Gearing up for a safe cycling season

Cyclists and motorists both need to follow the rules of the road to keep everyone safe. Feature story Cycling is a great way to stay fit and healthy. It’s also good for the environment, especially if you commute by bike. But whether you’re a Newb, a recreational cyclist who only rides once in a blue moon, or a die-hard Roadie who rides year-round, riding around on Ottawa’s roadways can have its challenges.  Riding responsibly is the key to keeping yourself safe. Make a point of avoiding motorists blind spots. Stay back and stay safe. The City of Ottawa and the Province of Ontario both have extensive information on how to keep yourself safe while cycling. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 62 collisions in Ottawa involving cyclists that resulted in a major injury or fatality, and an additional six involving ebikes. Even one incident is too many. Motorists have a responsibility to keep cyclists safe and should:

• Follow the rules of the road at all times.
• Bicycles are considered vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act, so treat them as you would any other vehicle on the road.
• Cyclists generally ride in the right-most through lane, about one metre from the curb or parked cars.
• People who ride bicycles are not obligated to use bike lanes or pathways and are permitted to cycle on all roads in Ottawa except the Transitway, Highways 416, 417 and Regional Road 174 (to Orléans).
• Motorists are prohibited from driving or parking in all designated bicycle lanes.
• When passing a cyclist, the Highway Traffic Act requires that you leave a safe distance between your car and the bicycle. Extra passing distance should be given when slippery road conditions exist.
• Cyclists are permitted to ride in the centre of a lane when they feel it is too narrow for a motor vehicle to pass them, or if they feel their safety is compromised.
• Slow down or avoid puddles when passing cyclists.
• Cyclists can ride on either the paved road, paved shoulder or unpaved shoulder in rural areas.
• Drivers of larger vehicles should be cautious of blasting a cyclist with winds when passing, especially on dusty roads.

Cyclists

• Follow the rules of the road at all times.
• Be bright at night! Use a headlight, taillight, reflectors and light-coloured or retro-reflective clothing so motorists can see you.
• Motorists may not anticipate a cyclist, so ride defensively.
• Know where blind spots are so you can stay out of them. Stay in front or at the rear of the vehicle where you are visible.
• Never compromise your safety for the convenience of a motorist.
• Where possible, ride in a straight line and avoid dodging between parked cars, into bus bays or around obstacles.
• Know where you are going and look ahead to position yourself in the correct lane. Avoid being in a "right turn only" lane if you plan to proceed straight through an intersection.

The City of Ottawa continues to make improvements to the safety of our roads and pathways with an emphasis on protecting vulnerable users – pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. The City’s 2020-2024 Road Safety Action Plan guides these engineering, education and enforcement initiatives. But even the safest transportation network requires that everyone follows the rules of the road for their mode of transportation.