Cops backpedal on advice to cyclists

On March 31 of this year, City Police issued a news release containing legal advice offered to local cyclists.

The advice was disputed by a number of sharp-as-a-tack members of the Sault Cycling Club.

Today, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has issued the following corrections and clarifications.

************************* An earlier release from the Sault Ste Marie Police Service went out on the 31st of March.

Clarification and corrections have been completed and are highlighted in bold.

Please make the corrections.

************************* TO THE CYCLIST

- Be sure to obey the rules of the road. Cyclists often assume that traffic laws and rules of the road don’t apply to them; sometimes with tragic results. Bicycles are required to stop at all red lights, amber lights and stop signs and must signal for turns. Cyclists face the same penalties as motorists under the Highway Traffic Act.

- Road laws also require that any vehicle, including a bicycle, travelling upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at that time and place shall, where practicable, be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway.

- Every person in charge of a vehicle on a highway who is overtaken by a vehicle travelling at a greater speed shall turn out to the right and allow the overtaking vehicle to pass.

- Bicycles cannot be seen as clearly as a car, therefore, "visibility” is the key. Wearing bright, reflective clothing is important so that motorists can see you from a distance, especially at night.

- Keep yourself out of harm's way and anticipate movement of cars. Be aware that the motorist may not see you.

- All riders should familiarize themselves with hand signals. Check over your shoulder when turning. Signal well before you intend to turn and make eye contact with drivers around you.

- Never pass on the right as you approach an intersection, especially if the vehicle ahead of you is turning right. - Ride single file when riding with others.

- Equipment is also key. The cost of bicycle safety is relatively inexpensive. A front and rear light is great for visibility. Mirrors, a tire pump, LED flashers and a small tool kit are great add-ons.

- An approved bicycle helmet is a must! Always wear a helmet. The law requires all cyclists under age 18 to wear an approved bicycle helmet. A properly-fitted helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injuries by 85 per cent. Parents must ensure their children are equipped and wearing their helmets every time they ride a bicycle.

- Cyclists over 10 years of age shall not operate a bicycle on the sidewalk.

TO THE MOTORIST

- Motorists are required to share the road with cyclists they come upon. 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.

- The driver of the vehicle overtaking another vehicle shall turn out to the left so far as necessary to avoid a collision with the vehicle overtaken, and the person overtaken is not required to leave more than one-half of the roadway free.

- When passing a cyclist, and you plan on making a right turn ahead, be sure to anticipate the upcoming cyclist at all intersections.

- Cyclists are faster moving than pedestrians. Be aware of their anticipated path of travel.

- Drivers must be extra cautious in residential areas where children may be riding on sidewalks and crossing streets.

Both cyclists and motorists are asked to keep a watchful eye for each other.

Following basic safety tips can improve safety for cyclists significantly.

A little extra caution can go along way to making our community safer.

*************************