Gearing up to ride your bike this spring?
Follow the rules of the road and always put safety first!
Are you ready to dust off your bike and put the pedal to the metal this spring? With longer daylight hours and rising temperatures, the City of Vaughan is reminding cyclists to inspect their bikes and ride responsibly.
Here are some reminders to ensure your spring rides are fun and safe:
Before heading out, inspect your bike and ensure all equipment (including tires, helmet, lights and more) is in tip-top shape, especially if the bike has been in storage all winter.
Wear layers of clothing and dress according to changing weather conditions, including sunlight, rain showers, wind and more.
Avoid riding through puddles as potholes and other hidden road conditions can be underneath.
Follow the rules of the road – keep to the right, use proper hand signals, obey traffic lights and stop signs, and let pedestrians know you’re approaching them by ringing a bell or horn.
CYCLING SAFETY
Whether you are an experienced cyclist or riding for the first time, bike safety protocols apply to all. Cyclists under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet – but all cyclists, regardless of age, are encouraged to do so as well. In addition, riders must have the following on their bike:
- white reflective tape on the front forks
- red reflective tape on the rear forks
- a white front light
- a red rear light or reflector
- a working bell or horn
Remember, a bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, and all cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users. Visit vaughan.ca/cycling to learn more about safety requirements and rider etiquette.
MICROMOBILITY DEVICES
Riders 16 years of age and older can ride an e-bike or e-scooter on roadways, bike lanes, cycle tracks and in-boulevard multi-use pathways with posted speeds less than or equal to 50 kilometres per hour. You may not ride your e-bikes or e-scooters on sidewalks, multi-use recreational trails and in parks or playgrounds. Other micromobility devices such as golf carts, Segways, electric skateboards, hoverboards and other motorized personal vehicles are only permitted on private property. Exemptions apply to those who require motorized wheelchairs and medical devices to get around. To report unsafe sightings, contact Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca and provide the date, location and nature of the incident. You can also report concerns to York Regional Police through the non-emergency phone line at 1-866-876-5423 or complete the online form at yrp.ca. Visit vaughan.ca/micromobility to learn more about these devices in Vaughan.
VAUGHAN’S CYCLING AND TRAIL NETWORK
Vaughan’s cycling and multi-use recreational trails network continues to grow! The network currently consists of the following:
- In-boulevard cycle tracks: designated space for cyclists that are separate from pedestrians and motorists. These areas are marked with a bicycle symbol and a diamond.
- On-road bike lanes: designated space for cyclists that are separate from pedestrians but run along the same road as motorists. These areas are made visible with pavement markings.
- In-boulevard multi-use pathways: shared space for pedestrians and cyclists that are separate from motorists. These areas are within the boulevard along a roadway.
- Multi-use recreational trails: shared space for pedestrians and cyclists found within parks and open spaces.
Learn more about projects completed and initiatives underway in Vaughan’s Active Transportation Programs - Third Annual Update (PDF).
For more information, visit vaughan.ca/cycling. You can also explore Vaughan’s cycling facilities in the York Region Cycling Map.
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