Bike safety 101

Ready. Set. Bike! 

Now that summer is here, bike riders are out in full force. While riding your bike is an excellent way to move around Vaughan, always remember to put safety first. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Before heading out, inspect your bike and ensure all equipment (including tires, helmet, lights and more) is in tip-top shape.
• Wear layers of clothing and dress according to changing weather conditions, including sunlight, rain showers, wind and more. 
• Avoid riding through puddles as hidden surface conditions, such as potholes, gravel or sand may not be visible under water.
• Follow the rules of the road – keep to the right, use proper hand signals, obey traffic lights and stop signs, and let pedestrians know you’re approaching them by ringing a bell or horn. 

Whether you are an experienced cyclist or riding for the first time, bike safety protocols apply to all. People riding bikes under the age of 18 years are required to wear a helmet – but everyone, regardless of age, are encouraged to do so. In addition, riders must have the following on their bikes: white reflective tape on the front forks, red reflective tape on the rear forks, a white front light, a red rear light or reflector and a working bell or horn. 

Remember, a bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, and riders have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users. Visit vaughan.ca/cycling to learn more about safety requirements and rider etiquette.

What about e-bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility devices? 

An e-bike is a power-assisted bicycle. It is a bicycle that has a handlebar for steering, working pedals, two or three wheels, an electric motor and a braking system. E-bikes are allowed to operate on roads like bicycles if they meet certain requirements (including weight and speed limits) set out by the Ministry of Transportation. 

An e-scooter (electric kick-scooter) is a motorized vehicle with two wheels – one at the front and one at the back – brakes, a platform to stand on, a handlebar for steering, a white light in the front and a red light on the rear, a bell or horn, reflective material and a maximum wheel diameter of 17 inches. E-scooters are allowed to operate on bike lanes, cycle tracks, in-boulevard multi-use paths and local roads with a speed limit at or less than 50 kilometers per hour. 

Both e-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed to operate on sidewalks. Learn more about provincial e-scooter and e-bike requirements and where they can operate.

At this time, other micromobility devices – such as golf carts, Segways, electric skateboards, hoverboards and other motorized personal vehicles – cannot be used on sidewalks, cycle tracks, shared pedestrian, bike paths, recreational trails or local roads in Vaughan. Exemptions apply to residents who require motorized wheelchairs and medical devices to get around. To learn more, visit vaughan.ca/micromobility. 

Vaughan’s cycling and trail network

There are many places to ride in our community! Vaughan is home to a large network of sidewalks, cycle tracks, bike lanes, multi-use paths and recreational trails, which include the following:

• In-boulevard cycle tracks: designated spaces for people riding bikes, e-bikes or e-scooters separate from those walking or driving by a curb and buffer. These areas are marked with an arrow, bicycle symbol and a diamond.
• On-road bike lanes: designated spaces on the road for people riding bikes, e-bikes or e-scooters. Bike lanes are located on both sides of the roadway and users travel in the same direction as those driving. These lanes are separated from motor vehicle lanes by a white painted line. 
• In-boulevard multi-use pathways: shared spaces for people walking, riding bikes, e-bikes or e-scooters separate from those driving by a curb and buffer. These areas are within the boulevard along a roadway.
• Multi-use recreational trails: shared spaces for walking and riding bikes found within parks and open spaces. Powered/motorized micromobility devices are not permitted on multi-use recreational trails.

For more information, visit vaughan.ca/cycling. You can also explore Vaughan’s cycling facilities in the York Region Cycling Map.

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