Greater Victoria is blessed with beautiful scenery and year round cycling weather (almost), which leads to bicycles on the roads at any given time and day.  As drivers, most of us are used to this and take extra care to watch out for them.  As cyclists, we are very aware that in a battle with a car, we are going to be on the losing end, so we also take precautions.  Unfortunately this is not always the case. 

Saanich Police respond to conflicts and crashes between bikes and cars more often than we want.  To help bring harmony between these two road users, here are the facts:

• A cyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as a driver in a car.
• A cyclist must  not:
• Ride on the sidewalk
• Ride on a crosswalk
• Ride next to another cyclist on the road – however, you may do so on the paved shoulder of the road as long as it is wide enough for both bikes
• Ride with both hands off the handlebars
• A cyclist must:
• Ride as close to the right side of the road as possible and with the flow of traffic
• Obey all traffic control devices – eg. Stop signs and traffic lights
• Signal when turning or stopping
• Have a lit white light at the front and a red light at the back when it is dark out
• Wear a helmet
• If a cyclist is turning left, they are permitted and in fact, required to ride in the designated turning lane (if there is one), keeping to the right side of it.
• A cyclist is not required to ride on the shoulder of a road that is not paved.
• A cyclist is allowed to pass a car on the right if they are in a bike lane or the car is turning left – however, a cyclist should not pass a car on the right when traffic is moving or the curb lane is narrow.
• A cyclist may pass slower moving traffic on the left.
• Drivers may not drive in a designated bike lane.
• Drivers may not park or stop on a designated bike lane or anywhere that impedes the flow of traffic (cyclists included).

Visit Bike Sense on-line for a comprehensive look at cycling in BC.  Information on the site will benefit all road users.  Understanding how cyclists and drivers can share the road safely is the first step in preventing collisions and conflicts.  Practice patience and awareness at all times.