Following these bicycle safety tips and reminders of the rules of the road will help keep you safe this cycling season. Cycle safely!

Riding safely

• Wear bright, reflective clothing.

• Do the ABC check every time before you ride - ensure there’s:
  • Air in your tires
  • your Brakes work
  • your Chain is in good working order and well lubricated.
    
    
• Ride in a straight line. You can maintain balance by turning the front wheel slightly from side to side as you pedal; try to ride within a path six inches wide. Try not to move your upper body as you pedal; let your legs do the work.
  
  
• Signal with your left hand to let other road users know what you intend to do. Giving signals requires being able to ride with only one hand on the handlebars. 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 Motor Vehicle Act

Just like drivers of motor vehicles, cyclists must obey the Motor Vehicle Act.

Cyclists must:

• Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.
  
• Wear a helmet. The fine for not wearing a helmet is a minimum of $141.16.
  
• Ride in single file if you’re with other cyclists.
  
• Obey all road signs and traffic signals.
  
• Signal your intentions clearly before you turn or stop.
  

Cyclists must not:

• Drive on the sidewalk if either of your tires exceeds 350 mm.
• 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.

Required equipment:

• A bell or horn.
• A white headlight, and a rear red light or reflector if you ride after dark.
• A 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 ensure that they are in good repair.

Taking care of your bicycle

• Check tires, brakes, chain, etc. once per week to ensure that your bike is in good repair.

• Lubricate all moving parts.

• Inspect your bike for worn or broken parts every spring.