Bicycle Safety

(QUINTE WEST, ON) The Ontario Provincial Police maintains its commitment to keeping the Highways and roadways safe for all who use them. With more and more bicycles riding along the roadways it’s important for cyclists to follow the rules of the road to ensure everybody’s safety.

A bicycle is a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA). This means that, as a bicyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users. Cyclists charged for disobeying traffic laws will be subject to a minimum set fine and a Victim Surcharge fine of $20.00 for most offences (please note set fines below are subject to change).

The following are key sections of the HTA concerning cyclists.

HTA 144/136 – Traffic signals and signs

Stop for red lights and stop signs and comply with all other signs. Set fine: $85.00

HTA 140(1) 144(29) – Crosswalks

Yield or stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. Set fine: $85.00

HTA 140(6)/144(29) – No riding in crosswalks

Walk your bike when crossing at a crosswalk. Set fine: $85.00

HTA 175 (12) – Stopped school buses

Stop for stopped school buses when the upper alternating red lights are flashing. Set fine: $400.00

HTA 62(17) – Lights

A bike must have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector if you ride between 1/2 hour before sunset and 1/2 hour after sunrise and white reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on rear forks. Set fine: $20.00

HTA 75 (5) – Bell

A bike must have a bell or horn in good working order. Set fine: $85.00

HTA 64(3) – Brakes

A bike must have at least one brake system on the rear wheel. When you put on the brakes, you should be able to skid on dry, level pavement. Set fine: $85.00

HTA 178(2) – Passengers

Passengers are not allowed on a bicycle designed for one person. Set fine: $85.00

HTA 104 – Helmets

Every cyclist under the age of eighteen must wear an approved bicycle helmet. Parents or guardians shall not knowingly permit cyclists under sixteen to ride without a helmet. Set fine: $60.00

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