1. GEAR:

   • In Ontario your bike must be equipped with a bell at all times. Within 30 minutes of sunrise/sunset (and at night) you must also have a rear red light (or reflector) and front white light. Non compliance can result in a total fine of $110 (1). 
   • Learn about other bike gear like mirrors and reflectors

2. HELMET:

   • A properly fitting helmet should enable you to fit 2 fingers between your forehead and the helmet, should form a “V” shape around your ears and leave space for 1 finger between the strap and your chin. You can remember helmet fit as the 2-V-1 rule. In Ontario, the law requires all cyclists under the age of 18 or anyone riding on a highway to wear a helmet. Non-compliance can result in a fine of $75 (1). 

3. EQUIPMENT CHECK

   • Double-check that your front and rear brakes are working, your tires are inflated and your chain is lubricated. Be prepared and learn what to look for in an ABC check (Air, Brakes and Chain Check).

As a cyclist you are subject to the same rights and regulations as a vehicle.

1. BIKE LANES

   • Stay in the bike lane if one exists, however, cycling in areas without a designated bike lane may be required to connect routes.
   • When bike lanes are not present, avoid high volume arterial streets unless you are an experienced cyclist who is comfortable mixing with traffic. You may consider planning to use mostly residential or side streets to avoid heavy traffic. 
   • Learn more about different types of Hamilton cycling treatments

1. STRAIGHT LINE RIDING

   • Ride in a predictable straight line and avoid weaving in and out of traffic or parking lanes as other motorists may not be aware of your whereabouts.

2. TAKING YOUR LANE

   • Unless you can keep a distance of 1 metre from the curb riding adjacent to traffic, then it is safer to ride in the centre of the lane. In fact, constantly moving to the right can put you in a dangerous position either if a lane becomes narrow, or if parked cars put you at risk of dooring (getting stuck by a motorist opening their door in your path). Do not feel pressured to compromise your safety for the convenience of a motorist passing you. When a roadway has more than one lane, stay in the right-most lane. 

3. SIDEWALKS

   • It is illegal to ride on the sidewalk in Hamilton as you put pedestrians and other sidewalk users in danger. If you must enter a pedestrian space such as a sidewalk or crosswalk, dismount your bike. 

Learn more about other safety considerations when riding from the Ministry of Transportation.

1. STOPPING

   • Stop at all stop signs and controlled intersections, the same as if you were a car.

2. GOING STRAIGHT

   • Do not enter a right turn lane if going straight.
   • Be cognizant of right turning traffic beside you if in a right hand bike lane, you might have the right of way but motorists are sometimes unaware of cyclists coming from behind them.

3. TURNING RIGHT: 

   • Signal by extending your right arm straight outwards OR your left arm bent upwards; always yield to pedestrians. Always slow down and proceed with caution as motorists may not be aware of your presence. 

4. TURNING LEFT: 

   • ONE-STEP: If you are comfortable you can make your turn left with traffic, to do so you must:
     1. Enter the appropriate left turning lane (the leftmost lane unless two left turn lanes exist). To change lanes, check over your shoulder, signal the lane change and proceed when safe.
     2. Signal a left turn by extending your left arm out straight.
     3. Before proceeding always stop and ensure you are safe from oncoming traffic.

While a one-step left turn is safe at all way stop signs and intersections with advanced left turn lights, other settings may require a 2 step turn.

Learn more by watching a video on how to cycle through intersections. 

• • TWO-STEP: Alternatively, you can make your left turn “like a pedestrian”. This involves: 
    1. Go straight through the intersection adjacent to the crosswalk
    2. Stop, turn your bike to face left, then when the light changes, proceed straight again

Remember if you are entering a pedestrian space such as a crosswalk or sidewalk you should first dismount your bike.

Learn more about navigating intersections from CycleTO

Cycling in the winter can be intimidating to some riders, but if you are adequately prepared it can continue to be a fun, affordable and sustainable mode of transportation year round.

1. DRESS IN LAYERS

   • Always wear a warm base-layer, and water-proof outer layer, then, depending on the temperature choose the appropriate layers to keep you warm without over-heating. A lot of perspiration can actually end up making you chilled as your clothing gets damp.
   • Your hands may be the first part of you to get cold so make sure you wear a warm pair of gloves with which you can still manoeuvre your brakes.

2. SNOW & ICE

   • If you ever feel you don’t have control on your bike, don’t ride.
   • That said, depending on the tread and width of your tires, you may be surprised that you can safely cycle through some snow. Generally, knobbier tires can give you better grip on mucky surfaces and a wider tire gives you more traction. You may find it worthwhile to switch to tires that are wider or have greater tread for winter. Or if you feel your bike is not appropriate for winter, you may consider taking a SoBi. 
   • Lowering your tire pressure can also increase traction, however, beware that in cold temperatures tires lose their pressure more quickly so you may still need to fill them often.

3. CENTRE LANE RIDING

   • If there is no bike lane or it is not plowed, avoid sections close to the curb which may be icy or have accumulated snow and ride in the centre of the lane.

4. TAKE YOUR TIME

   • Plan ahead to give yourself time to take a less busy route or avoid any sections where you feel unsafe.
   • Side streets may enable you to avoid busy traffic while arterioles are generally plowed faster and better maintained. Find what works for you.

5. HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN

   • If conditions worsen before your return trip, have a plan to get home safely
   • This may mean taking your bike on the HSR, walking, or having someone you can call.
6. MAINTENANCE
   • When possible, keep your bike in a covered location to avoid getting ice in your chain.
   • Try to clean your bike after winter rides as debris can accumulate.

Read more about the benefits of winter cycling 

Check out this guide on winter cycling for More tips