Harrison rides to school each day, he meets friends around Yass township and enjoys exploring its outskirts. His bike is his form of transport, along with many other children his age. 

“When I heard that we weren’t allowed to ride on the footpaths, my friends and I were really surprised,” he said. 

“I think the law started when an elderly woman was nearly knocked over by someone riding on the footpath. I think you have to be careful of other people when you’re riding but I don’t want to ride on the roads, it’s really scary, particularly in the main street where cars are facing the other way and they’re reversing out.”

Harrison and his friends took to learning more about the road rules when riding pushbikes.

A cyclist on the road must follow the same rules as any other vehicle.

“I think you just know most of them, things you pick up when you’re driving with your parents,” he continued. “But it seems really crazy, could you imagine all the kids that ride to school riding along the road.”

If you ride on a footpath you can get a fine of $106. 

Yass Police Sergeant Ron King said that the fines for disregarding bike laws are getting more stringent. 

“There has been an increased penalty for riding a pushbike without a helmet. It used to be $40 now it has sky rocketed to $319,” he said. 

“The bike laws are very extensive, you can get fines riding pushbikes too close to a car, and holding onto vehicles whilst riding a bike. You can also be charged for riding a bicycle furiously, which means tearing down a main drag for example, this will cost you $425. This fine is the same for recklessly riding.  

“The fines for having defective or missing equipment for your bike has increased to $106, this includes bike lights and bells. And for marked foot crossing, bike riders must get off and walk, this includes school crossings, and that fine is $106.” 

While the NSW laws can be fairly obvious, such as riding on the same side of the road as other vehicles and always wearing a helmet, other laws may not be so obvious. According to the the NSW government these include: 

Roundabouts: Cyclists are allowed to turn right from the left-hand lane. When passing each exit, cyclists must give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout.

Bicycle lanes: When a bicycle lane is marked on the road and has bicycle lane signs, cyclists must use it unless impracticable. Although these lanes are for bicycles, cars may use them for not more than 50 metres to enter or leave the road at a driveway or intersection.

Bus lanes: Bus lanes can also be used by bicycles, motorcycles, taxis, hire cars and vehicles operated by, or under the direction of transport authorities.

Side by side: You are allowed to ride two abreast, but not more than 1.5 metres apart.

Footpaths: Children under 12 years of age and a supervising adult can ride on a footpath. Shared paths: Across NSW shared paths can be used by both pedestrians and bicycle riders.