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Bicycle Safety

In a car, bus, motorcycle, bicycle or on foot, being safe means being alert and sharing the road !

Cycling is a fun, healthy and inexpensive way to get around, whether you cycle to and from friend's houses, school, or just on the weekends! You'll enjoy it most when your bicycle skills are in good shape.

Helmet Safety Tips

A helmet fits correctly when...

  1. It fits snugly and does not move around.
  2. It sits two finger-widths above your eyebrows.
  3. The straps meet in a 'V' just below your ears.
  4. You can place no more than two fingers between your chin and the strap.

Keep in mind...

  1. Kids (and cyclists under 18 must), by law, must wear a helmet in Ontario.
  2. Helmets do not prevent falls or crashes; they only reduce injury in a crash. A cycling safety course will help you avoid crashes.
  3. It's unsafe to wear a hat under your helmet.
  4. Replace your bicycle helmet if it has received any strong impact-even if damage isn't visible on the outside-or if it is 5 years old.
  5. Your helmet should have a CSA, CPSC, Snell B-95, or N-94 certification sticker.

Riding Tips for the Pathways

  1. Keep to the right.
  2. Pass other users only when safe.
  3. Slow down! 
  4. Use your bell or voice to warn others when you pass. Shoulder-check to see if the way is clear.
  5. Pull off the pathway when stopped.
  6. Look out for volunteer Pathway Patrollers in the summer if you need assistance.

Rules of the Road

Bicycles are vehicles and cyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists!

Ontario Highway Traffic Act and the Ottawa Traffic and Parking Bylaw require the the following:

  1. Stop at all stop signs and red lights.
  2. Signal all lane changes, turns and stops.
  3. Cycle on the right side of the road.
  4. Ride only in the designated direction on one-way streets.
  5. It is unsafe and illegal to ride on the sidewalk.
  6. Share the road with other users.
  7. Use lights when riding at night
  8. Have a bell, gong, or horn on your bike
  9. Wear a helmet (required if under 18; see p.4)
  10. Use proper hand signalling when turning and stopping

More information:

  • Visit the Traffic Safety Section for more details on bike safety.