Safe Cycling Tips

Friday, 26 June 2020 at 09:47

With an increase of cyclists on the roads, people are reminded to never park their vehicle on a bicycle path or bike lane, as this is especially dangerous requiring cyclists to maneuver around them.

INGERSOLL - The surge of cycling amid the pandemic across the county is like nothing that has been seen before.

The simple past time has become the second most popular activity during lockdown, next to hiking, which is why the Ingersoll Safe Cycling Committee is reminding everyone to be extra vigialant on the roads.

There are a number of things that cyclists can do to make their rides safe including;

- Always wearing a properly fitted helmet, which are mandatory for those 17 and under.

- Ride about one meter from curb, going with the flow of traffic.

- Bicyclists must use hand/arm signals when turning and stopping.

- Be sure to use a white or amber light on the front and red light on the rear of the bike ½ hour before sunset, ½ hour after sunrise, or when unfavorable/light conditions.

- Ensure that brakes are in good working condition.

- Use a bell, gong or horn to alert others.

- Ride in the bike lane where provided.

- Make eye contact with drivers where possible to ensure you are seen.

With an increase of cyclists on the roads, people are reminded to never park, drive or operate any vehicle, except a bicycle or power-assisted bicycle, on a bicycle path or bike lane.

Obstructing a bike lane can become dangerous says Sam Horton of the Ingersoll Safe Cycling Committee.

"Road safety is a responsibility that is shared between pedestrians and drivers and it is important to remember that bike lanes are reserved for cyclists. If a vehicle is parked in the bike lane, the cyclist will have to maneuver around them. It becomes unsafe when the cyclists does this as it forces them into the live lane of traffic."

Horton says people need to realize the ramifications of parking in the bike lanes.

"The owner of the illegally parked vehicle will likely have a civil suit liability should a cyclist be injured or killed if they must maneuver around an illegally parked car into the live lane."

Ingersoll's Deputy Mayor Fred Freeman also serves as a member of the committee who echoes this.

"The weather is warm now, and we want people to get out and enjoy the roads, but to do so responsibly. It can be the perfect family activity if done safely and we want to see the community on bicycles, but we need to remind motorists to share the road so that families can enjoy their ride."

Horton is amazed by the influx of cyclists on the road.

"It really is unreal that local bike shops are selling through their stock so quickly, we want to see this interest carry past the pandemic, we want to see families being active."

The Ingersoll Safe Cycling Committee has been actively promoting safe cycling in the community since 2013.