Cycle Safety

Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Safe.

Did you know? Ontario Law requires:

• White reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on the rear forks
• A white front light and a red rear light
• A bell or horn that works
• Wear a helmet if under the age of 18

Cycling Etiquette
 
When sharing space with pedestrians:

• Keep to the right
• Pass on the left when safe to do so
• Yield to pedestrians (slow down around pedestrians)
• Let pedestrians know you are approaching with a friendly greeting or by ringing your bell

When riding on a cycle track, bike lane or on the road:

• Travel in the same direction as motorists
• Stop at traffic lights and stop signs
• Use hand signals to communicate your intentions with motorists and pedestrians

Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA), a bicycle is considered a vehicle and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as motorists.

Cycling etiquette is applicable to those riding a conventional bicycle as well as an electric bicycle as defined by the province of Ontario. For more information visit: Riding an e-bike | ontario.ca

Riding an E-bike

A power-assisted bicycle, also called an electric bicycle or e-bike, is a bicycle with an electric motor that has:

• a handlebar for steering
• working pedals
• two or tree wheels
• an electric motor
• braking systems

E-bikes must meet certain requirements to be legally operated on roads in Ontario. This includes weight and speed limits of 120 kgs and 32 km/h, respectively. 

When riding an e-bike, you must:

• be 16 or older
• wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet
• keep your e-bike in good working order
• follow the same rules of the road as other cyclists

For more information visit: Riding an e-bike | ontario.ca