Trails and Cycling

Safety tips for cyclists

• Don’t ride on sidewalks. Only young children can ride on the sidewalk until they develop the skills to ride on the road with traffic.
• Use bike lanes, multi-use paths and roadways
• Yield to pedestrians. Slow down and give people space, especially if they may have limited hearing or vision.
• Wear a helmet. Make sure it fits snug—two fingers above your eyebrows, V-shape straps under your ears, and one finger between the strap and your chin.
• Use a bell, horn, and reflectors to let others know you’re there. Mirrors and lights help keep you safe.
• Ride in a single file and use proper hand signals. Do a shoulder check for traffic before switching lanes or turning to signal your intention before proceeding. 
• Obey traffic signs just like a car would

Safety for drivers

• Give bikes at least 1 metre of space when passing (it’s the law)
• Check your blind spots before opening your door—you may get a fine if you hit a cyclist with your door

For additional resources on safe cycling and cycling laws in Ontario (for cyclists and drivers), visit the Ministry of Transportation. 

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