In NSW, riding your bike on a footpath is legal if you are:
- Under the age of 16
- Riding with anyone under the age of 16 (and you are 18 years of age or over)
- Have a medical certificate that stipulates you can ride on a footpath
The specific regulation is in Road Rules 2014, Part 15, Rule 250.
Currently, bike riders need to hop off their bike and walk across intersection with a pedestrian crossing, unless at a signalised crossing where a bicycle lantern (signal) is provided. In many situations, a shared path or cycleway may exists on either side of an intersection, but legally a rider must dismount and wheel their bike across the crossing.
See below for clear information about who can ride on footpaths in NSW
Children under the age of 16
An adult (18 or over) supervising a child under 16
Children on their parents' bike
A person who has a medical certificate*
Bicycle NSW supports footpath riding for all ages in NSW. In July 2018, the NSW Government increased the footpath riding age from 11 to 15. We do not believe this goes far enough. Read our full statement here.
*More on medical certificate for exemption - See Road Amendment (Miscellaneous) Rule 2016 under the Road Transport Act 2013. On Page 4 it advises that the rider must carry the medical certificate and produce it immediately when an authorised person asks to see it. On page 7 it defines the Medical Certificate required as a certificate signed by a medical practictioner, states a date of issue, and states an expiry date not more than 1 year after the date of issue.