Cycling Safety

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Cycling Safety

Cycling safety laws
What you need to know

A bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA). This means that, as a cyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users. A cyclist who violates a traffic law can be stopped by a police officer and may result in fines in accordance to the HTA. It is your responsibility to ensure you:

Stop at red lights and stop signs
Signal your turn
Have a white front light, red rear light or reflector, white reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on the rear forks
Have a bell or horn
Wear a helmet if under the age of 18 (it’s the law)

(Source: York Region)

Cycling etiquette

Sharing space with pedestrians and cyclists

Cycling is a great activity to get around and stay healthy. Before heading out, here are some guidelines to help keep everyone safe:

Cyclists should:

Keep to the right
Pass on the left when safe to do so
Let pedestrians know you are approaching with a friendly greeting or by ringing your bell
Travel in the same direction as motorists when riding on the road
Stop at traffic lights and stop signs
Use hand signals to communicate your intentions with motorists and pedestrians

E-bikes

E-bikes, which are similar to bicycles, weigh less than 40 kilograms and require pedaling for propulsion. Scooter-style e-bikes, and other motorized vehicles, are not permitted on pedestrian and bike paths, sidewalks and trails.

For more information about e-bikes in Ontario, please visit the Ministry of Transportation’s webpage on electronic bicycles.

To read more about cycling safety, rules of the road and proper safety and handling techniques, you can take a look at the resources listed below:

Contact Information

Traffic Division

Phone:
905-832-2281

Email:

accessvaughan@vaughan.ca

Location:
Vaughan City Hall, Level 200
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive
Vaughan L6A 1T1

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