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