Cycling made a resurgence in popularity last summer during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. While only time can determine whether this activity is an ongoing trend, it’s still important to be aware of some road safety tips for both drivers and cyclists.
Here are some safety tips for drivers who may be sharing the road with cyclists:
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- If you see a cyclist coming up on the roadway, slow down! To ensure their safety, and yours, refrain from speeding up.
- Remember that cyclists are permitted to take up the entire line. If the roadway is narrow, you’re not entitled to pass them and you must leave them space to safely execute left turns at an intersection.
- Leave plenty of room when you are following or passing a bicycle. Make sure you have a metre of clearance between your vehicle and the cyclist.
- Failure to comply with a metre of clearance can result in a fine of $85 + additional fees. If you fight the ticket and are found guilty, this fine will increase to $500 and the loss of two demerit points.
- If you’re approaching an intersection with a bike lane, you can enter the lane for the purpose of making a right turn. However, it is your responsibility to yield and/or hang back for the cyclists as they might be going straight through the intersection.
- When you open a car door, without checking for any coming cyclists, you run the risk of dooring them. Dooring comes with consequences including a $365 fine and three demerit points. If you want to fight the ticket, you could be looking at a fine upwards of $1000 plus the three demerit points.
Cyclists: Respect The Rules Of The Road
Like anyone else on the road, cyclists are required to abide by the rules. Here are some safety tips for cyclists:
- Ensure that drivers can see you. Cyclists are required to have lights and reflectors on their bikes. Failure for riding without the appropriate equipment will result in a fine of $85+ plus additional fees.
- It is mandatory for anyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. If you choose not you, you will be subjected to a $75 fine. It is also strongly recommended that everyone, regardless of age, wear a helmet to ensure their safety on the road.
- Ontario has introduced bicycle traffic signals in places with active bike planes. You must obey the signals or face a fine of $85 or $120 in community safety zones.
If you’re a cyclist who has been injured by a vehicle, it is highly recommended that you seek legal advice and at Derek Wilson Personal Injury Law, we can help you with just that and make sure you’re taking the right steps to protect yourself and your rights.
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Are you a cyclist who has been injured as a result of a car accident? Make sure you know your rights on and off the road. Call Derek Wilson Personal Injury Law today.
