Prince Edward Island handbook · chapter 6 · 8 min read

Bicycles

Chapter 6: Bicycles Bicycle use continues to increase as more people use a bicycle for transportation, recreation, physical fitness and energy conservation. Cyclists must obey the rules of the road the same way as vehicles and are also entitled to an equal share of the road.

INFORMATION FOR MOTORISTS: When you are sharing the road with cyclists please remember:

• many children riding bicycles on the street are very young and lack the necessary training and skills for safe cycling;
• be alert for small children on oversized bicycles. This will increase the likelihood of erratic moves;
• when passing a cyclist, go around them like you would any other vehicle;
• when you are preparing to make a right turn, watch for cyclists who may pull up alongside your vehicle. Check your blind spots;
• when making a right turn, do not pull up beside a cyclist and then turn directly in front of them and cut them off;
• when pulling away from the curb always check for cyclists who may be trying to pass you;
• when parked at the curb, always check for cyclists when you open your vehicle door. It is the driver’s responsibility not to open the vehicle door into oncoming traffic;
• do not drive too closely behind cyclists as they do not have brake lights to warn you when they are stopping;
• cyclists are entitled to make left turns in the same manner as motorists. Since they are exposed on left turns, they will need extra consideration especially on multi-lane roads;
• cyclists are entitled to ride at least one metre from the curb and may ride even further out when they have to steer away from drainage grates, pot holes, debris, loose gravel or sand, wet or slippery surfaces, rutted or grooved pavement and even dogs. Be aware of the roadway conditions that may affect a cyclist; and
• do not blow your horn when you are passing a cyclist. It may frighten them and cause them to steer into your path. If you feel that you must use your horn, tap it quickly and lightly while you are still some distance away from the cyclist.

RULES OF THE ROAD FOR CYCLISTS DO: • keep both your hands on the handlebars except when making a hand signal; • keep both your feet on the pedals; • ride in a single file except when overtaking and passing another cycle; • make sure your bike is equipped with at least one headlamp (but not more than two), one red tail lamp and at least one red reflector mounted on the rear of the cycle when cycling at night; • make sure your bike has effective brakes. You should be able to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement; • always ride on the right side of the roadway as close as possible to the right curb or the edge of the road; • use a bicycle path adjacent to a street or highway if there is one; • ride on the regular seat of the bicycle; and • carry parcels in bicycle carriers so they do not interfere with your control of the bicycle.

DO NOT:

• ride on a sidewalk;
• ride on a highway where signs prohibit bicycles;
• ride the wrong way on a one-way street. There are no traffic signs in place for wrong way drivers;
• carry more people at one time than the cycle was designed for; or
• hold onto or attach the cycle to any other moving vehicle.