Motorists and cyclists get along better when they show courtesy and consideration. Share the road and share the responsibility for making your bike trip a safe one!
Traffic laws that apply to motorists also apply to cyclists, as bicycles are considered vehicles under Alberta law. Cyclists have the same responsibility to follow the rules of the road that motorists do.
Here are some basic requirements and suggestions for cycling on the roadway.
(*) indicates a legal requirement.
Use appropriate hand signals
- Let motorists and other cyclists know what you're doing.
- Shoulder check first, then use the appropriate hand signal. *
Scan the road
- Be sure to shoulder check before initiating manoeuvres such as lane changes.
- Signal your intention, shoulder check again and then proceed when safe to do so.
See and be seen
At night, you must have at least:
- One headlight, but no more than two. *
- One red tail light. *
- One red reflector for the rear. *
- Wear reflective clothing and use your lights when visibility is poor.
- Establish eye contact to ensure that motorists know you are there.
Be careful at intersections
- Proceed with care since most collisions occur at intersections.
- Watch for turning vehicles.
Beware of car doors
- Watch out for the doors of parked cars - they can open at any time.
- Ride with your head up and look several metres ahead.
- Ride with handlebars about a door width away.
Ride in a straight line
- Ride 50 cm from the gutter to avoid hazards such as grates, glass and manhole covers.
- Do not dodge between parked cars.
- Watch for cars entering from driveways.
- Pass on the left.
Use the appropriate lane
- Do not ride in a right-turn only lane if you are going through.
- Move into the through lane early.
- In a narrow lane or slow traffic it may be safer to take the whole lane.
Three options for turning left
- Make the left turn as a vehicle.
- Cycle straight through to the far right corner of the intersection, and:
- cross as a pedestrian.
- make a quick 90 degree left turn and then proceed as a vehicle.
Ride in single file
- Ride in single file except when passing
Plan your route
- Plan your route ahead of time - the best route by car may not be the best route by bike.
- Remember that all streets are cycling streets (except Deerfoot Trail and 8th Avenue S.W. from 1st Street East to 3rd Street West 6:00 am to 6:00 pm).
Cyclists are responsible for their own safety and acquiring the necessary skills to use any roadway. The on-street bicycle routes are identified on the basis of general directness, the grade of the road and traffic conditions relative to alternate streets in the area. Route conditions may depend on factors like the time of day, day of the week, season, weather and traffic. A bicycle route may not be suitable for young children and/or inexperienced cyclists.
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