There are many bicycles on today's roads. More people are using bicycles to get around for commuting, fun or for exercise. Some people use bicycles to help save natural resources like oil and gas.

Motorists should remember these tips when sharing the road with a cyclist:

• A cyclist riding their bicycle is considered by law to be a vehicle. When a cyclist has stopped and remains astride their bicycle at an intersection and/or for a traffic signal, they are to be treated as a vehicle waiting for their turn to proceed.
• If a cyclist dismounts completely and is walking beside and pushing their bicycle, then they are considered by law to be a pedestrian.
• Many children riding bicycles on the street may lack the necessary training and skills for safe cycling. They may not be aware of all dangers.
• Be alert for small children on oversized bicycles. This may increase the likelihood of loss of control.
• When passing a cyclist, go around them like you would any other vehicle. Leave lots of room.
• When you are preparing to make a right turn, watch for cyclists who may pull up alongside your vehicle. Remember to shoulder check your blind spots.
• When you are about to make a right turn, do not pull up beside a cyclist and then turn directly in front of them and cut them off.
• When pulling away from the curb, always check for cyclists who may be trying to pass you.
• When parked at the curb, always check for cyclists before you open your vehicle door. It is the driver's responsibility not to open the vehicle door into traffic.
• Do not follow too close behind cyclists. They do not have brake lights to warn you when they are stopping.
• Cyclists are entitled to make left turns in the same manner as motorists. Since they are more exposed to traffic on left turns, they will need extra consideration, especially on multi-lane roads.
• Cyclists are required to ride as close as practicable to the curb, however, they may need to ride further out when they have to steer away from drainage grates, pot holes, debris, loose gravel or sand, wet or slippery surfaces, rutted or grooved pavement and even dogs. Be aware of the roadway conditions that may affect a cyclist.
• Do not sound your horn unnecessarily when you are overtaking a cyclist. It may startle them and cause them to lose control. If you feel that you must use your horn, tap it quickly and lightly while you are still some distance away from the cyclist.

Cyclists should remember that the law requires that cyclists or passengers on a bicycle who are under 18 years of age wear an approved bicycle safety helmet. For a listing of the bicycle safety helmet standards, refer to the Traffic Safety Act, Vehicle Equipment Regulation 98 that is available from the Queen’s Printer web site: http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/catalogue/catalog_results.cfm

Cyclists should also remember that, when they are riding their bicycle on streets and highways, they are considered by law to be a vehicle. Therefore they are required to obey all the rules of the road, which apply to other (motorized) vehicles, plus those that apply only to bicycle operators.

Cyclists using the streets and highways should:

• Keep both hands on the handlebars except when making a hand signal.
• Keep both feet on the pedals.
• Not carry more people at one time than the bicycle was designed for.
• Not hold onto, attach themselves or attach the bicycle to any other moving vehicle.
• Ride single file except when overtaking and passing another bicycle.
• When cycling at night, make sure their bicycle is equipped with at least one headlamp (but not more than two), one red tail lamp and at least one red reflector mounted on the rear of the bicycle.
• Be sure the bicycle has effective brakes.
• Ensure that the bicycle is equipped with a bell or horn.

Updated May 2004