If you’ve ever driven through one of Australia’s busy motorway tunnels, you know how fast-paced and nerve-wracking it can be.

Now, imagine cruising along at 80 kilometres per hour, only to spot a lone cyclist pedalling ahead—no helmet, no protection, and no business being there.

That’s exactly what happened recently in Sydney, and the dashcam footage has left Aussies gobsmacked and authorities issuing a stern warning.


The incident unfolded on the Eastern Distributor, one of Sydney’s major arterial tunnels.

The dashcam video shows a cyclist brazenly riding under a massive sign that clearly states: ‘Bicycles prohibited on motorway’.

Undeterred, he continued into the tunnel, sticking to the inside lane as cars zipped past at breakneck speeds.


To make matters worse, he wasn’t even wearing a helmet—a basic safety measure and a legal requirement in NSW.

Transport NSW didn’t mince words after reviewing the footage. 'This incident is a serious reminder of the kind of risky behaviour that can lead to devastating consequences, including death or permanent injury,' a spokesperson said.

And they’re not exaggerating—cyclists caught in this kind of act face fines totalling $753.


That’s $423 for not wearing a helmet and $330 for ignoring road access signs.

In extreme cases, the penalty can skyrocket to a whopping $2,200 if the matter ends up in court.

Why are these rules so strict? The statistics speak for themselves. Research shows that wearing a helmet can reduce head injuries by about 70 per cent and fatal head injuries by 65 per cent.

Tunnels, in particular, are high-risk zones for cyclists. They’re designed for fast-moving vehicles, not for vulnerable road users on two wheels.

The confined space, poor visibility, and high speeds create a recipe for disaster.

And this isn’t an isolated incident. Just a few months ago, a tourist named Emma Louise found herself stranded in a Sydney tunnel after accidentally riding her Lime Bike into an underground dual carriageway.

She had to be rescued by transport authorities—a situation that could have ended much worse.

So, what should you do if you ever find yourself in the wrong place on your bike?

Authorities urge cyclists to reach out for help immediately. Major cities across Australia have traffic control rooms staffed by teams trained to assist road users in distress.

In Sydney, Transurban’s safety teams monitor 11 major roads and are ready to spring into action if a cyclist enters a tunnel.

Their response plan can include activating electronic signs, making public address announcements, reducing speed limits, and dispatching incident response crews to ensure everyone’s safety.

This incident is a sobering reminder that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Cyclists are among the most vulnerable people on our roads, and following the rules isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about staying alive.

Whether you’re behind the wheel or on two wheels, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, obey all signage, and never take unnecessary risks.
Have you ever witnessed risky behaviour on the roads, or had a close call yourself? Do you think the penalties for this kind of behaviour are fair, or should they be even tougher? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.

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