Ever had to walk through a cinema aisle during a film? It’s dark, the visibility is low, and people are just rushing around, looking for their seats. And there you are, trying to look for your seat or your friends, colliding with one person after another along the way. Cycling in a Sydney motorway tunnel is the same. It’s dark, dimly lit, and often curved. And since it’s a motorway (which is banned for cyclists, btw), motorists are not expecting you to be there at all. Chances are high that they won’t notice you until too late and won’t be able to adjust their speed quickly enough, thus increasing the risk of a collision. That’s why, in NSW, riding a bike in a motorway tunnel is both unsafe and illegal. Whether you’re a new learner in a Sydney driving school or a seasoned rider, knowing these rules is essential to keep the NSW roads safe. Let’s discuss why cyclists are not safe in motorways, how to avoid them, and what to do if you do encounter a motorway on your ride.

Why Motorway Tunnels Are Unsafe for Cyclists

As the name so clearly suggests, motorway tunnels are built to move cars and trucks quickly through busy sections of the city. Unlike city streets with separate bike lanes, the roads in the motorway tunnels are narrow and designed for motor and heavy vehicles only. They’re enclosed, often dimly lit, and have limited space to move. For drivers, spotting a cyclist in these conditions can be nearly impossible until it’s too late. But the cyclists also face the following challenges:

• High-speed traffic: Vehicles travel much faster than bicycles, and cyclists can never match their speeds. Instead of risking riding along with bigger vehicles barreling through winding roads, it’s better to drive separately.
  
  

• Limited escape routes: Unlike surface roads, tunnels have limited space, and the vehicles that are travelling here are large and heavily built. They also don’t have safe shoulders or easy exits, making it difficult for riders to cut through traffic and escape to a safer lane like on surface roads.
  
  

• Reduced visibility: Poor lighting and confined space means cyclists are harder to see. 

It only takes one moment of misjudgment for a serious accident to occur, which is why cycling there isn’t just discouraged—it’s outright banned.

How to Avoid Motorway Tunnels on Your Ride

The whole point of all this discussion is to make you avoid motorway tunnels and stay safe. However, most cyclists don’t intentionally plan to enter motorway tunnels. Sometimes, you might have to clear a tunnel if you’re following directions without checking your route. Here are some simple ways to avoid it:

Use Cycling Directions

Navigation apps have cycling-specific modes that guide you onto safe paths and away from restricted areas. Switch this on before you start your journey to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Review Your Route Ahead of Time

Before heading out, especially on longer rides or in new areas, take a few minutes to review the route. Look for any stretches marked as motorways or tunnels and plan safer alternatives.

Know the Rules

In NSW, it’s against the law to ride bicycles or e-bikes in motorway tunnels. Knowing these rules isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about protecting yourself and staying safe.

What To Do If You Enter a Tunnel by Mistake

Even with the best planning, mistakes can happen. If you find yourself in a motorway tunnel on your bike:

• Stay calm.
  
  

• Move as safely as possible to the side of the road.
  
  

• Call for help rather than continuing through the tunnel.

The most important thing is to remove yourself from danger as quickly and safely as possible.

The Bigger Lesson: Planning Ahead Saves Lives

Whether you’re on two wheels or four, planning is one of the most effective ways to stay safe on the roads. Cyclists can avoid dangerous spots like tunnels by checking routes in advance, while drivers can prepare by learning how to anticipate hazards and make safer decisions.

This is the same principle behind programs like the Safer Drivers Course, which helps new drivers build good habits and stay alert to real-world risks. At Onroad Driving School Sydney, instructors often emphasise that safe roads depend on everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians—knowing the rules and respecting them.

Final Thoughts

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore Sydney, but motorway tunnels are no place for bikes. They’re designed for cars, and entering one puts you in danger. By proper planning, using cycling-friendly navigation tools, and staying aware of NSW road rules, you’ll keep your rides safe, legal, and enjoyable.

And just as cyclists benefit from preparation, so do drivers. If you’re looking to build safer driving habits, book a driving lesson or enrol in the Safer Drivers Course with Onroad Driving School Sydney. Smarter planning, safer journeys—for everyone.