Explore Vaughan by bike this fall

 

Cycling is a great way to get around and be active, even in the fall! But with shorter daylight hours and cooler weather conditions in the forecast, the City of Vaughan is reminding autumn riders to put safety first. Being prepared is the best way to bike responsibly. 

Here are a few tips to ensure your rides are fun and safe:

• Before heading out, ensure your bike is properly equipped.
• Wear reflective gear so you’re visible even in dim light conditions.
• Dress according to changing weather conditions, including rain, wind and cool temperatures.
• Avoid riding through puddles as hidden road conditions, such as potholes, gravel or sand may not be visible under water.
• Be mindful of wet, slick spots on the road, including railroad tracks, manhole covers, painted road lines and leaf piles.
• Use proper hand signals, obey traffic lights and stop signs, be aware of your surroundings at all times and be courteous to all other road users. 

Did you know a bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act? This means cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users. Cyclists are also required to 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
• a working bell or horn 

Although helmets are mandatory for people 18 years old and younger, it is recommended all riders wear one. Visit vaughan.ca/cycling to learn more about safety requirements and rider etiquette. 

CYCLING WEBINAR

As part of the City’s Thornhill Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP), a Vaughan-specific cycling webinar is being hosted in partnership with SmartCommute – an organization working with municipalities to help residents live, commute, travel and play in sustainable ways. Webinar details are as follows:

• Title: Cycling in Vaughan: Clark Avenue Cycle tracks and Beyond!
• Date: Monday, Sept. 26, 2022
• Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Registration: To attend, register here.
• Description: This free webinar will focus on cycling infrastructure around the Thornhill neighbourhood, including the new Clark Avenue cycle tracks. Rules of the road, cycling safety tips and connections to other cycling and multi-use tracks in Vaughan will be discussed. A video of Vaughan’s cycling lanes will be shown, and a live question-and-answer period will take place. If you’re an avid cyclist looking to discover new trails, or getting on a bike for the first time, or looking for child-safe places to ride – this webinar is for you! Learn more at vaughan.ca/environment. 

eBIKES

Micromobility devices – such as e-bikes, e-scooters, golf carts, Segways, electric skateboards, hoverboards and other motorized personal vehicles – should not be used on sidewalks, cycle tracks, shared pedestrian and bike paths or recreational trails in the city. Exemptions apply to those who require motorized wheelchairs and medical devices to get around. To report unsafe sightings, contact the City by phone at 905-832-2281 or email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca with the date, location and nature of the incident. You can also report concerns to York Regional Police through the non-emergency phone line at 1-866-876-5423 or fill out the online form at yrp.ca. Visit vaughan.ca/micromobility to learn more about these devices in Vaughan. 

FLEXI POSTS

The City is reminding residents that flexi posts are not to be tampered with. These in-road flexible posts are traffic calming measures that serve as a visual reminder of the posted speed limit and assist with reducing speeding in local neighbourhoods. Flexi posts have a narrowing effect on the roadway, which can give drivers the perception of the need to slow down. In addition, they improve road safety for all users by guiding drivers, pedestrians and cyclists when on the road. These posts are designed to flex upon impact, which can prevent potential damage to cars and not slow down emergency vehicles. Learn more at vaughan.ca/transportation. 

VAUGHAN’S CYCLING AND MULTI-USE RECREATIONAL TRAILS

The current cycling and multi-use recreational trails network in Vaughan is growing and consists of the following:

• In-boulevard cycle tracks: designated spaces for cyclists separate from pedestrians and motorists.
• On-road bike lanes: designated spaces for cyclists that are separate from pedestrians but are located on the road, same as motorists.
• In-boulevard multi-use pathways: shared space for pedestrians and cyclists that are separate from motorists. These areas are within the boulevard along a roadway.
• Multi-use recreational trails: shared space for pedestrians and cyclists found within parks and open spaces. 

The City continues to advance active transportation by offering a full range of options to get around – including by bike. Some of these projects include the 2020 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Update, the Vaughan Super Trail, the Clark Avenue Cycle Tracks, the expansion of the Humber Trail system, closing gaps on the Bartley Smith Greenway Trail, trail upgrades at North Maple Regional Park, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) Cycling Network Plan and more. A comprehensive update on all of these projects is outlined in Vaughan’s Active Transportation Programs - Second Annual Update (PDF). 

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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