Gear guide to New South Wales’ new cycling laws

The stuff to help you stay fine free

BikeRadar

Published: March 11, 2016 at 2:40 am

Following the recently introduced cycling laws and increased fines in New South Wales there has been a noticeable surge of enforcement. While we’re not allowed to call it revenue raising, we can say that as cyclists it’s hard to approve of such measures. So with that (in mind), in order to help protect our fellow cyclists and let you assimilate into the new rule, we’ve compiled a list of gear every Sydney cyclist should use (not really).

Related reading: NSW’s new cycling laws and fines

Audible device

The fine for not having a bell or similar device has risen and police have started handing out tickets to the tune of $106.

Let’s be real. Bells are for kids. What you really need is something that can be heard in traffic, through a sealed box (car) and over said sealed box's blaring music. Sure you may argue your voice can do that, but that’s not enough according to the law. Consider investing in something like the air-filled Delta Air Zound, electric ‘LoudBicycle’ or just let everyone’s ears bleed with the Hornit.

null

The Hornit - for when you weren't heard the first time (learn from our mistake, turn down your viewing device's sound!)

In case you’re not keen on the idea of creating ‘unreasonable noise’, then by all means do what many cyclists have started doing. Find yourself a small bell and place it on a part of your bicycle that doesn’t bother you. After all, the law dictates that bicycles must be fitted with an audible device, it doesn’t suggest where.

Durable cleats or flat pedals

Can you believe it? : can you believe it?

Just yesterday it was reported that two Sydney cyclists were fined for ‘dangerous cycling’ while track standing at a set of lights. Given this is now deemed unsafe, it’s best to invest in a set of cleats that won’t wear out between stop signs. Mountain bike shoes are built for this stuff, but there are choices for road pedal users too. Such an example is the new Aero Walkable cleat for Speedplay Zero pedal users.

Helmet instructions

So you have your helmet, now don’t leave home without the instructions. We’ve heard of fines being handed out to unsuspecting citizens for riding with their helmet too loose or backwards (ok, you deserve the fine in this case). Don’t let this happen to you, carry your instructions and be sure to re-adjust from time to time.

A one-metre passing flag

One-metre passing rule is great, but tough to enfore. how about this helpful guide?: one-metre passing rule is great, but tough to enfore. how about this helpful guide?

Drivers may not be aware of the new one-metre passing rule, and police have suggested it's tough to enforce, so why not give them all a helping hand? These flags are typically used for visibility by recumbent riders, but when inserted into the right side of your handlebar they become a state-of-the-art instructional device.

Potential impalement is a negative to this new technology, and so ideally pedestrians should be wearing light armour and a helmet when walking the streets.

Outdoor resistance trainer

An australian invention, the airhub from terrain dynamics may just find a new market : an australian invention, the airhub from terrain dynamics may just find a new market

Following the speed fines handed to riders training at Centennial Park, the Australian-designed AIRhub could be the perfect tool. It’s designed to keep those power figures high, and speeds low. It works similar to that of an indoor resistance trainer, but instead fits in the hub of a front wheel.

www.terraindynamics.com.au

Police scanner

If all else fails, get on the scanners and plan your route accordingly! : if all else fails, get on the scanners and plan your route accordingly!

The street racers used to do this, and cyclists now should too. To avoid being stopped, know where they’re waiting and plan your route accordingly.

Of course carrying such a thing may not be so practical and so we suggest investing in a pannier rack to handle the load. If your carbon frame doesn’t have mounts for this, don’t fret, Thule offers a real neat clip-on ‘Pack’n’Pedal’ system that will let you continue racing those streets.

Think we missed something? Add your suggestions in the comments below.

Note: This article was written as satire and shouldn’t be taken seriously (some of the suggestions are illegal). Sadly, parts of the new NSW cycling laws are even more of a joke, but should be taken seriously.