Ready. Set. Bike!

Put safety first while riding

Planning to ride your bike this summer? With hot and dry days ahead, the City of Vaughan urges people to ride their bikes responsibly.

Here is everything you need to know before you put your gears in motion:

Summer cycling 101

Follow these tips to ensure your rides are fun and safe:

• Before heading out, inspect your bike and ensure all equipment (including tires, helmet, lights, breaks and more) are in tip-top shape.
• Dress according to changing weather conditions, including sunlight, rain showers, wind, etc.
• Avoid riding through puddles as hidden road conditions, such as potholes, gravel or sand may not be visible under water.
• 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.

Put safety first

Whether you are riding your bike for the first time or an experienced cyclist, bike safety protocols apply to all. People under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet when riding their bike – but everyone, regardless of age, are encouraged to do so as well. In addition, riders must have the following on their bike:

• 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

Remember, a bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, and all cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users.

Want more cycling safety tips? Tune into a free online cycling webinar on Thursday, July 20 from noon to 1 p.m. Hosted by SmartCommute, the webinar will feature Kelly Bray, Associate Director at PointA, who will talk about cycling safety, general biking tips, Vaughan’s growing list of bike paths and lanes, and much more. A live question-and-answer period will also follow. The webinar is open to anyone. Register to attend.

Micomobility devices

At this time, micromobility devices – such as e-scooters, golf carts, Segways, electric skateboards, hoverboards and other motorized personal vehicles – cannot be used on sidewalks, cycle tracks, shared pedestrian and bike paths or recreational trails in Vaughan. Exemptions apply to residents who require motorized wheelchairs and medical devices to get around. However, as micromobility use continues to grow in popularity, the City is currently working on how to best accommodate these devices on public property and permit their use. To report unsafe sightings, contact Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca and provide 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 complete the online form at yrp.ca. Visit vaughan.ca/micromobility to learn more.

e-Bikes

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 braking systems. E-bikes are considered micromobility devices – however, they 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. Learn more about provincial e-bike requirements and where they can be operated.

Wondering where to ride?

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 cyclists separate from pedestrians and motorists. These areas are marked with a bicycle symbol and diamond.
• On-road bike lanes: designated spaces for cyclists that are separate from pedestrians but run along the same road as motorists. These areas are made visible with pavement markings.
• In-boulevard multi-use pathways: shared spaces for pedestrians and cyclists separate from motorists. These areas are within the boulevard along a roadway.
• Multi-use recreational trails: shared spaces for pedestrians and cyclists found within parks and open spaces.

You can also explore Vaughan’s cycling facilities using the York Region Cycling Map.

For more information, visit vaughan.ca/cycling.

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