Police Services - Safety

Bicyclist's Hand Book

A Guide for Young Drivers
Driving a Bike is Easy
Sure it is. Once you learn to drive one, they say you never for get how.

First of all, protect yourself by always wearing an approved helmet. For safety, wear bright clothing so you'll be more visible.

Make sure your bike "fits" you. Remember, the size of your bicycle affects your ability to steer, pedal and use your brakes. A bicycle that fits properly is easy to control, comfortable to ride and doesn't hurt your knees.

To check that your bike is the right size, stand flat-footed over your bicycle. Your crotch should be above the frame. Check your seat height. When you sit on the saddle with your heels on the pedals, your legs should be almost straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

Driving a bike - and doing it safely - takes practice.

Practice with your bicycle before you take it out on a busy street. A good, safe place is in a vacant parking lot or school playground.

Drive defensively. Remember, you're driving one of the smallest vehicles on the road. It's not always easy for other drivers to see you.

You should drive on the same side of the street as traffic going the same way. If you're moving slower that the other vehicles around you, drive in the right lane beside the curb. Stay about on metre from the curb to avoid sewer grates and bumps. Always drive straight, without swerving and stay in single file.

As the driver of a vehicle, you should know the rules of the road. Remember, you MUST follow these rules just like the drivers of other vehicles.

Is Your Bicycle in Safe Working Order?
Before driving your bicycle, make sure it's in good condition... regular check-ups can help prevent the possibility of a spill or accident. Remember, all bike parts must be firmly attached.

Here's a list of things to check and an easy way to test each part to make sure it is tight before riding.

1. Seat Adjustment: Twist the seat in all directions. If the seat is not properly adjusted, you can't drive safely. If your seat is not at the proper height, it can cause you strain and you'll get tired quickly. Too low or too high, you lose pumping power.

2. Steering: Push down on the handlebars. Put the front wheel between your knees and twist the handlebars. Keep handlebars straight, tight and at the right height. Keep handlebar nuts tight. Make sure grips are snug.

3. Wheels: Check for bent or missing spokes. Wheels won't run smoothly if all spokes aren't tight and in position. Spin the tire and if it has a large wobble in it, then it is out of alignment. Keep axle nuts tight.

4. Brakes: (a)Brake Lever attachment:Check that it is tightly secured to the handlebars and the brake cable is in good condition. (b) Front Brake: Squeeze front brake as hard as possible. Try and push the bike forward. The rear wheel should lift off the ground. There should be 25 mm (1") between the brake lever and the handlebar. (c) Rear Brake: Squeeze the rear brake as hard as possible. Try and push the bike forward. The rear wheel should skid. There should be 25 mm (1") between the brake lever and the handlebar. (d) Brake Pads: Check that they are all parallel to the wheel rims and only touch the metal part of the wheel. Keep your brakes properly adjusted. They are just as important on your bicycle as on a car.

5. Tires: Check for cuts and bruises. Keep pressure up. Your tire should be firm when you press it with your thumb. Don't drive with bald tires. You'll have poor traction and slow stopping when you use the brakes.

6. Chain: It should be cleaned and oiled regularly. Remember, it connects the source of power (you pushing the pedals) with the sprockets that provide the "drive". Check for weak links. Keep proper tension. About 2 cm (3/4") up-and-down movement is correct.

7. Pedals: They should be tight. Use light machine oil if lubrication is needed.

8. Lights and Reflectors: For night driving, you must have a white or amber front light, a red reflector or light on the rear. Check that the lights are in good working order and your battery is fully charged. Make sure your rear light or reflector is securely fastened.

9. Bell: The law requires you to have a bell or horn. It must be loud and clear.

10. Parcel Carrier: Make sure it is tightly secured.

Your Bicycle.... Is a vehicle, under The Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA)
This means that, as a bicycle driver, you have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users.

Laws specific to bicycles are:
Helmets - As of October 1, 1995, it is the law in Ontario for every cyclist under the age of eighteen (18) to wear an approved bicycle helmet.

Lights - Your bike must have a white or amber front light and a red rear light or reflector if you ride between 1/2 hour before sunset and 1/2 hour after sunrise.

Reflective Tape - A bicycle must be equipped with white reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on the rear forks.

Bell - Your bike must be equipped with a bell or horn in good working order and must be loud and clear.

Brakes - Your bicycle must have at least one brake system on the rear wheel. This brake must be able to stop your bike. Be sure you use it - don't try to stop your bike by dragging your feet.

Identification - Cyclists must identify themselves when stopped by the police for breaking traffic laws. The police officer will ask you for your correct name and address.

Crossovers - A bicyclist is not permitted to ride a bicycle in a pedestrian crossover or crosswalk at an intersection.

Stopping - You must come to a full stop at all red lights and stop signs.

One-way Streets - Drive only in the designated direction on a one-way street.

Sidewalks - In many places in Ontario, only bicycles with 61 cm (24 in.) wheels or smaller may be ridden on the sidewalk. Have your parents check the by-laws in your area.

Expressways - Bicycles are prohibited on expressways and freeway-type highways such as highway 401, the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Ottawa Queensway and on roads where "No bicycle" signs are posted.

Passengers - No passengers are allowed on a bicycle designed for one person.

Attaching to a Vehicle - You are not permitted to attach yourself to the outside of another vehicle or streetcar for the purpose of "hitching a ride".

Dismounted Bicyclist - As a bicyclist, you are required to ride your bicycle on the right-hand side of the road. If you are walking your bike on a highway where there are no sidewalks, you are considered a pedestrian and you should be walking on the left-hand side of the road facing traffic. However, if it is not safe for you to cross the road to face traffic, you are permitted to walk your bike on the right-hand side of the road.
 

A Bicycle Driver's Safety Rules

Get to know these rules and follow them at all times. Remember, it's very important to learn about traffic now when you are a cyclist. Soon you will be a motorist - and you'll be a better driver then if you learn the rules now.

1. Be Protected: Always wear an approved bicycle helmet. A serious head injury can happen with just a spill from a bik