7 things to know about biking in Toronto
Cycling is on the rise in Toronto, with more people choosing it as their preferred mode of transportation. In fact,around 1.4 million Torontonians ride bicycles because it is convenient, can save money, boost fitness and decrease journey time.
However, this also means that more people are becoming victims of collisions and incidents on the roads, and there is an imminent push towards safety for all road users. In fact, this year alone there have already been three cyclists killed in road accidents, and in 2013, the latest year with available statistics, 25 people died as the result of collisions between a car and a bicycle.
While accidents sometimes can’t be avoided, the Toronto government have put rules in place to ensure the safety of all road users. But, how much do you actually know about Toronto’s cycling by-laws? Test your knowledge and have a read through some of these key rules.
Know your place on the road
As a general rule, the slowest vehicles are asked to keep to the lane closest to the curb. While bike lanes are increasing in their numbers across the city, on roads that don’t have a designed bike lane, remember this rule is important. However, it is also vital that you keep one-metre between your bike and the curb, as well as parked cars, to ensure that other road users can spot you easily.
Similarly, those behind the wheel must keep a one-metre distance when passing cyclists. According to Section 148(4) of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA): “Every person in charge of a vehicle on a highway meeting a person travelling on a bicycle shall allow the cyclist sufficient room on the roadway to pass”
You can wear headphones, but should you?
In many places, such as Quebec and Manhattan, New york, wearing headphones or earbuds to listen to music while cycling is punishable with a fine. Although it is not a punishable offence in Toronto, you should still really think about how safe it is.
While some cyclists insist that music helps them focus, or entertains them on a boring journey, it probably isn’t the best way to conscientiously navigate your way through the city on two wheels. The most important thing about using the road while biking is that you should be aware of your surroundings at all times; just one small error or unexpected passing vehicle could result in fatality.
Sidewalks are for walking
According to Toronto’s biking laws, if you are over the age of 14, you are prohibited from riding your bike on the sidewalk- no matter how busy the road is. Daniela Patino, Spokesperson for Cycle Toronto, a cycling advocacy group, suggests: “When a cyclist feels that the road might be unsafe or dangerous, we recommend they dismount from their bike and walk it on the sidewalk."
Ride in a straight line
Swerving left to right makes you an unpredictable road user, and not only does this put you at risk, it puts other road users at risk too. If you are able to confidently ride in a straight line, it is easier for other road users to predict your next action, and follow any hand signals. Just remember to keep one metre away from the curb or parked cars-you don’t want to get slammed by a car door flying open. Furthermore, remember to always check over your left shoulder before changing lanes, so that you are aware of other road users too.
You can take your bike on transit BUT….
If you are hoping to take your bike further afield for a day cycling, or perhaps you can cycle part of the way to your destination but not all the way, then you’re in luck. The TTC actually allows you to take your bike on both buses and the subway, however there are some exceptions. All city buses have bike racks attached to the front of the bus, so you can use them all day, however when it comes to the subway, there are a few rules. You can wheel your bike on board, except for during rush hour-classified as 6:30am until 10:00am and 3:30pm until 7:00pm on weekdays. Luckily, pretty much all stations across the city have ring-and-post fixtures or bike racks, so you can lock your bike up safely.
You can be ticketed the same way a driver can be
Remember that even though you aren’t in a car, you are still a road user and similar rules apply to you. In Toronto you can be ticketed under the HTA, resulting in some pretty hefty fines. Some of the ticketable offences in Toronto include:
Failing to stop at a stop sign ($85)
Failing to yield to oncoming traffic ($85)
Failure to stop at a red light ($260)
Improper use of signals when turning ($85)
Failing to stop at a crossover ($150)
Travelling into incoming traffic ($85)
Riding too closely to a car ($85)Riding on the left side of a street car ($85)
Improper use of bicycle lights ($85)
Improper use of brakes on bicycle ($85)
Not having a working bell or horn ($85)
Not wearing an appropriate helmet (particularly when under 18) ($60)
Not walking bicycle across a pedestrian crosswalk, mid-block crossover or at an intersection ($85)
Riding a bike with two people ($85)
Attaching yourself to another vehicle ($85)
Failing to stop when requested to do so by police officer ($85)
As a cyclist you want to get from A to B as smoothly and efficiently as possible, but safety is key if you are to ensure this. By following all of the bicycle laws laid out by the Toronto government you can make certain that you will arrive at your destination on time and in one piece.