Cycling Safety
Cycling safety is important and we want to remind cyclists and motorists that using the bike lanes on our roads is a shared responsibility.
| Cyclists | Motorists |
|---|---|
| Always remain visible (reflectors, red light at rear). | Look out for cyclists (a pothole may force them to steer to the left). |
| Be alert (look out for potential dangers and obey traffic signals). | Keep your distance (aim for about 1 metre between your vehicle and the cyclist). |
| Yield to pedestrians (never ride on the sidewalk). | Be careful at intersections (be prepared in case a cyclist appears suddenly). |
| Go with the flow of traffic (on the right). | Do not honk your horn when approaching a cyclist (this can startle them and cause them to make a wrong manoeuvre). |
| Ring your bell or call out to let other trail users know you are approaching. | Avoid driving and parking on bike paths. |
| Keep your speed under 15 km/h. | Check to see if a cyclist coming before you open your car door. |
Source: Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec
Cycling is an excellent mode of transportation as long as cyclists and motorists share the road in a safe and respectful manner. Be safe!
Cyclists must always ride on the right-hand side of the road. Why?
- Subsection 179(1) of New Brunswick’s Motor Vehicle Act says that “every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.”
- Traffic signs are located on the right-hand side of roadways and inform all users of potential dangers.
- The headlights of vehicles approaching from behind light up the road for cyclists.
- You are more likely to see pedestrians, who must walk in the opposite direction of traffic, when you ride on the right-hand side of the road.
- If you are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, there is a lower risk of serious injury if you are hit from behind and propelled to the right.