CHILDREN and their parents, siblings and friends are now allowed to ride their bikes on Victoria’s footpaths, in a move to make cycling safer for kids.
The new legislation came into effect last week, after extensive consultation with pedestrian and cycling organisations, councils and community members.
The new rules allow primary school age children to ride on footpaths, and enable older siblings and friends to accompany primary school age children on footpaths.
The rule changes allow more children to ride safely together.
In addition, adults carrying children on their bicycle or on a bicycle attachment with pedals will also be allowed to cycle on the footpath.
Adults with trailers attached to their bicycle, and cargo bikes with children in them, are not permitted on the footpath.
A VicRoads spokesperson said cyclists on the footpath must still give way to pedestrians.
“Slow down and ring your bell or call out when approaching pedestrians, to let them know that a bicycle is nearby,” the spokesperson said.
“When a footpath bicycle rider comes to a road, they must dismount and walk across to the other side, unless a sign or bike lantern indicates otherwise.
“Drivers are reminded that when they are exiting or entering driveways, they must give way to footpath users before doing so.”
