paths and footpaths:

Bicycles

E-bikes

Electric scooters

Electric skateboards

Skateboards

Foot scooters

Rollerblades

Roller skates

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Visit the Queensland Government websiteopens in a new tab for information on:

  • bicycle road rules and safety
  • e-bike road rules and safety
  • personal mobility device road rules and safety
  • wheeled recreational device road rules and safety.

For the most up-to-date information about rules for riders, visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.

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Bicycle parking and facilities

Riding and BMX tracks

Bikeway closures and detours

Types of pathways and rules

Find out about the rules for riding on different types of pathways.

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Shared pathways
  • Keep left and avoid blocking the path.
  • If you’re riding a bike, e-bike, wheeled recreational device or a personal mobility device (PMD), you must give way to pedestrians. 
  • When you’re approaching pedestrians, slow down and sound your bell.  
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Separated pathways
  • One side of this pathway is for pedestrians and the opposite side is for people riding bicycles, e-bikes, wheeled recreational devices and personal mobility devices (PMDs).
  • You can use a wheelchair on either side of the pathway, however Council recommends using the pedestrian side.
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Bicycle only pathways
  • You can ride a bicycle, e-bike, wheeled recreational device or a personal mobility device (PMD) on these pathways.
  • You can’t walk on these pathways.

Riding signs and rules

Keep an eye out for these signs and markings while riding in Brisbane.

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Bicycle lane 

Bicycle lanes are dedicated on-road bicycle routes. The painted green surface improves awareness and traction in wet conditions.  

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Bike boxes

You can use these sections of road to wait at a red light in front of vehicles to help you be seen more easily by other road users.  

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No bicycles 

You can’t ride your bicycle, e-bike or personal mobility device beyond these signs. You’ll see these in public squares and malls, such as Queen Street Mall, and may also see it painted on the ground. You must dismount and walk through these areas.

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Road ahead

Your path will be crossing a road ahead. You must give way to vehicles.

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Pedestrian crossing ahead

Pedestrians may be crossing the path ahead. You must give way to pedestrians.  

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Shared pathway general information  

This sign indicates the basic shared pathway etiquette, including: 

  • all users to keep left 
  • people walking don’t block the path 
  • bike and e-scooter riders give way to people walking, and 
  • bike riders should notify people walking that they are approaching. 
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Note

Council does not handle complaints about personal mobility devices such as e-scooters, e-bikes and other personal mobility devices. For these complaints, contact Queensland Police Serviceopens in a new tab.

Tips for riding safely 

Our roads and shared pathways are safer and more enjoyable when everyone follows the rules and treats others with respect.

When riding remember to:

  • be considerate of others and share the path

  • use reflectors and lights

  • keep as far left as possible

  • ride in a predictable manner

  • expect the unexpected

  • wear appropriate footwear and bright clothing 

  • wear an Australian Standards approved helmet

  • give a hand signal if you’re turning right

  • slow down on crowded paths and when overtaking

  • sound your bell to let other people know that you are approaching

  • follow the road rules

  • ride with the flow of traffic if you are on-road.

Frequently asked questions