For many Albertans, cycling is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a way of life. From commuting to work or enjoying a leisurely ride through the parks to simply running errands around town, cycling offers a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around. And given the fact that cyclists share the road with much larger vehicles, it’s essential to prioritize safety.
Whether you’re behind the wheel or on two wheels, knowing the rules of the road is key. As a driver, do you stop at a crosswalk if a cyclist is on the bike? Or are they considered part of road traffic? As a rider, do you obey all traffic signals? Let’s find out.
Top safety tips and regulations for cyclists in Alberta
Wear a Helmet
We all know this one. You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating. Whether or not you are wearing a helmet can profoundly impact the severity of injury in an accident. In Alberta, cyclists under the age of 18 are legally required to wear a helmet while riding. However, regardless of your age, it’s always a good idea to wear one for your safety.
Follow Traffic Laws
It is easy to forget that cyclists are in fact vehicles on the road and very much a part of traffic. This means they are required to obey the same traffic laws as motorists. This includes stopping at stop signs and red lights, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, and using hand signals to indicate turns. This is helpful for keeping everyone safe on the road.
Stay Visible
Visibility is key to staying safe on the road, especially during low-light or poor weather conditions. A standard bicycle doesn’t have lights like a motor vehicle, and they are visually much easier to miss. Equip your bike with reflectors, lights, and wear brightly colored clothing to make yourself more visible to motorists and pedestrians.
Dismount at Crosswalks
This one confuses a lot of people, drivers and cyclists alike. When approaching a crosswalk, cyclists are required to dismount and walk their bikes across the street. This helps ensure the safety of pedestrians and reduces the risk of collisions at intersections.
Ride in the Same Direction as Traffic
This is fairly intuitive, but bears mentioning. Always ride in the same direction as traffic, staying as far to the right as is safe and practical. This improves visibility and helps prevent accidents with oncoming vehicles.
Be Mindful of Bike Lanes
Alberta is home to many bike lanes and multi-use paths designed to accommodate cyclists safely. When riding in a bike lane, be mindful of other cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists sharing the space. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and signal your intentions when merging or changing lanes.
Share the Road
Sharing is caring. As cyclists, it’s essential to share the road responsibly with motorists and pedestrians alike. Be courteous, communicate your intentions clearly, and always yield the right-of-way when appropriate.
Stay Alert and Aware
No distracted cycling. Things can change very quickly, and it’s essential to remain alert and aware of your surroundings while cycling. Scan the road ahead for potential hazards, anticipate the actions of other road users, and be prepared to react quickly to changing conditions.
Additional Bicycle Safety Tips:
- Cyclists can be fined under the distracted driving legislation. Yes, you read that right. No texting and riding! If distracted riding causes an accident that injures another person, you could be held liable.
- A bicycle is considered a “vehicle” under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act. Cyclists are bound by the same traffic laws as any other driver on the road, unless they are under 14 and riding on the sidewalk.
A bicycle is no match to a car or truck in size or speed, and cyclists carry a greater risk of critical injury or loss of life in accidents involving motor vehicles. Bicycle accidents are often the result of speeding, distracted or careless driving, dooring (colliding with an open car door), poor visibility, or road conditions, and more.
By following these safety tips and regulations, cyclists can help ensure their own safety and the safety of others on the road.
Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Contact Litco Law
If you were injured as a result of someone else’s carelessness or negligence, you may be able to file an injury claim. There are many factors to consider in these types of accidents, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a Bicycle Accident lawyer to learn more. We have helped thousands of Albertans get the compensation they deserve, and we can help you too.
It won’t cost you anything to speak to a lawyer. We never bill by the hour and if you do choose to file a claim, you don’t pay us anything unless and until your claim is resolved. Contact us today to book a free consultation.
DID YOU KNOW? In Alberta, you generally have up to two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury claim, or your right to do so is lost forever. But it’s important not to wait, as there may be other important deadlines or circumstances that may affect the deadline or your claim.
Have questions? Our caring team will answer any legal questions you have and help you get the compensation you deserve. Initial consults are always free and, if you do choose us, we don’t get paid until your claim is resolved.
