So far this year, 38 fines have been issued to Bathurst riders, this is almost on par with the 41 recorded during the 12 month period from 2016/17, data from Revenue NSW reveals.

Fines this financial year have so far cost Bathurst cyclists $10,262, this is compared to $11,298 the previous year.

The most common offence by cyclists was not wearing a helmet, with 22 fines issued for this reason since July.

While five riders, aged 12 year or older, were fined for riding on the footpath.

Other offences included: riding a bicycle without a visible front white light; not riding a bike with hands on the bar; reckless riding; negligent riding; carrying a passenger who was not wearing a helmet; riding without a working brake; not stopping at a red light; and riding where the speed limit is greater than 50km/h.

The number fines is down significantly compared to the 62 issued in 2014/15 to Bathurst cyclists.

Since 2014/15, a total of 166 fines have been issued to Bathurst riders, this compares to 437 issued in Orange and 153 in Dubbo.

Bathurst Cycling Club member Stephen Jackson said wearing a bike helmet saved his life during a big crash he had while riding.

“I had a kangaroo step out in front of me while I was travelling at high speed, about 70km/h,” he said.

“Having a helmet on saved me.”

Wearing a helmet is just as important for casual riders as it is for competitive riders,  Mr Jackson said.

“Falling from 1.5 metres onto concrete can kill people,” he said.

The Transport for NSW Centre for Road Safety website states that fines for five offences increased in 2016, so that “bicycle riders receive the same fines as motorists for high risk behaviour”.

The penalty for riding without a helmet now carries a $330 fine (up from $71), while running a red light, riding dangerously or not stopping at a pedestrian crossing incurs a $439 fine.

For cyclists caught holding onto a moving vehicle, a $330 fine applies.

While children under 12 years of age are allowed to ride on a footpath along with a supervising adult, those caught outside this law face a penalty of $110.