Strathcona County, Alta. - As the weather becomes warmer you will see more adults and children riding their bicycles on the roadways. Taking family bicycle rides are a fun way to spend quality time with your children and also get some exercise. The Strathcona County RCMP wants to remind cyclists about the importance of helmet and bicycle safety.
All cyclists under the age of 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet as well as children travelling in trail-a-bikes or trailers. Helmets are not required for adults over 18 years of age, but helmets reduce the risk of death if you fall or have a collision. Remember to replace your bicycle helmet if it has received any strong impact (even if damage is not visible) or if it is five years or older.
Cyclists under the age of 18-years-old who are not wearing their helmets may be issued a traffic violation notice for failure to wear a safety helmet under the Provincial Vehicle Equipment Regulation ($93).
It is important for cyclists to be visible especially at night. Ensure you are wearing bright coloured clothing and use reflective lights on the front, side and rear of you bicycle so you are visible from all directions.
DID YOU KNOW?
- The most common error committed by cyclists involved in casualty collisions was disobeying a traffic signal (23.4%).
- The largest number of casualty collisions involving bicycles (38.1%) occurred during the evening rush-hour period (3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.).
- Cyclists aged 15-19 were most often involved in these collisions.
- Cyclists must be aware that only pedestrians - people on foot - have the right of way in crosswalks. Only if a cyclist dismounts and walks their bike across a crosswalk are they a pedestrian
It is common for large groups of cyclists to gather on rural County roads but it is important to remember that according to the Use of Highway and Rules of the Roads Regulation (Section 78) a cyclist shall not operate a bicycle adjacent to another bicycle travelling in the same direction.
Whether you’re a recreational cyclist, commuter or enjoy biking with your children it is important to be aware of the rules of the road. These laws are aimed to ensure bicycles and vehicles, can peacefully and safely co-exist on our road ways.