MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2019

64 SAFETY TIPS FOR CYCLISTS AND DRIVERS • Be Hi-Vis: That means daytime running lights front and back, high- visibility clothing and helmets. Being ultra-visible is especially helpful to drivers during low-light conditions in fall and winter. • Prep your Ride: Pick your route carefully to avoid high-traffic roads. • Skill Clinics: Attend road-cycling clinics. These clinics cover many skills including safe cycling in groups, bike handling skills and rules of the road. • Identification: Carry phone and health card. CAA provides service for cyclists. • Communicate: Use hand signals at stop signs, and whenever turning, to indicate your direction to drivers. • Respect the Rules: A cyclist is a vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act. A cyclist can take an entire lane like a car if necessary. Cyclists must also obey traffic signals, signs and right-of-way rules. • Ride in Groups: Riding two abreast is legal under the Highway Traffic Act, and forces a vehicle to make a full lane-changing pass. Ride single file on busier roads. • Never “Thread the Needle”: Passing a cyclist with oncoming traffic is illegal if the vehicle does not give one metre. Just like when passing another vehicle, drivers should wait until the oncoming lane is free of traffic. • Melon Maintenance: Wear a helmet at all times. WHEEL WELL ROAD RELATIONS Why cyclists and drivers need more mutual understanding to keep our roads safe words :: Noelle Wansbrough Lately our roads have seen some conflicts between cyclists and drivers, due mainly to the increasing popularity of cycling in the greater Blue Mountains region. A story about cycling issues in Collingwood made the front page of the Toronto Star last July and a follow up TVO documentary highlighted some of the growing pains associated with such a dramatic increase in both vehicles and bikes. What has become clear is a general lack of understanding about what is allowed and not allowed on our roadways. Open dialogue between the local OPP and the Collingwood Cycling Club has been a positive result of last year’s media attention. Both parties are working closely to educate their members and the public about the rules of the road and encourage safe cycling. We all recognize that the growth of cycling adds significant benefit to the community and local businesses. So how do we make sure cyclists stay safe on our local roads and don’t aggravate drivers? Updating the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), and educating drivers and cyclists about the existing law, is essential. Last May the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) announced a series of consultations to review the rules of the road for bikes, ebikes and escooters. Share the Road coalition has produced a draft report to present to the MTO with recommendations to help increase the safety of cyclists on the road. Some of their recommendations include updating the HTA with respect to cyclists and to clarify the rights and responsibilities of road users. There are currently grey areas in the HTA that are interpreted differently by various jurisdictions. Applying the HTA consistently is a first step; as these recommendations are implemented, a clearer understanding of road rules will hopefully emerge among all parties. COURTESY COLLINGWOOD CYCLING CLUB/JODY WILSON