Road Safety for Cyclists

Bicycles are fun to ride and a great way to stay active but let's not forget that a bicycle is not a toy - it's actually a vehicle. What this means to you is that as a cyclist it is important to follow the same rules and laws as drivers do. When riding your bike remember the following road safety tips and rules: 

• Wear a properly-fitting helmet every time you ride
• Be visible. Make sure everyone can see you and knows where you are and where you are going. Try some lighting at night!
• Be alert. Do not wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while bicycling
• You need enough space to avoid hazards... don't forget the one metre rule!
• Ride in a straight line on the right hand side of the road in the same direction as traffic; be predictable
• Leave space for parked cars as well, ride as if the doors are open to avoid colliding with a car door opened by an unsuspecting motorist
• Use hand signals to communicate turns and stops to other road users
• Where possible, use the installed bike lanes around the city; these lanes are restricted for cyclists only

DID YOU KNOW?

You are required by law to wear a helmet if you are under the age of 18 or you can face a $75 fine. Additionally, you must also have a working bell or horn on bicycles, both during the day and at night.

Leaving Room for Cyclists

Bicyclists are more vulnerable road users than motorists. They are smaller and quieter. A small mistake by a motorist can result in serious injury or death to a cyclist. Motorists must respect the rights of other road users, especially bicyclists. 

• Pass the cyclists when the road ahead is clear and proceed with caution
• Give at least one metre of space between you and the cyclist when passing
• Check over your shoulder, and always check your blind spots, before moving back into your travel lane as cyclists could be there
• Check for cyclists before opening your car door
• Watch for cyclists before making any left or right turns as they could be proceeding straight through the intersection
• Do not enter any given bike lane, when turning right, turn around the bike lane
• Do not honk at cyclists as it can startle them leading them to lose control of the bike 

And don't forget to Be Patient:

• Use extra caution when driving near children playing, walking or cycling, as well as older pedestrians/cyclists who may not hear or see you
• Remember children and novice cyclists can be unpredictable, expect the unexpected

But most of all try cycling or walking as a way of getting around... you may like it! - Get out there and ride your bike. They have a way of changing lives as it is not only good for you it is good for the environment. Not to mention it can save you money. 

Walk this Way

Whether we are in a vehicle, riding a bike, or on foot we all have places we need to go. Take extra care when walking by following these tips to stay safe: 

• Be visible. Wear bright/light coloured clothing and reflective materials.  
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Cross streets at marked crosswalks, if possible.  Obey traffic signals such as walk/don’t walk signals, but do not rely solely on these. Look before you cross the road; make eye  contact with drivers.
• Be alert. Do not wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while walking and especially while crossing roadways.