Who Owns the Road?

WHO OWNS THE ROAD? WE ALL DO…. BIKE’S AND CARS

Cycling is a fun, healthy and an inexpensive way to get around, whether you cycle to and from work, school, or for recreation. Hazards can be avoided when you have good handling and traffic skills

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA) defines the bicycle as a vehicle that belongs on the road however, riding on the road means mixing with other traffic. This is only safe when all traffic uses the same rules of the road.

When everyone operates under these rules, actions become more predictable. Drivers can anticipate your moves and plan accordingly. Likewise, you too can anticipate and deal safely with the actions of others.

The bicycle, by nature, differs from most other vehicles in two important ways. First, the bicycle is very narrow. Consequently, where most vehicles use a full lane, the bicycle uses only a fraction of a lane.

Second, the bicycle is often slower than most other vehicles. In urban areas, cyclists generally move at one-third to two-thirds the speed of the traffic around them, except where traffic congestion slows cars and trucks. However, in rural areas, or on faster roads the difference is much greater.

WHERE DO YOU RIDE?
Because of the special nature of the bicycle, there are two rules of the road to which cyclists must pay special attention.

1. slower traffic stays right.
2. slower traffic must give way to faster traffic when safe and practical.

These rules generally apply this way: cyclists should ride close to the right hand edge of the road without a curb, or about one meter from a curb, when it is safe to do so, unless they are turning left or going faster than other vehicles.

TAKING A LANE
In urban areas where a curb lane is too narrow to share safely with a motorist, it is legal to take the whole lane by riding in the centre of it. This action is safer than riding near the curb, which may encourage a motorist to squeeze by where there isn’t sufficient room. If you are uncomfortable in the centre of the lane, take an alternate route. On high-speed roads, it is not safe to take the whole lane.

LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY
The following are key sections of the Highway Traffic Act concerning cyclists.

HTA 144/136 -Traffic signals and signs – stop for red lights and stop signs and comply with all other signs.
HTA 153 – One ways streets – ride in the designated direction on one-way streets.
HTA 147 – Slow moving traffic – any vehicle moving slower than the normal traffic speed should drive in the right-hand lane, or as close as practicable to the right edge of the road except when preparing to turn left or when passing another vehicle. For cyclists, you must ride far enough out from the curb to maintain a straight line, clear of sewer grates, debris, potholes, and parked car doors. You may occupy any part of a lane when you safety warrants it. Never compromise your safety for the convenience of a motorist behind you.

HTA 142 – Signaling a turn – before turning, look behind you and signal your turn. Cyclists can use their right arm to signal a right turn.

HTA 140/144(29) – Crosswalks – stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and walk your bike when crossing at a crosswalk.
HTA 175 (12) – Stopped School Buses – stop for stopped school buses when the upper alternating red lights are flashing and the stop arm is out.

HTA 62 – Lights – a bike must have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector if you ride between ½ hour before sunset and ½ hour after sunrise.

HTA 62 (17) – Reflective tape – a bike must have white reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on the rear forks.

HTA 75 (5) – Bell – a bike must have a bell or horn in good working order.
HTA 64 – 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.

HTA 218 – Identification – Cyclists must identify themselves when stopped by police for breaking traffic laws. The police officer will ask you for your correct name and address.

HTA 178 – Passengers – Passengers are not allowed on a bicycle designed for one person.
HTA 178 – Attaching to a vehicle – You are not permitted to attach yourself to the outside of another vehicle or streetcar for the purpose of hitching a ride”.

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.

HTA 179 – Dismounted bicyclist – Cyclists are required to ride on the right-hand side of the road. If you are walking your bike on a highway where there are no sidewalks

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