Road Safety

Rules to Obey... For Cyclists as Well as Motorists

Since 1999, an average of 2,800 cyclists have been involved in accidents each year in Québec. Despite a decline in fatalities over the same period, approximately 200 victims are seriously injured every year.

Cyclists have the same rights and obligations as motorists. Cyclists, however, are often unaware of these rules or ignore them altogether. Studies show that negligence and distraction are the cause of most accidents.

Bicycle safety begins with obeying the Highway Safety Code and preventive action. It is important to keep your eyes open, listen and make sure you can be seen!

Sharing the Road
Cyclists feel a greater sense of security if motorists make an effort to give them lots of room when passing.

To safely pass cyclists, motorists must:

• make sure they have enough space;
• use the left lane if necessary...

Passing a Bicycle
Under the Highway Safety Code, drivers of a road vehicle may not pass a bicycle within the same traffic lane unless there is enough space to allow them to do so safely. Furthermore, the Code authorizes drivers of a road vehicle to cross a solid or broken line (single or double) to pass a bicycle, providing that they can do so safely.

Reminder
Motorists are encouraged to be patient around cyclists and wait for the safest moment to pass a bicycle. It is important to leave at least a metre and a half between the vehicle and bicycle when passing. Motorists should also remember that cyclists may have to swerve to avoid obstacles or riding off the shoulder.

Rules to Obey...
For Cyclists as Well as Motorists

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