Cycle Safety
How to use Vaughan's Cycle Tracks
Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Safe.
Did you know? Ontario Law requires:
- White reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on the rear forks
- A white front light and a red rear light
- A bell or horn that works
- Wear a helmet if under the age of 18
Cycling Etiquette
When sharing space with pedestrians:
- Keep to the right
- Pass on the left when safe to do so
- Yield to pedestrians (slow down around pedestrians)
- Let pedestrians know you are approaching with a friendly greeting or by ringing your bell
When riding on a cycle track, bike lane or on the road:
- Travel in the same direction as motorists
- Stop at traffic lights and stop signs
- Use hand signals to communicate your intentions with motorists and pedestrians
Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA), a bicycle is considered a vehicle and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as motorists.
Cycling etiquette is applicable to those riding a conventional bicycle as well as an electric bicycle as defined by the province of Ontario. For more information visit: Riding an e-bike | ontario.ca
Riding an E-bike
A power-assisted bicycle, also called an electric bicycle or e-bike, is a bicycle with an electric motor that has:
- a handlebar for steering
- working pedals
- two or tree wheels
- an electric motor
- braking systems
E-bikes must meet certain requirements to be legally operated on roads in Ontario. This includes weight and speed limits of 120 kgs and 32 km/h, respectively.
When riding an e-bike, you must:
- be 16 or older
- wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet
- keep your e-bike in good working order
- follow the same rules of the road as other cyclists
For more information visit: Riding an e-bike | ontario.ca