Safety Tips and Rules for Bicycles
Bicycles are defined as vehicles under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. As such, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users.
According to a City bylaw, bicycles with wheels that measure 60 centimetres or less can ride on sidewalks as long as the rider is under the age of 12. The intent of this measure is to allow children to cycle on the sidewalk while they learn to ride. This is a municipal bylaw and rules vary in communities across Ontario.
The Cornwall bylaw states that riding a bicycle with a tire size over 60centimetres (24 inches) on sidewalks is prohibited. Cyclists over the age of 12 are also prohibited from riding on the sidewalk.
Rules for Cyclists
- For safety reasons, all cyclists should wear a helmet. Helmets are mandatory for those under the age of 18.
- Cyclists should ride as close to the right-hand side of the roadway as possible and exercise care when passing parked or idling vehicles.
- On one-way streets, cyclists should ride as close to the right-hand or left-hand side of the street as possible, obeying the one-way direction.
- Cyclists should travel on roadways in single file.
- Cyclists should not carry any items that prevent them from keeping both hands on the handlebar.
- Children over the age of 12 are not allowed to ride their bicycles on sidewalks.
Tips for Riding with Children:
- Use care and caution when cycling with young children who are too young to ride themselves.
- Make sure young children are fastened into their seats.
- Take into consideration the added weight of a child passenger - their weight will alter the bike's centre of gravity.
- All passengers on bikes are required to wear helmets.
- Make sure children are wearing their helmets properly and that they follow all traffic regulations.
- Children over the age of 12 are not allowed to ride their bicycles on sidewalks.
Travelling on the Recreational Path:
- Travel at a safe speed. The pathways are for recreational use; to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone, cyclists who wish to travel at faster speeds should use other routes.
- Yield to pedestrians at all times.
- Pass only on the left, after making sure that the lane is clear both in front and behind and calling out "Passing on the left". Never pass without warning.
- Travel in single file.
- Obey all traffic signs.
- Pull completely off the path if you need to stop.
- Wear a helmet. It's required for those under the age of 18 and it's a good idea for adults as well.
Travelling in Groups:
- Keep a safe distance between other cyclists in the group and keep several lengths apart when going downhill at high speeds.
Interacting with Vehicles:
- It is always important to remember that in any collision with a vehicle, the car or truck will fare better.
- Cyclists need to operate their bikes with due care, and take efforts to ensure that motorists can see them and predict their behavior. The use of bright clothing and hand signals are both good ideas.
Signaling:
Signalling is a matter of law, courtesy, and self protection. Use these signals when stopping or turning:
- Left turn: Left hand and arm extended horizontally beyond the side of the bicycle.
- Right turn: Left hand and arm extended upward beyond the left side or the right hand.
- Stop or sudden decrease of speed: Left hand and arm extended downward beyond the left side of the bicycle.
Making Left-Handed Turns:
- There are two ways to make a left turn:
- Like an automobile - Look over your left shoulder for traffic behind you, signal, move into the left lane when safe, yield to oncoming traffic, and turn left. Complete the turn near the right curb.
- Like a pedestrian - Dismount from your bike and cross following pedestrian rules.
Driving at Night:
- Bicycles must have both front and rear facing lights and should also have reflectors on the wheels.
- Cyclists should wear light-coloured clothing and reflective stickers should be affixed to bike helmets to make them more visible.
Other Safety Tips:
- Always wear a helmet.
- Make sure your bicycle has a working bell.
- Obey all traffic signs and regulations.
- Ride your bicycle near the right-hand edge of the road.
- Never carry another person on your bicycle.
- Never wear headphones while riding as they impair your ability to hear traffic.
- Always use hand signals when turning or stopping.
- Competing with high speed, heavy traffic is dangerous. Look for safer, less travelled routes.
- Be careful when checking traffic and when looking over your shoulder.
- Give pedestrians the right-of-way.
- Choose a bicycle with the right fit. A bike that is too big or too small can be uncomfortable and dangerous. An oversized bicycle impedes balance and hampers control.
- Keep your bicycle in good condition.
- Be cautious at night, especially along pathways that are not lit. Ride at a slower pace, especially around dark curves, and stay visible by dressing brightly and using bicycle lights.
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