Bicycle Safety

Bicycle Safety Check: Get Ready for the Road

Before you ride, make sure your bike is road-ready and you’re prepared for every ride. A quick safety check can prevent accidents and keep your ride smooth and safe.

Tires and Wheels

Check your tires and wheels first:

• Inflate tires to the pressure listed on the sidewall.
• Inspect spokes for bends or breaks and watch your wheels spin past the brakes and frame to spot wobbles.

Chain and Gears

Your chain and gears should work smoothly:

• Make sure your chain doesn’t slip when pedaling in a steady gear.
• While shifting, the chain should move freely and quietly from sprocket to sprocket.

Brakes

Always test your brakes before hitting the road:

• Squeeze the brake levers fully — there should be space between the levers and handlebars.
• Make sure each brake pad contacts the wheel rim, not the tire.

Safety Equipment

Helmet

Helmets are required by law for riders 18 and under, but every cyclist benefits from proper protection. A good helmet:

• Reduces the risk of serious injury in a fall or collision.
• Should be replaced after any crash, even if it looks undamaged.
• Must fit snugly — one finger’s width between your chin and strap.
• Should carry a safety approval sticker from organizations like Snell, ANSI, ASTM, BSI, SAA, or CSPC.

Lights, Reflectors, Bells, and Horns

Your bike must be visible and audible to others:

• Equip a working bell or horn.
• Use a white front light and red rear light or reflector if riding half an hour before sunset or after sunrise.
• Add white reflective tape to front forks and red reflective tape to rear forks.
• Bright, reflective clothing is highly recommended to stay visible in all conditions.

Bicycle Locks

Protect your bike from theft:

• Use a sturdy lock that secures the frame and removable parts like wheels.
• Keep a record of your combination on your phone or have a backup key handy.

On the Road

Signaling and Turning

Cyclists must communicate their movements clearly:

• Always signal before turning or changing lanes, including when passing vehicles.
• Check over your shoulder and make eye contact with drivers and other road users.
• Turn signals:
  • Left turn: Extend your left arm straight.
  • Right turn: Extend your left arm and point your hand upward.
  • Stopping: Extend your left arm and point your hand downward.

Obey the Rules of the Road

Your bike is a vehicle — follow traffic laws:

• Ride in the curb lane whenever possible. Pass only when safe, or use a bike lane if available.
• Keep to the right of the lane unless avoiding hazards like potholes or debris. Safety comes first — motorists must wait.
• Obey traffic lights, stop signs, and all road markings.

Stay Focused

Distractions can be deadly:

• Never use headphones or earbuds — you need to hear your surroundings.
• Avoid holding cell phones or other devices while riding.
• If you must use electronics, pull over safely first.

By checking your bike, wearing the right gear, signaling properly, and following the rules, you can enjoy cycling safely and confidently every time you hit the road.

Making a right turn

When turning right, always check your blind spots for cyclists after signaling and before turning. Never speed up to get ahead of a cyclist only to cut them off — slow down, merge safely behind them, and turn when it’s clear. If your turn crosses a bike lane, merge into the lane first so you don’t trap a cyclist between your vehicle and the curb.

Passing a cyclist

When passing, give cyclists plenty of space — at least one metre. If needed, safely move into the oncoming lane to maintain distance and avoid crowding them.

Opening your door

Opening a car door without checking can seriously injure a cyclist. Always check your mirrors and blind spots before opening your door to keep everyone safe.

This approach keeps your driving safe, protects cyclists, and helps prevent collisions on busy roads.

Both e-bikes and e-scooters are a fun, eco-friendly way to get around — but following the rules keeps you safe, protects others, and helps you avoid fines.

E-Bikes

E-bikes are motorized bicycles that can look like a regular bike, a scooter, or even a limited-speed motorcycle. They’re fun, efficient, and a popular way to get around — but there are rules you need to follow.

E-bike requirements:

• Steering handlebars and working pedals
• Electric motor no more than 500 watts
• Maximum speed of 32 km/h
• Maximum weight of 120 kg
• Permanent manufacturer label in English and French confirming it meets federal power-assisted bicycle standards

To ride an e-bike safely and legally:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Wear a CSA-approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet
• Keep your e-bike in good working order
• If your e-bike is built for two riders, the passenger must also be 16 or older and wear a CSA-approved helmet

Where you can and cannot ride:

• E-bikes are allowed on most roads and highways open to conventional bicycles.

Do not ride e-bikes on:

• 400-series highways
• Municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths, or trails where bicycles are banned or e-bikes are prohibited by local by-laws

Important rules:

• Never modify your e-bike to increase motor power or speed
• Obey the same rules of the road as regular cyclists

Common offences and fines:

• Allowing a rider under 16 on an e-bike — $110 (HTA Section 38(2))
• Riding two people on an e-bike — $110 (HTA Section 178(2))

E-Scooters

E-scooters are motorized scooters designed for standing riders only. They’re compact, easy to maneuver, and great for short trips.

E-scooter requirements:

• Two wheels (maximum 17 inches) with brakes
• Bell or horn
• White front light and red rear light
• Electric motor no more than 500 watts
• Maximum speed of 24 km/h
• Maximum weight of 45 kg
• No pedals or seat

To ride an e-scooter safely and legally:

• Be at least 16-years-old
• Wear a CSA-approved helmet (mandatory under 18)
• Stand at all times while riding
• No passengers, cargo, or baskets allowed

Important rules:

• Never modify the motor to increase power or speed