Bike-Friendly Fridays

May 20: One-Metre (1m) Safe Passing Law and Road Safety Reminders

With summer unofficially here, we know our communities will see an increase in people riding their bikes and using our roadways and trails. Keep these reminders in mind and share with other to help keep all road users safe

One-Metre (1m) Safe Passing Law

Since 2015, Ontario drivers are required by law to provide one metre (1m) of space when passing a cyclist. Regardless of the law, drivers should always try to provide as much space as safely possible, and pass at a slower speed. The law requires that drivers:

• Provide at least one metre (1m) of space between their vehicle and a cyclist when passing 
• Do not pass unless one metre (1m) of space can be safely provided
• Travel at a safe distance behind the cyclist until it is safe to pass

Follow Road Signs

Signs are an important communication tool on the roads. These are some common signs throughout Saugeen Shores. Visit our cycling page for more signs and information.

Share the road: These signs inform motorists and cyclists that a roadway is to be shared and may be placed where a designated bicycling lane or trail comes to an end.

Single file: These signs warn motorists and cyclists that cyclists may use the full lane ahead and that the lane is too narrow for side-by-side operation.

Bicycle route: These signs identify routes that are part of Saugeen Shores' active transportation network. Bicycle route signs do not have a regulatory function.

Speed limit signs: Respect posted speed limit signs at all time. Speeds have been reduced in certain areas like along the North Shore Road, a popular route for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Be mindful, slow down and give space.

How Drivers and Cyclists Can Improve Safety

Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act (HTA), a bicycle is considered a vehicle, just like a car or truck, and must follow all traffic laws including stopping at stop signs. Below are a few ways that drivers and cyclists can help improve safety on the road.

Drivers

• Pass with care, leave one metre (1m) of space
• Yield to oncoming cyclists when turning left
• Watch for cyclists
• Communicate with cyclists (give a friendly wave, make eye contact, use your signals)

Cyclists

• Be predictable and use hand signals
• Be visible
• Ride on the right
• When riding two abreast, leave the left half of the lane clear to allow drivers to see the road ahead for safer passing

May 13: Use your Hands

Hand signals are how cyclists communicate with other road and trail users. It's important that everyone is aware of the hand signals, know what they mean and use them when out and about.

Tips for Using Hand Signals

• Practice hand signals with everyone in your family
• Use hand signals even if there is no one else around
• Signal your intent well in advance so drivers or other road users know your plans
• Avoid quick or sudden changes with or without signaling
• Learn hand signals as a motorist, and teach them to young drivers in your family

Making a Left-Hand Turn

• Use your left arm
• Stick your arm straight out to the left side of your body to show your turn

Making a Right-Hand Turn

There are 2 ways you can signal a right hand turn. You can use your left hand (traditional) or your right arm. 

• When using your left arm, stick your arm out the left side of your body and bend your elbow 90 degrees with your fingers and hand pointing towards the sky:

• When using your right arm, stick your arm straight out the right side of your body to indicate your turn: