Posted:
(11:35 a.m.)
HRM Partners in Policing remind citizens that May 25 to June 3 is HRM Bike Week - the perfect time to prepare for the cycling season.
Cyclists are encouraged to do the ABC check every time before you ride - ensure there’s Air in your tires, your Brakes work and your Chain is in good working order and well lubricated.
We encourage motorists and cyclists to work together to share the roadway for everyone’s safety.
Motorists must:• Allow one meter clearance when passing a cyclist.• Not park or drive in bike lanes. • Treat cyclists as vehicles and provide them with the same rights as other motorists.
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.• Not drive on the sidewalk if either of your tires exceeds 350 mm. • Signal your intentions clearly before you turn or stop.
Bicycles must be equipped with:• A bell or horn.• A white headlight, and a rear red light or reflector if you ride after dark.• A helmet which should be well ventilated; have an energy-absorbing liner to withstand impact from the pavement; have front and rear straps that meet below each ear when tightly adjusted and a chinstrap that’s snug without pinching; fit well, sitting completely level on the head rather than too far forward or too far back; and be brightly coloured and/or reflective.
Some additional safety tips while riding include:
• Riding in a straight line is the key to riding safely in traffic. You must also ride single file if you’re with other cyclists.• 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. • Obey all traffic signs and yield to pedestrians. At intersections, make sure you’re in the proper lane; if you’re at a busy intersection, dismount and use the crosswalk.
HRM Partners in Policing hope these bicycle safety tips and reminders of the rules of the road will help keep you safe this cycling season. Cycle safely!