It is up to both drivers, pedestrians, cyclists to keep everyone safe on our roads. Learn more about how to stay safe as a pedestrian, as a driver and a cyclist.
For Pedestrians
– Make sure drivers see you before you cross. If the driver is stopped, make eye contact before you step into the road.
– Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, especially at dusk or when it’s dark.
– Watch for traffic turning at intersections or turning into and leaving driveways.
Do you walk on the left or right side?
You walk on the left, so that cars aren’t coming up behind you. That’s why dogs ‘heel’ on your left side, it puts them further away from the cars. Bikes are supposed to be on the right, since they’re obligated to follow all the same rules of the road as cars.
For Drivers
Pay special attention to pedestrians as you drive. Here are some tips to follow:
– Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning and going around corners and over hills.
– Watch for children, dogs, bikes and of course deer, bears, fox and turtles etc.. Stay within the maximum speed limit posted on signs along all roads. Always drive at a speed that will let you stop safely, whether roads are wet or dry. Slow down enjoy the beauty of the lake.
– Where there are no posted speed limit signs, do not drive faster than: 50 km/hour,
For Cyclists
As a cyclist, you must share the road with others (e.g., cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, etc.). Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA), a bicycle is a vehicle, just like a car or truck.
Cyclists must obey all traffic laws and have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.
Riding on the right you must stay as close to the right edge of the road whenever possible, especially if you’re slower than other traffic.
One-Metre Passing Law
Q1: What is the penalty to drivers for not leaving a minimum of one-metre distance when passing a cyclist?
The penalty for not leaving a minimum one-metre passing distance is a set fine of $85.00 plus a $5 court fee plus a $20 victim surcharge fine for a total payable of $110.00.
Q2: Will cyclists also be required to leave a minimum one-metre distance when passing a vehicle?
Cyclists are not required to leave a specific one-metre space; however, they are required to obey all the rules of the road. Cyclists who are being overtaken should turn out to the right to allow the vehicle to pass.
Q3: What if there isn’t enough room to allow for a one-metre passing distance? Can a vehicle cross the centre median line to pass the cyclist?
A motorist may, if done safely, and in compliance with the rules of the road, cross the centre line of a roadway in order to pass a cyclist. If this cannot be done, he or she must wait behind the cyclist until it is safe to pass.