Cycling is one of the most healthy and environmentally friendly ways to get around town.  In Thunder Bay,  many have turned to cycling as a means to get to school, work, or corner store.    Cycling is also a great way for the whole family to get fit while spending the day together. 

Traffic laws and common courtesy are necessary if we want safe streets.  Any person riding a bicycle has the same rights and responsibilities as a driver of any other vehicle. 

With more and more bicycles on our streets, both cyclists and drivers must be aware of their responsibilities when sharing the road.  Drivers, cyclists and especially young cyclists need to know how to share the road. 

How Drivers Share the Road

Drivers must realize that a bicycle is a vehicle and so it is legally allowed to use the road. 

As a driver, you can reduce the number of driver-caused collisions with bicycles if you:

1.  Be patient

A cyclist may delay your trip by seconds. Think of them as slow-moving vehicles and wait for a safe place before passing them.

2.  Keep your distance

Slow down when approaching a cyclist.  Allow a safe distance when following.   Often cyclists must swerve to avoid road hazards, so give them the room they need. 

When passing a cyclist, wait until it is safe to do so.   While passing,  allow at least one metre between you and the bicycle, then return to your lane when you can clearly see them in your rearview mirror.

When making right and left turns, cyclists are expected to use turn lanes.  A bicycle is not restricted to the right side of the road.    When making a left turn, bicycles are to follow the same path any other vehicle would take.  Merge safely with bicycle traffic when turning. 

Do not make right runs across the path of bicycle traffic.  Cyclists often reach speeds of over 30 km per hour and may be closer than you think.

When turning left at an intersection, yield to oncoming cyclists just as you would yield to oncoming cars.

3.  Be alert and expect cyclists

Actively look side-to-side and yield to pedestrians and cyclists, especially when turning.  Check your blind spots.  Cyclists may not be aware of the size of your blind spots.  Check your side mirror before opening a car door.

Be aware of all road users at all times.

4.  Learn and watch for hand signals

Learn the proper hand signals so when the cyclist puts out his left arm to signal, you'll know what he's planning to do.  Whenever possible, obtain eye contact with the cyclist. 

5.  Expect the unexpected

Child cyclists are often unpredictable in their actions.  Too often a collision occurs when a young cyclist enters the road from a driveway, alley or curb without slowing, stopping or looking for traffic. 

Driving safely around children means slowing down and staying alert.

Courtesy + Cooperation = Safety

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How Bicyclists Share the Road

Cyclists must realize that a bicycle is a vehicle.   This means that you have the same rights as drivers, but also the same responsibilities as a driver of any other vehicle on the road.

If you are a cyclist you can reduce the number of cyclist-caused collisions with drivers if you:

1.  Know and obey the rules of the road

When cyclists fail to obey the law, they lose the support and respect of many drivers.  To drivers, ignoring the law is one of the most annoying and potentially dangerous things that cyclists do.

Obey STOP signs and traffic lights.  Stopping adds less than 10 seconds to your travel time. 

2.  Take your place in traffic

A bicycle is a slow-moving vehicle so must travel as far to the right as safely possible.  Ride in the centre lane when:

• preparing for a left turn
• there are hazards along your pathway
• the lane is too narrow to share with other vehicles

Stay off the sidewalks unless your wheel diameter is under 24 inches. Leave the sidewalks to pedestrians and young cyclists.

3.  Ride in single file when traveling with other cyclists. 

4.  Be seen

Use proper hand signals to let drivers know what you are planning to do.

Be sure that drivers see you at intersections by maintaining eye contact whenever possible.

Use headlights and rear lights and reflectors as required by law.

Always wear bright coloured clothing.

5.  Wear a helmet

It is the law.  Cyclists under the age of 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet.  For those 18 years and older, it is strongly recommended.

6.  Be aware

Scan the road surface for potholes, drainage gates and other hazards that might cause you to fall.

Check over your shoulder before changing lanes.

Never assume that drivers will yield to you.  Expect the unexpected.

When riding by parked cars, be prepared that doors may open at any time.

For more information on bike and traffic safety visit Ontario Ministry of Transportation

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What young cyclists need to know

A bicycle is your first vehicle.  When you are riding your bike on the road you must follow the same rules of the road that cars do.  Only ride on the road if you and your parents feel you are ready.

1.  Before you ride on the road, practice the following:

• using correct hand signals
• keeping your balance while riding
• controlling your speed
• stopping, turning and doing shoulder checks without falling or losing control
• scanning the road ahead for people, cars, bumps, etc.

2.  Wear a helmet

Wearing a bicycle helmet is the law.  Helmets must fit right if you want them to protect you.  See our Helmet Safety Cardto check if yours fits properly.

3.  Be seen

Always wear bright coloured clothing when riding.

Make sure your bike has a headlight, rear light and reflectors.  It's the law.

At intersections, try to have eye contact with the drivers.  This makes it easier for each of you to know what the other is doing.

Use proper hand signals so the drivers know what you are planning to do. 

4.  Your bike

Make sure your bike fits you.  Your toes should touch the ground at both sides.

Have your brakes and tire pressure checked before heading out.

Make sure you have a working horn or bell.  It's the law.

5.  Sidewalk riding

If you feel you are not ready to leave the sidewalks and ride on the road, practice your cycling skills a bit longer.  When you feel you can safely ride on the road, ask your parents if they feel you are ready. Keep off the road and away from traffic until you are sure you can safely take this big step.

If you are under the age of 10 years,

 you may not be ready for the road.