Cyclists frequently choose to ride two abreast for good reason: it enhances safety. This formation boosts their visibility to other road users and significantly lowers the risk of collisions with motor vehicles.
Rider Visibility
Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, and riding two abreast significantly enhances their visibility. When riders travel side by side, they are noticeable from much greater distances compared to a single rider. This increased visibility gives drivers ample time to prepare for a safe overtake, adhering to the Minimum Passing Distance law.
Moreover, riding two abreast allows motorists to pass the group of cyclists more efficiently, as the formation shortens the length of the line by half. This reduces the time required for overtaking, ensuring the vehicle can navigate back to the correct position on the road quickly and smoothly. A well-executed overtake benefits everyone—improving safety for drivers, passengers, other road users, and the cyclists themselves.
Broken Centre Line
Overtaking is legal, when safe to do so.
Unbroken Centre Line
Overtaking is legal, when safe to do so.
When riding two abreast...
When riding two abreast, cyclists must maintain a distance of no more than 1.5 meters from each other. A third rider is allowed to overtake the pair but must not remain riding alongside them.
Cyclists are encouraged to be considerate of other road users. In certain situations, it may be safer and more respectful to transition to single file to accommodate traffic and ensure smoother road sharing.
Drivers need to...
Always overtake only when it is both safe and legal to do so, ensuring the safety of all road users on their journey.
In NSW, drivers must maintain a minimum distance of 1 metre when overtaking one or more cyclists if the speed limit is 60km/h or less. This measurement accounts for the widest points of both vehicles—for instance, from a car’s mirror to a cyclist’s handlebars or elbow. When the speed limit exceeds 60km/h, the required distance increases to 1.5 metres.
Drivers are permitted to cross double lines or travel over painted islands to provide the necessary space for overtaking cyclists, as long as it is safe to perform this maneuver. Safety should always remain the priority for everyone on the road.
A few seconds can save a life so please be patient.