It's true cycling is a fun activity but with that fun comes a very real responsibility: the responsibility to keep yourself and others safe.

When cycling, always remember to wear a properly-fitted helmet, keep your bike well-maintained and remember that you are a vehicle and therefore must obey traffic rules.

It Starts at the Beginning: Proper Equipment

The provincial law requires that cyclists have proper equipment. You must be equipped with:

• A bell or a horn
• At least one braking system on the rear wheel capable of skidding the wheel on dry, level pavement
• A white front light visible from a distance of at least 150 meters
• A red rear light
• 2 strips of white reflective tape on front forks 125 mm by 25 mm
• 2 strips of red reflective tape on rear forks

It is the law for every cyclist under the age of 18 to wear an approved bicycle helmet. Although it is not law for adults, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you wear an approved helmet. Wearing a helmet drastically decreases your chances of serious head injury and death. Be a good role model for the children of Peterborough County and City.

Be a "€˜Defensive Cyclist"

By keeping the following three behaviors in mind you can prevent collisions:

• Glow in the Dark ... and in the light! One of the most important safety measures to remember while cycling is to make yourself and your bike visible to motorists. Make sure you are super visible!
• Predictability is the Key - Ride in a straight line and avoid dodging between parked cars and obstacles. Drivers expect you to follow the traffic rules. Use the universal arm signals for left, right and stop. Remember your shoulder checks and make eye contact with drivers.
• Anticipation is the Answer ... Think ahead. Know where you are going and don't make last minute lane changes through traffic. When a motorist signals to turn right do not come between their car and the curb -€“ allow the motorist to complete the turn. Look ahead and watch out for obstacles such as potholes. Prepare for them in advance.

The Rules of the Road

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act grants cyclists the same rights as any other vehicle on the road. With that right comes the responsibility of following the same rules of the road as all other vehicles. Here are a few laws that apply strictly to cyclists:

• Bicycles are not permitted to ride on the sidewalk or in pedestrian crosswalks.
• Cyclists must ride as close to the right curb as possible except when:
  • traveling the normal speed of traffic;
  • avoiding hazardous conditions;
  • the roadway is too narrow for a cyclist and a car to travel safely side by side; or when,
    preparing to make a left turn, passing another vehicle or using a one-way street.
• No passengers are permitted on a bicycle designed for a single person.
• Attaching yourself to the back of a vehicle is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous.

Follow the links below for important safe cycling information from Safe Kids Canada:

• How to Fit Your Child's Helmet
• Getting into the Helmet Habit
• Age Appropriate Recommendations for Kids on Wheels
• More Safety Tips for Kids on Wheels