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Bicycle riders have less protection than motorists and are more likely to be injured in a crash. Whether you travel on two wheels, four wheels or more we all need to share the road safely.

Bicycle riders and motorists have the same rights and responsibilities when using the road. Bicycle riders are legitimate road users and have the right to be treated with courtesy and care by other road users.

The Queensland Government has rules which are designed to protect all road users. These rules include a minimum passing distance motorists must put between themselves and cyclists when overtaking. In turn, bicycle riders must obey the bicycle road rules.

By law, all motorists must stay Wider of the Rider by giving:

  • at least 1 metre when passing bicycle riders in a 60km/h or less speed zone
  • at least 1.5 metres where the speed limit is over 60km/h.

Passing a bicycle rider means that you (as a driver) and the bicycle rider are travelling in the same direction. This includes when you are travelling side-by-side in separate lanes on a multi-lane road. It does not apply if you are travelling in opposite directions, or when you are on the other side of the road to a bicycle rider.

The passing distance is measured from:

  • the rightmost part of the bicycle, or the person on the bicycle
    to
  • the leftmost part of the vehicle, or anything protruding from the vehicle (e.g. a side mirror).

The minimum passing distance applies even if the bicycle rider is riding around an obstacle.

These road rules apply to all motor vehicles—including cars, motorcycles, heavy vehicles and public transport vehicles.

Motorists can cross centre lines, including double unbroken centre lines, straddle lane-lines or drive on painted islands to pass bicycle riders, provided the motorist has a clear view of any approaching traffic and it is safe to do so.

What if I can’t give a metre?

On the road though, you may sometimes find yourself in situations where you are unsure of what to do. Always apply common sense, obey the rules and remember:

  • check your surroundings and the vehicles around you
  • if it is safe to do so, indicate and pass the bicycle rider at the minimum distance
  • if not, slow down until it is safe to pass.

For more information please download the factsheet or visit:

Factsheet - Bicycle Riders (PDF, 172.2 KB)

Tips for passing bicycle riders on the road

Crossing lines to pass a bicycle rider

To pass a bicycle rider—as long as it is safe to do so—you are allowed to:

  • drive over centre lines (including double unbroken centre lines) on a two-way road
  • straddle or cross a lane line (including a continuous lane line) on a multi-lane road
  • drive on a painted island.

If it is not safe to pass a bicycle rider, you must wait until it is safe to pass.

Indicating when passing

Drivers must indicate when passing bicycle riders if they need to change their position on the road.

  • indicate ‘right’ long enough to warn other road users that you are about to veer right to pass a bicycle rider
  • then indicate ‘left’ when you have passed the bicycle rider and are returning to your original position on the road.

You must indicate if you need to change your position on the road, even if you do not need to cross the centre or lane lines.

Passing two bicycle riders riding side-by-side

If you want to pass two cyclists riding next to each other, the minimum passing distance applies to the bicycle rider closest to the right. It is legal for two bicycle riders to ride side-by-side on a road, as long as they are not more than 1.5 m apart.

Other general tips for sharing the road with bicycle riders

Check your blind spots

Bicycle riders are much smaller than cars and heavy vehicles, so they are harder to see. Check your blind spots before changing lanes, turning, or when you open your car door.

Giving way

Make sure you treat bicycle riders like any other vehicles on the road. Give way to them when required and travel at a safe following distance.

Be patient and considerate

Watch out for bicycle riders at all times, but especially at night, dawn or dusk. Be considerate and dip your headlights when approaching a bicycle rider at night.

Be patient. If it isn’t safe to pass a bicycle rider, wait until it is safe. This should not hold you up for long and it could save the bicycle rider’s life.

Turning left behind a bicycle rider

If a bicycle rider is ahead of you and you want to turn left, turn behind the bicycle rider. Overtaking and cutting off the bicycle rider is very dangerous.

Wet weather

Wet weather can cause the road to become oily or slippery and reduce visibility, so be extra careful around bicycle riders at these times.