Cycling safety

Cycling is a fun, healthy activity and an inexpensive way to get around.

We work with our partners to promote safe and active transportation. The information below will help you make your next ride enjoyable and safe.

Be equipped

Wear a bike helmet

Be visible

Dress for the weather

Protect your eyes

Know the rules

Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA, a bicycle is a vehicle, just like a car or truck. Therefore, road rules must be followed.

For most cyclists, road rules such as the slower traffic staying to the right and yielding to faster traffic when safe and practical, are common sense. However, just like car drivers, cyclists can be charged for disobeying traffic laws. Fines can be for:

Fines are usually $35 to $400, plus a $20 victim surcharge.

Know where to ride

Because bicycles usually travel at a slower speed, there are two rules of the road to which cyclists must pay special attention:

  1. Slower traffic stays right
  2. Slower traffic must give way to faster traffic when safe and practical

You can ride on most roads, except:

Other relevant resources

Cycling in Ontario | ontario.ca

Bicycle Safety – CAA South Central Ontario (ontarioroadsafety.ca)


This item was last modified on March 4, 2024