How to safely secure your bicycle to your car

A poorly restrained bike has the potential to cause severe damage or injury. Just imagine the chaos it would cause if it were to come loose while driving. Rest assured, there are a few ways you can transport your two-wheeler, and we’ll explain how you can do it lawfully and safely.

Every Aussie state and territory has laws regarding the transportation of bikes on cars, so it’s important to be aware of what’s allowed before buying any carriers or mounting anything to your car. For example, in NSW, penalties may apply if your bike isn’t properly secured, covers any of your vehicle's lights, obstructs your number plate, or creates a dangerous protrusion.  

Here's a list of the different authorities you can explore to find out what’s relevant for your locale:

NSW Government: Carrying bicycles on motor vehicles (PDF) 

Transport Victoria: Bicycle racks and carriers 

SA Government: Displaying a bike rack plate

QLD Government: Transporting bicycles

NT Government: Vehicle accessories

TAS Government: Guidelines for the use of bicycle carries (PDF)

WA Government: Auxiliary plates  

If you’re wondering if you can fit a bike in your car boot or backseat, the answer is yes — but it depends on the size of your bike, your car, and your patience. 

First off, consider using something to protect your car’s interior. It’s worth laying down a blanket or tarp to stop the bike scratching up the inside of your car. 

Next, you’ll need to do a bit of disassembling. If you’ve got a little hatchback, you might need to remove the front wheel and/or handlebars to fit it inside your vehicle. Otherwise, if you’ve got a spacious boot and a standard-sized bike, you might get away with simply folding down the back seats and sliding the bike in (on its side) from the boot. 

Advantages: No money spent on expensive bike racks or worrying about your bike obstructing any car lights, sensors or your number plates. 

Disadvantages: It’s a finnicky process and doesn’t leave much room in your car for other things you may need to bring along with you.

Mounted roof racks are another handy option for transporting your bike. In fact, some racks will even allow you to transport two bikes! 

When deciding on a roof rack, make sure you choose one specifically designed to transport bikes so it has the right locking system to keep your bike(s) secure. Some racks are devised to carry bikes upright, others upside down. Either way, follow the steps below:

1. Ensure all connections are safely and securely fastened – these include the bicycle to the attachment, the attachment to the roof rack, and the roof rack to the vehicle.
2. These can loosen as you travel, so be sure to regularly check them at intervals during your journey.
3. Take extra care on winding roads, in windy conditions or high wind areas, and when approaching places with height restrictions, like under tunnels, car parks and beneath low-hanging branches and trees.

Advantages: When your bikes are mounted to the roof of your car, you can keep your car’s interior free for passengers or other belongings. 

Disadvantages: Lifting your bike on and off the roof of your car can be quite difficult. Securing them requires careful attention, and you may encounter some wind resistance.  

If the boot and the roof are off limits, you can opt for a rear-mounted rack. Like the roof racks, you’ll want to make sure the rack you use is specifically designed for bikes and includes an attachment to the rear (usually connected to the tow ball or the boot). Follow the steps below and remember to keep safety top of mind:

1. Make sure the bicycle rack is strong enough to carry the load and is securely attached to your vehicle.
2. Don’t carry more than the maximum weight the rack is designed to carry.
3. Make sure the bicycle rack and its load doesn’t stick out excessively behind the rear of your vehicle or protrude more than 15cm beyond the extreme width of either side of the vehicle.
4. Make sure your bicycle(s) don’t block your number plate or rear lights. 
5. If your number plate is blocked or obscured, you must use an auxiliary plate, which can be purchased from your state’s registration office. 
6. If you’re using a bicycle rack at night, you must fit one or more number plate lights to illuminate the auxiliary number plate if fitted, which can be purchased from an automotive store.
7. When the bike rack isn’t in use, remove it from your car so that it’s not a hazard to other vehicles or pedestrians. In NSW, it’s illegal to drive a car with a rear bike rack installed and no bike on it.

Advantages: It’s easier to mount your bike (compared to a roof rack) and you’ll still have plenty of space inside your vehicle. 

Disadvantages: These can be expensive options and often block rear lights or number plates, requiring you to take additional precautions and measures to ensure safety and compliance with road regulations.