Did you know that if you carry your bicycles on a roof rack then you might as well be driving a truck?
This is because your vehicle dimensions then exceed a standard car. And you're almost certainly going to be classed as a heavy vehicle when you pass through one of Sydney’s tolling points.
In summary, if you're towing a trailer for recreation or are carrying recreational equipment on your roof (like a bicycle) then you'll likely measure greater than 12.5m in length and/or 2.8m in height. You will then be charged at the same rate as a truck. And this generally around triple the cost of the standard car toll.
Roof-mounted bike racks are one of many options for transporting bikes by car. (Image: Atera)
After being notified by a number of Members on this exact issue, Bicycle NSW investigated. We came across a very little known and little promoted rebate called the Large Towed Recreational Vehicle Toll Rebate.
Yes, it's a mouthful, isn't it?
If you're towing a caravan, boat, horse float, small trailer for private reasons then you can apply for a rebate. And the good news is that bikes on roof racks also trigger a discount.
The rebate brings the cost of tolls back to your original vehicle class. The rebate is capped at 8 toll trips per monthly billing period.
To be eligible for the rebate you must register with your toll provider, be a NSW resident, not be registered as a business vehicle and claim the higher toll you paid as a rebate within 12 months. For further detailed information, visit Transport for NSW or your toll provider.
We hope this will save Members of Bicycle NSW some money each year.
(Image: www.rac.co.uk)
Before you go….
Bicycle NSW has been campaigning for a better environment for bike riding for almost 50 years.
“If you care about the environment, health, cost of living, social equity and childhood independence, consider joining Bicycle NSW today” says Peter McLean, Bicycle NSW CEO.
