Hamilton’s biking network includes a range of road markings and infrastructure to support safe and confident riding. Whether you're commuting, riding recreationally, or simply getting around town, understanding these features helps ensure a smoother, safer journey.
Biking safely around heavy vehicles
Trucks and buses have large blind zones (especially when turning) so it’s important to stay visible and predictable. Trucks also have blind spots immediately in front of the cab.
Safety tips:
- Avoid passing turning vehicles
- Anticipate the movement trucks and buses may make, such as pulling into a bus stop, cutting a corner, or swinging wide before turning
- If you’ve stopped ahead of a truck, make sure you are clear of the blind zone by checking the driver can see you
- If approaching a queue, only pass on the right if you’re sure you can reach the front before traffic moves
- When in doubt, wait behind the vehicle.
Biking through a roundabout
Roundabouts can be challenging for people on bikes, but with the right techniques, they can be navigated safely and confidently.
Safety tips:
- Take the lane to stay visible
- Signal clearly and maintain a steady line
- Watch for vehicles exiting unexpectedly
- Use shared crossings if available, or dismount and cross as a pedestrian.
Taking the lane
People on bikes are entitled to use the full traffic lane when needed. This is called ‘taking the lane’ and helps avoid:
- Debris or potholes
- Opening car doors
- Unsafe passing in narrow sections.
Using separated cycleways
Separated cycleways are physically divided from traffic and pedestrians, offering a safer ride.
Bi-directional cycleways allow riders to travel in both directions on the same path.
Safety tips:
- Keep left
- Use your bell when passing
- Be mindful at driveways and intersections.
Road markings
1. Sharrows
Sharrows (short for 'share arrows') are bike symbols with two arrows above them that are placed in the middle of traffic lanes. They show where it’s safest for people on bikes to position themselves, and signal to drivers that bikes can ‘take the lane’.
Sharrows are most effective in low-speed zones and narrow streets where side-by-side travel isn’t safe. They help riders avoid hazards like opening car doors and improve visibility.
Sharrows are found on streets such as on Claudelands Bridge, Barton Street, and Victoria Street (between Claudelands Road and Hood Street).
2. Advanced stop box
Advanced stop boxes are painted green areas found at some signalised intersections in Hamilton. They allow people on bikes to position themselves ahead of motor vehicles, improving visibility and giving a head start when the lights turn green.
3. Hook turn
Hook turns are a safe way for riders to turn right at busy intersections. Instead of merging across lanes, riders cross straight and wait at the far corner to complete the turn when the light changes.
If you’re unsure about an intersection, it’s always okay to dismount and cross as a pedestrian.
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Last updated 2 October 2025