Why is bicycle safety so important?

Just about everyone who rides a bicycle will receive a scraped knee or elbow at some point.  Even the most careful rider can take an occasional tumble.  Still, knowing the rules of the road and other issues of bicycle safety can keep you from getting hurt.  All riders are encouraged to wear bright, reflective clothing and to check with local bike suppliers for safety gear and proper fitting.

Riding safely

Riding in a straight line is the key to riding safely in traffic.  You can maintain balance by turning the front weel slightly from side to side as you pedal; riding within a path six inches wide is very good.  Try not to move your upper body as you pedal; let your legs do the work.

Giving signals requires being able to ride with only one hand on the handlebars.  Signal with the left hand to let other road users know what you intend to do.  Signals should be given as soon as possible if you are going to affect other traffic.  Keep both hands on the handlebars while actually turning.

Make sure the bike fits

You should be able to straddle the frame of your bike with both feet flat on the ground.

To adjust the seat:

• Have someone hold the bike upright.
• Sit on the seat.
• Put the pedal as far down as it will go.
• Raise or lower the seat until, when seated with the ball of your foot on the pedal, your leg is slightly bent.

Bicycles and the Law

Just like drivers of motor vehicles, cyclists must obey all laws.

According to the Motor Vehicle Act, you must:

• Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.
• When riding out of a driveway, stop before crossing the sidewalk.
• Wear a helmet. The fine for not wearing a helmet is a minimum of $128.75.
• Ride in single file if you are with other cyclists.
• Obey all road signs and traffic signals.
• Signal your intentions clearly before you turn or stop.

You must not

• Drive on sidewalks or other pedestrian areas.
• Carry another person on your bike.
• Coast on the highway with your feet off the pedals or hands off the handlebars.
• Install a whistle or siren on the bike.
• Cling to another moving vehicle upon the highway.
• Alter, replace or remove a bicycle’s serial number.

Tips for safe kids

• Ensure supervised riding. Children under age 9 should cycle with responsible adults. Most children in that age group do not have the skills to cycle safely without supervision.
• Make sure children are taught the rules of the road for safe cycling practices before they are allowed to ride by themselves.
• Children should avoid riding on busy streets and riding at night.
• If there is traffic, a child should stop by the side of the road and wait for a gap before turning.
• For young cyclists, sidewalks may be the best place to cycle.  But parents must still be sure to help them stay safe by stopping at driveways, even when they ride on the sidewalk.
• Help children understand when it is safe to cross the road.
• Teach children to walk their bikes when crossing the street, crosswalk or railway tracks.

• Never make a turn without looking behind. Make a shoulder check before signaling and turning.

Equipment Required by Law

• A bell or horn.
• A white headlight visible for 100m and a rear red light or reflector visible for 60m if you ride after dark.
• Helmet.

Helmets

• Cyclists must wear an approved cycling helmet with a CSA certification.
• Helmets must fit property to be safe. When the straps and comfort pads are adjusted, the helmet should not move forward, backward, or come off. It should sit level on the head and extend down to about two fingers (3 cm) above the eyebrows. Chin straps should be snug without pinching, and the front and rear straps should meet just below each ear when tightly adjusted.
• Helmets only work once. If a helmet has been in a collision that required the inner lining to absorb shock, buy another one. Even though the damage may not be visible, the shock absorbing qualities may be deadened.
• If your child is under the age of five, make sure the helmet has been designed especially for this age group.
• Examine helmets frequently to check that they are in good repair.

Taking care of your bicycle

• Check once a week that your bicycle is in good repair (tires, brakes, etc.).
• Lubricate all moving parts.
• Every spring, inspect your bike for worn or broken parts.