With an increase in dedicated bicycle paths in cities and towns around Manitoba, cycling around vehicular traffic is becoming safer. Even so, knowing and understanding the rules of the road will make cycling an even safer activity for everyone.

According to Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), four cyclists are killed in Manitoba each year and 140 others are injured in collisions. The majority of these riders are not wearing a helmet.

It’s important to note that, when driving in areas where vehicular traffic is allowed, cyclists are subject to the Highway Traffic Act, which includes some laws specific to bicycle use. Bicycle infractions are subject to traffic fines and penalties when caught or reported.

Unlike regular drivers, though, cyclists aren’t required to take tests before heading out into traffic. So it’s imperative that adults learn and, in turn, teach their kids.

But if safety and regulation aren’t reason enough to abide by the rules of the road, consider for a moment the drivers who have to share the road with cyclists of all ages who sometimes act like they’re above the law.

We’ve all been there. It can be an exercise in frustration.

Are Helmets, Lights, and Reflectors Compulsory?

Under Manitoba law, the use of a certified and properly fitted helmet is compulsory for anyone under the age of 18. This also applies to children who are passengers on a bike or in a trailer being towed by a bike.

Helmets must be certified by standards such as the Snell Memorial Foundation, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

A parent or guardian can be fined if they knowingly allow their child to ride without a helmet. Teens over the age of 13 can be fined directly.

MPI and the RCMP encourage adults to act as role models for their kids and wear helmets when they ride.

As for compulsory bicycle safety features, a white light is required for the front of the bike and a red or amber light or reflector for the rear. The addition of a blinking LED light on the rear can significantly increase a bike’s visibility in traffic, but this isn’t mandatory.

Streets, Sidewalks, and Crosswalks

According to the Highway Traffic Act, when driving on roadways, cyclists should position themselves as close as is practical to the right edge of the road. When driving in groups of two or more, cyclists must ride in single file.

When sharing a lane with parked vehicles, it is recommended to leave a 1.5-metre gap between you and the vehicle, called the “door zone.”

If parked vehicles randomly occur in your lane, keep a straight path to maintain predictability for other drivers and avoid swerving in and out of parked vehicles.

Unless you’re a child driving a bike with a rear wheel that is 16 inches in diameter or less, it is illegal to drive your bike on a sidewalk.

Based on some studies, cyclists on sidewalks face a greater risk of collision as they approach intersections since motorists are watching for pedestrians at these corners as opposed to fast-moving bikes.

Riding on sidewalks also creates a hazardous environment for pedestrians.

The MPI Bike Safely brochure has nothing to say about riding your bike along crosswalks. Live and Learn, an online resource for new Manitobans, suggests that cyclists should always dismount their bicycle and walk it across.

Other online resources suggest that this rule may differ depending on city or community bylaw.

Any way you look at it, however, cyclists must give right of way to the pedestrian just like any other vehicle. If common sense prevails, cyclists should dismount when pedestrians are on the crosswalk for everyone’s safety.

As well, if cyclists choose to drive across a crosswalk, they should anticipate vehicles whose drivers won’t be enthusiastic about their choice to do so.

Getting Your Child Ready for Street Cycling

According to MPI, your child should be able to manage a few basic skills before they begin driving in traffic. These skills should be practiced in advance in a parking lot or on a quiet residential street.

First, they should be able to cycle in a straight line, keeping their head up and eyes on the road.

Next, they should be able to maintain balance with one hand while the other hand performs traffic signals. Balance and a straight line should also be maintained when shoulder-checking.

Finally, the child should be capable of making abrupt stops safely. Help them to experience what it feels like to apply varying levels of pressure to the brake controller and repeat this process, applying the brake at greater levels and higher speeds as they feel comfortable.

Signalling

When cycling on the street, children should be made aware of the fact that all the same rules and responsibilities apply to them as to any motorist. That includes stopping at controlled intersections and signalling to other drivers when they’re turning or braking.

Generally speaking, the left hand is used to make signals since it’s the most visible to traffic around you.

There are four basic hand signals.

A left-hand turn is indicated by an arm outstretched to the side with no bend in the elbow, like an arrow pointing left. A right-hand turn is indicated when your arm is bent into an L-shape, with the hand pointing upward.

To indicate an intention to stop, use the same signal as a right turn except, this time, the hand is facing the ground. Finally, the same downward motion without a bend in the elbow indicates a slight shift in positioning within the same lane.

For everyone’s safety, MPI recommends signalling well in advance of your action. Place both hands on the handlebars to manoeuvre through a turn or lane change.

If you’re stopped at an intersection, signal again before making the turn or lane change. 

Responsibility as a Motorist

Motorists, too, have a responsibility to create a safe driving environment for the cyclists around them.  Under all circumstances, they should be cautious and respectful of the cyclists’ right to be on the road. When it comes to children on bicycles, they should expect the unexpected and employ even greater levels of vigilance.

When approaching a bicycle, reduce your speed and leave a safe following distance. Be aware of hazards the cyclist might face and anticipate their actions accordingly.

When passing a cyclist, it’s recommended to allow at minimum one metre of clearance. This may require a lane change in order to pass. Extra distance may be required in highway situations where speeds are increased. 

It’s not safe to pass a cyclist in areas where traffic is reduced to one lane, such as construction zones or some residential streets with parked vehicles. Never pass a cyclist while in a yield lane.

It is recommended not to use one’s horn, which can startle a cyclist.

Always be aware of your surroundings so that, when making a left or right turn, you know the whereabouts of any bikes about to enter your path.