Rules of the Road

As a cyclist, you must share the road with others (e.g. cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, other bicycles etc ...).

DO:

• Learn hand signals and use them early when turning or stopping:

•  Know the rules, obey all Traffic Signs and Signals

	Bicycles are permitted on this road.
	No bicycles permitted on this road.
	Come to a full stop and wait until the intersection is clear before proceeding.
	Yield to traffic in the intersection or close to it. Stop if necessary and go only when the way is clear.
	Roadwork ahead. The speed limit and lanes may be reduced.
	Railway crossing ahead. The sign also shows the angle at which the railway tracks cross the road.
	One-way road. Travel in the direction of arrow.
	These signs indicated diamond lanes for specific types of vehicles, either all the time during certain hours. The can include buses, taxis, bicycles, and vehicles with three or more people.
	Flashing Yellow: Slow down and proceed with caution through intersections.  Flashing Red: Stop and move through the intersection when it is safe to do so.  A flashing, or advance, green light or left-pointing arrow with a green light, permits you to turn left, go straight ahead or turn right from the proper lane as the oncoming traffic still faces a red light.

•  Ride as near to right hand curb as possible (approximately 1 meter) in the same direction as the moving cars.
• Ride in single file if you are riding with others
• Ride beside parked cars as if all the car doors were open
• Stay alert: watch for cars pulling out of intersections/driveways; make eye contact with drivers.
• Ride on bike paths where available
• Get off your bike and walk, if crossing busy corners
• Look over your shoulder before you decide to move out, or turn onto the road
• Be a courteous bike rider (e.g. shouting "passing on the left") when overtaking other cyclists and pedestrians; always yielding to hikers and horse riders

DON'T:

• Leave your bike unattended without locking it up
• Ride your bike until it has been properly equipped with reflectors, lights and horn/bell
• Ride double
• Ride in areas where bicycles are not allowed
• Follow vehicles too closely
• Ride on the sidewalk unless otherwise indicated
• Ride at night unless absolutely necessary
• Ride without a helmet, ever

Tips to prevent bicycle related injuries

In addition to following the "Rules of the Road", be cool, and follow some additional basic safety tips when you ride:

• Wear a safety approved bicycle helmet
• Ride a bike that is adjusted to fit your height
• Keep both feet on the pedals
• Keep pant legs tucked in
• Always wear shoes with a closed toe
• Keep your bicycle in good repair; do an ABC check before you ride:
  • A is for Air in your tires
  • B is for Brakes and Bars
  • C is for Chain and Crank
• Control your bicycle: keep both hands on the handlebars, unless you are signalling to turn.
• See and be seen: wear bright, neon, fluorescent or reflective clothing; yellow and white stand out best at night.
• Use pedal reflectors and reflective materials on wrists, ankles, and heels
• Watch for and avoid road hazards such as debris, potholes, ice, broken glass, puddles, gravel, sharp rocks and dogs!

Legislation, License and Registration

The HTA requires children and youth under the age of 18 to wear a safety approved bicycle helmet. Parents and guardians can be fined for allowing their child to ride a bicycle without a helmet. A conviction carries a set fine of $60, plus a Victim Fine Surcharge of $15 and an administration fee of $5.

• Bike Helmet Legislation Chart
• Bicycles do not require registration, license plate, vehicle insurance, or a driver's license. However, registering your bike with the Police may assist in the recovery of your bicycle, if stolen.
• By law, your bicycle must have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector when you ride between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise; and white reflective strips on the front forks and red reflective strips on the rear stays, as well as a working bell or horn.

Bicycle Helmets

Wearing a bicycle safety approved helmet can greatly reduce the risk of permanent injury or death. Wearing a helmet reduces the force of an impact on your skull and how much your brain will crash around inside of your skull if you hit your head. Helmets (to date) do not prevent concussions, and cannot prevent all head injuries.

• Wear your helmet right every time! 2V1 rule of Helmet Fitting
• Replace your helmet after 5 years (plastics dry out), and after a crash or dropping your helmet hard (foam inside helmet can crack), even if there is no visible damage
• Parents, coaches, educators are encouraged to model safe, responsible behaviours, like wearing a properly fitted helmet when biking.

Bike Helmet No-No's

• No high pony tails
• No hats under helmet
• No added stickers on helmet
• No character attachments
• No throwing helmet around
• No using cracked or dented helmets

Tips to help you get your kids to wear their helmets:

1. Start early. Get into the helmet habit with your child's very first set of wheels
2. Take your child shopping. Let your child pick out the helmet he or she likes.
3. Fit founds. Try helmets on in the store.
4. Explain. Tell your child how a helmet protects the head and brain
5. Positive re-enforcement. Praise and reward your child for wearing a helmet
6. Be firm. Always insist your child wear a helmet when he or she is out on wheels.
7. Be a role model. When you're out on wheels, wear your own helmet.

Bicycle Safety Resources

1.        Child Safety good Practice Guide:http://horizon.parachutecanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/GoodPracticeGuide1.pdf
2.        Bicycle safety: www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/bicycle-safety.shtml
3.        The Ontario Cycling Association: an organization that offers CAN-BIKE courses in bike safety www.ontariocycling.org
   
4.        Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC) www.btac.org
5.        Cycling skills Ontario’s Guide to Safe Cycling a detailed handbook of rules and safety standards for any rider: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/pdfs/cycling-skills.pdf
6.        Young Cyclist Guide, a kid-friendly handbook book of cycling safety tips and rules for young riders:  http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/pdfs/young-cyclist-guide.pdf
7.        Ontario Cycling Association:   http://www.ontariocycling.org/can-bike/
8.     Ministry of Transportation of Ontario and OPHEA. Road Safety Resource. 2009 Grade K-3, Grades 4-6, and Grades 7-8. www.ontarioroadsafety.ca

Parachute. Fact Sheet Brain Injuries. www.parachutecanada.org

Ministry of Transportation www.mto.gov.on.ca

Ministry of Transportation of Ontario and OPHEA. Road Safety Resource. 2009