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Cyclists and Motorists
So, who's the boss?
All drivers want is a little r-e-s-p-e-c-t, whether they operate a bike or a vehicle. While cyclists have the same road rights as cars, they need to obey the rules of the road, too.
The Road is Big Enough for Two:
Cycling Safe
Cars Are Bigger, So Be Nice
Videos For Loan
Tips to Reduce your Cycling Risks
- Wear a helmet.
- Always ride in the same direction as other traffic, as close to the right edge of the roadway as practical.
- Traffic regulations, signs, signals and pavement markings apply to cyclists, too. So do the directions given by police or adult crossing guards.
- Come to a complete stop and search left, right, and left again for approaching vehicles before entering a street from a sidewalk, driveway, roadway or alley.
- Avoid sudden swerves to the left.
- Always slow down and yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
- When making right turns, stay as far to the right as practical. Signal your intentions, watch for pedestrians and turning vehicles, and turn when the way is clear.
- When making left turns, always look over your left shoulder first (without swerving left) to check for vehicles behind you. Signal and then merge to the left turn lane or close to the centre of the street when the way is clear. Wait for oncoming traffic, then turn when it's safe.
- Avoid bicycling after dark, or at least wear white or light-coloured clothing or put retro-reflective material on your clothes or attach to your helmet. You can also add reflectors to almost every part of your bicycle.
- Use hand signals or point to communicate your intentions.
Motorists: Mind your Manners
- Watch for cyclists and give them the space they need.
- Before you make a right turn, check for cyclists behind you or between your car and the curb - look twice.
- When approaching a cyclist, and your lane is wide enough, pull alongside and share the lane. If it's not, slow down as you would for any slow vehicle ahead of you. Pass only when you can do so safely.
- Just after you've parallel parked, check for cyclists before you open your door. Wait until they have passed - they may be approaching faster than you think.
Videos
available for loan to CAA members & schools
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