Cycling is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy together in these beautiful summer months. Durham Region has a vast cycling network for people of all ages and skill levels to explore and continue living a healthy, active lifestyle.
Here are some tips from Durham Region Police Services, reminding cyclists and motorists to stay safe on our roads.
Bicycle Safety Tips:
* Always wear a helmet.
* Night riders should have a white light at the front of the bike and a red reflector at the rear. Be mindful of travelling at dusk or dawn when visibility is reduced.
* Dress in bright colours to increase visibility.
* Use hand signals to let drivers know what you plan to do. This includes signaling left (left arm straight out), stop (left arm bent down) and right (left arm bent up). An alternative to right turn signaling is right arm straight out.
* A bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act and riders must obey all the rules of the road. You can be fined for improper bicycle riding, including careless driving, fail to yield, fail to signal and disobey sign. These are just a few of the fines that cyclists can face if they violate the Highway Traffic Act.
In addition to safe cycling it’s important to keep crime prevention in mind as well:
* Always lock your bicycle when not in use.
* Lock your bicycle by placing a chain or cable through both wheels and the frame and attach around an immovable object.
* Keep the serial number and a picture of your bike in a safe place at home.
* If your bike is stolen, report it to the police immediately.
Vehicle Drivers’ Responsibilities
- Drivers are required to keep a distance of one-metre of open space between their vehicle and a bicycle.
- A driver cannot not pass a bicycle travelling in the same direction, unless there is space to do so safely and the driver keeps at least one-metre of open space between themselves and the cyclist.
- Respect the three Rs of safe cycling; same roads, same rights and same rules. By doing so, cyclists can help ensure their own safety and help motorists understand their intentions.
- Motorists should always follow the rules of the road and ensure that cyclists are given the courtesy and space required to ride safely.
DRPS officers also ask that motorists demonstrate patience while sharing the roadways with cyclists and selecting a safe location when approaching and passing cyclists.
Some People’s Comments
Brad Scott * A bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act and riders must obey all the rules of the road
DRPS should tell the cyclists this, as they run red lights, fail to yield and about a dozen other things that they do that aren’t legal. I…See More