Safety

The key to enjoying a healthy and active lifestyle is to stay safe and avoid injuries by paying attention, knowing the rules of the road and exercising patience and common sense.

Three ‘Bs' of safety

Be alert: Always be aware of your surroundings and recognize potential dangers like looming weather systems or intersections.

Be seen: Wear reflective clothing at night and wear appropriate safety gear including a cycling helmet.

Be cautious: Don't take unnecessary risks and always err on the side of caution.

Specific Safety Tips

The Canadian Automobile Association is an excellent resource for bike safety tips as is the Cycling Skills guide produced by Ontario's Ministry of Transportation

General Guidelines

  • Watch for uneven pavement and debris
  • One person per bike
  • Scan ahead to see what's coming
  • Be aware of vehicles, pedestrians and other road users
  • Use your horn, hand signals and lights to increase your visibility
  • Wear bright, reflective gear if you must cycle at night

Helmet Safety

Everyone under the age of 18 in Ontario must wear an approved helmet while biking. Children riding in a bicycle carrier or trailer must also wear an approved helmet.

We strongly recommend everyone wear a helmet. Why? It just makes sense. Cyclists who crash without a helmet are eight times more likely to suffer a brain injury than those who wear a helmet.

Make sure:

  • Your helmet is certified (Snell, CSA, ANSI, ASTM, BSI, SAA, CPSC)
  • Your helmet fits properly
  • You replace a damaged or an hold helmet as foam degrades over time

The “2-4-1 Salute”

  • Make sure the front edge of your helmet is two fingers above your eyebrows
  • Make sure your helmet straps are flat against your face and meet just below the ear, making a “V” shape around your ear lobe
  • Make sure your chin strap is snug so only one finger fits between your chin and the strap

Road Safety

When biking, inline skating or skateboarding on the road:

  • Follow the rules of the road
  • Slower traffic stays right and yields to faster traffic
  • Ride in the same direction as automobile traffic
  • Obey all traffic signs and signals
  • Use hand signals
  • Follow lane markings
  • Don't weave between parked cars
  • Avoid road hazards
  • Be ready to brake
  • Stay alert

When riding a bike on shared paths and trails:

  • Ride at a slow speed
  • Use your bell or horn when approaching from behind
  • Stop before intersections and scan for vehicles
  • Watch for vehicles exiting from driveways

Paths and trails are for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorized vehicles.

Make sure they are fun and safe for everyone by adhering to these guidelines:

  • Be courteous
  • Be predictable
  • Don't block the trail
  • Keep right unless passing
  • Pass on the left when it is safe and there is room
  • Give warning before passing
  • Obey all traffic signs and signals
  • Wear reflective gear and use lights if you must be out at night
  • Be respectful of private property
  • Don't litter
  • Keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them
  • Stop, look and listen at intersections
  • Consider walking you bike if the trail is crowded with pedestrians

Walkers should stay hydrated on hot days, dress in layers on colder days and adhere to these general safety guidelines:

  • Be safe and be seen
  • Be smart, alert and cautious
  • Be careful and attentive at intersections
  • Be prepared and plan your route
  • Be aware of your surroundings