Safety Handbook
Monna McElveny, KNBC Safety & Education Director
INTRODUCTION
PLEASE remember that a bicycle is a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA). This means you are
responsible for obeying all traffic laws the same as other road users.
CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
CHECK YOUR BIKE
CHECK YOUR CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
RIDING DOUBLE FILE
CLIMBING & DECENDING
Riding Efficiently On Hills
WIND
GROUP SIZE & SPACING
SEE & BE AWARE
BE SEEN
BE PREDICTABLE – STRAIGHT LINE RIDING
SIGNALLING
Hand Signals
LEFT-HAND TURNS
Mechanics Of The Turn
Another Option – Bike Box
DESTINATION POSITIONING
TRUCKS
ROAD HAZARDS
Railway Tracks
Sand & Gravel
CYCLING AND THE LAW
DRAFTING OR PACE LINE RIDING
1. CHECK YOUR BIKE
Ensure your bike is in safe operating condition.
 check the brakes—working with proper clearance and no frayed cables;
 check the gears to ensure they are shifting properly;
 clean and lubricate your chain;
 make sure that your quick releases are properly closed;
 ensure your tires are properly inflated;
 ensure any accessories (kickstands, racks, panniers, etc.) are securely fastened;
 ensure nothing is hanging loose (including clothing) that could become tangled in the gears, brakes or wheel; and
 ensure you have a working bell—it is the law.
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2. CHECK YOUR CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
Ensure that you have
 a properly-fitted and fastened helmet;
 a horn or bell--required by law;
 a mounted red rear reflector and front white light (for riding at night);
 water bottle(s);
 spare tube, tire levers & pump;
 basic bike tool kit;
 proper shoes—no flip flops or sandals (except sandals made for cycling); and
 DO NOT WEAR HEAD PHONES.
3. RIDING DOUBLE FILE
When cycling in Ontario, it is legal to ride double file but ONLY WHEN SAFE TO DO SO and only on roadways—never on
pathways. It is NOT legal to ride double file in Quebec. NEVER ride double file over a crest of a hill.
Use courtesy and common sense. Revert to single file when approaching or overtaking a car, or when a car is coming
behind. Have a system for singling up and communicate it verbally and via hand signals.
There is no defined system for moving in while reverting to single file. Whether you choose to move in behind or in
front of the other cyclists, COMMUNICATION of the chosen action is essential and it is critical that the outside rider
confirm it is indeed safe (sufficient room to move back in) so that he or she will not be causing a domino-effect pile-up
BEFORE making the move.
4. CLIMBING & DECENDING
When travelling uphill or downhill, stay several bike lengths apart to prevent crashes due to sudden mechanical failures
(i.e. problems with chains and derailleurs) or changes in speed, like if the rider in front of you suddenly stands up to
climb out of the saddle.
Riding Efficiently On Hills
When riding up a long hill, the best technique is to shift to lower gears to maintain pedal speed as long as you can.
Sitting with a fast cadence is more efficient than standing with a lower one. However, standing is often faster and is not
a bad technique for short climbs.
As you slow down, shift to a smaller gear to maintain a steady cadence. Don’t wait until you run out of momentum or
feel pain in your legs before you shift. Shift down one gear at a time to keep cadence constant and avoid losing
momentum. Also, back off your power slightly as the chain will more easily move to new sprockets and chain rings with
less tension.
Clipless pedal systems or clips and straps allow you to pull on the up stroke as well as push on the down stroke to
distribute the workload all available muscle groups.
Try a "sit-stand-sit-stand” routine for long, difficult climbs. Alternate sitting and standing every 10 or 15 revolutions to
give large muscle groups a periodic rest. When changing from standing to sitting, keep the cadence constant to avoid
"roll back" effect.
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5. WIND
Treat the wind like a long, steady grade. Focus on your cadence and technique. Keep your body low and your crosssection small. Maintaining an aerodynamic body position will significantly reduce wind resistance. Drop bars allow you
to take the most advantage of a low body position.
Headwinds drain energy and reduce your speed. Keep this in mind when planning a day’s route and/or turnaround
point. In a strong, steady headwind or crosswind, riding in a pace line or using other drafting techniques will lower the
group's workload and help everyone enjoy themselves by allowing the group to share the work.
6. GROUP SIZE & SPACING
Group sizes on the road are generally kept to a maximum of about eight or ten. Keep at least one metre between bikes
unless drafting. If the total number of club members on a ride is larger than this, it will be broken up into two or more
smaller groups on the road in order to take less space and enable cars to pass more easily.
When passing through an intersection, ALWAYS look for yourself to ensure the way is indeed still safe. While the way
may have been clear for the person ahead of you, you may no longer have sufficient time to make it through the
intersection.
7. SEE & BE AWARE
Riding in a group in traffic is not a time for zoning out or being inattentive. Be aware of your surroundings, anticipate
any problems or challenges, and plan accordingly. Stay alert, keep your eyes on the road ahead.
When you see a potential problem, ask yourself the following questions:
 Is the bus picking up 2 or 20 passengers? Do I really have time to pass safely?
 Is the dog lose or secured?
 Is the car really turning or has its signal been stuck on for the past 10 minutes?
 Is the intersection really clear or is someone running the red light?
Watch out for road hazards, and both shout it out (i.e. “hole!”) and point to the problem, thus alerting cyclists behind
you and averting collisions and/or flat tires. Do this for
 wet leaves (especially if there is a puddle underneath);
 big puddles;
 changes in the road surface such as potholes and cracks;
 glass;
 fallen obstacles;
 storm grates;
 gravel, rocks or sand; and
 railroad tracks—slow down, shoulder check, signal, move out and cross at right angles.
8. BE SEEN
Always be visible in motorists' line of vision. Choose the correct road position to remain visible. Wear bright colours!
Give yourself a margin of 3 feet or 1 m from the edge of the road or curb. DO NOT hug the curb; this severely limits your
options and flexibility to avoid sudden obstacles and keeps you out of the peripheral vision of the motorist. DO NOT hug
the median at intersections. You may tend to blend in with the light fixtures or mail boxes. When stopped, hold your
visible position of 3 feet or 1 m from the edge of the road or curb.
When turning, be in the centre of the lane and move quickly and safely through the intersection.
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9. BE PREDICTABLE – STRAIGHT LINE RIDING
Always ride predictably. Ride in a consistently straight line within 3 feet or 1 m from the edge of the road. Pick an
imaginary straight line parallel to the edge of the road and try to stay on it.
DO NOT meander, swerve or weave in and out, which can be annoying or dangerous both cyclists and motorists behind.
Riding predictably enables any cyclists behind you to follow you more safely without having to constantly readjust their
speed and position to make room for you to come back in.
Should you need to swerve to avoid an obstacle on the road, both shout it out (i.e. “hole!”) and point to the problem.
Shoulder check to confirm the maneuver is safe, alerting cyclists and motorists behind you. Should you need to slow,
turn or stop, SIGNAL accordingly to alert cyclists and motorists behind and avoid collisions.
10. SIGNALLING
It is imperative to communicate your intention to stop, change lanes, turn, and generally manoeuvre around traffic,
obstacles, construction etc. Hand signals are like turn signals and brake lights for cyclists. They help motorists know
what you will do next.
Use an open palm with spread fingers for maximum visibility. Shoulder check BEFORE signalling, while maintaining
straight line riding. Return your hands to your handlebars when crossing or turning at an intersection.
As shown below, there are two methods to signal right-hand turns. The decision of which to use is situational: Ask
yourself, "On what side of me is the intended audience?" (i.e. is there traffic merging from the right) and signal
accordingly.
DO NOT signal however if it is too dangerous to take your hands off the handle bars (i.e. railway tracks).
When passing other cyclists, always pass on their left side, and call out "On your left!" so they know that you are coming
and are not startled.
Hand Signals
Left Turn
Slow/Stop
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Right Turn
alternate Right Turn
11. LEFT-HAND TURNS
Always turn left from the centre or the left side of the lane. Shoulder check, signal, shoulder check again, then move to
the centre or left side of the lane. Yield to approaching traffic before turning.
Mechanics Of The Turn
Signal prior to entering the intersection to communicate your intentions. Make the turn with both hands on the
handlebars for maximum control.
Another Option – Bike Box
Cycle through the intersection, stopping at the opposite corner. Turn your bike to face in the direction you want to go
and wait until it's safe to proceed or for the light to turn green if at a controlled intersection.
12. DESTINATION POSITIONING
When stopped at an intersection with the intention of continuing straight through DO NOT block the right turn lane.
Take the position in the current lane of the lane you are moving to and wait for the light to change either in front of or
behind other traffic also continuing straight.
13. TRUCKS
Take extra care when entering intersections with trucks. Trucks have large blind spots and may not be able to see
cyclists when making right-hand turns.
When stopped at an intersection, assume a position IN FRONT OF or BEHIND the truck, NEVER BESIDE. This position
keeps the cyclist out of the driver’s blind spot and removes the cyclist from the hazard of being crushed by a rightturning vehicle.
Leave extra room behind to prevent a 'roll-back' collision. Heavy loads can cause the truck to roll back.
Trucks require a lot of space to stop, so ensure there is adequate distance for the truck to stop before pulling in front of
a truck.
Stay far enough back to be visible in the side view mirror.
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Do NOT rely on your bell or voice to alert the driver of your presence—respect the driver’s limitations and keep a safe
distance away.
Trucks passing cyclists (in either direction) can create a gust of wind powerful enough to throw a cyclist off balance.
When anticipating a large truck, stop pedalling and concentrate on keeping your front wheel straight.
14. ROAD HAZARDS
Railway Tracks
Ride over all tracks at a 90-degree angle to avoid catching your wheels. Pre-plan this manoeuvre by first shoulderchecking to confirm it is safe to move out, signal, shoulder-check again and steer perpendicular to the tracks. It is also
best to:
 Stop pedaling and keep pedals horizontal to ground;
 Rise off the saddle and flex arms and legs to absorb the shock; and
 Keep both hands on the handle bars.
Sand & Gravel
Hitting sand or gravel with road bike tires can be extremely dangerous.
 Avoid sudden turning and try to go as straight as possible;
 Unclip one pedal to allow for quick recovery in the event of a skid; and
 Call out 'gravel' or 'sand' to warn other riders.
15. CYCLING AND THE LAW
A bicycle is a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA). This means that, as a bicyclist, you have the same
rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users. Cyclists charged for disobeying traffic laws will be
subject to a minimum set fine. The Ontario Highway Traffic Act can be found at the link below.
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statue/90h08
In addition, Bill 31, the Transportation Law Amendment Act (Making Ontario’s Roads Safer), 2015, came into effect on
September 1st, 2015. Legislative changes in this Bill are directed at encouraging cycling, promoting road safety, and
sharing the road.
Specifically, there are some changes directed at drivers and some changes directed a cyclists.
Changes directed at drivers:
 “Dooring”, which commonly refers to someone who opens the door of a parked motor vehicle into the path of a
cyclist or other traffic, now has a higher set fine of $365 (includes victim fine surcharge and court fees) plus three (3)
demerit points; drivers who choose to contest the charge could be subject to a fine up to $1,000 + three demerit
points, upon conviction.
 Section 148 of the Act requires drivers to keep a one-metre (3 feet) distance when passing cyclists. The full text of
this Section of the HTA is in the list below. Set fine of $110 (includes victim fine surcharge and court fees).
Changes directed at cyclists:
 Section 62 of the Act is amended to require Cyclists to have proper lights, reflective materials and reflectors on their
bicycles (and that includes e-bikes) and motor-assisted bicycle (mopeds). The full text of this Section of the HTA is in
the list below. Set fine for improper bicycle lighting is $110 (includes victim fine surcharge and court fees.)
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The following are summaries, including fines, plus the complete text of key sections of the HTA concerning cyclists.
Lights/Lamps
Cyclists are to have proper lights, reflective materials and reflectors on their bicycles, includes e-bikes and motorassisted bicycles (mopeds).
 HTA 62: Lamps
Lights and reflectors on bicycles, etc.
(17) When on a highway at any time from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise and at any other time when,
due to insufficient light or unfavourable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible
at a distance of 150 metres or less, every motor-assisted bicycle and bicycle (other than a unicycle) shall carry a lighted lamp
displaying a white or amber light on its front and a lighted lamp displaying a red light or a reflector on its rear, and in addition
white reflective material shall be placed on its front forks, and red reflective material covering a surface of not less than 250
millimetres in length and 25 millimetres in width shall be placed on its rear.
(17.1) A bicycle may carry a lighted lamp on its rear that produces intermittent flashes of red light at any time, and may carry
such a lamp at the times described in subsection (17) instead of or in addition to the lighted lamp displaying a red light or
reflector required by that subsection.
Brakes
A bike must have at least one brake system on the rear wheel. When applied, the brake must be able to skid on dry,
level pavement.
 HTA 64: Brakes
Brakes on bicycle
(3) No person shall ride a bicycle on a highway unless it is equipped with at least one brake system acting on the rear wheel that
will enable the rider to make the braked wheel skid on dry, level and clean pavement.
Bell/Horn
A bike must have a bell or horn in good working order.
 HTA 75: Noise, smoke, bells and horns
Alarm bell to be sounded
(5) Every motor vehicle, motor assisted bicycle and bicycle shall be equipped with an alarm bell, gong or horn, which shall be
kept in good working order and sounded whenever it is reasonably necessary to notify pedestrians or others of its approach.
Helmets
Every cyclist under the age of sixteen must wear an approved bicycle helmet. Parents or guardians shall not knowingly
permit cyclists under sixteen to ride without a helmet.
 HTA 104: Motorcycle and bicycle helmets
Duty of parent or guardian
(2.2) No parent or guardian of a person under sixteen years of age shall authorize or knowingly permit that person to ride a
bicycle, other than a power-assisted bicycle, on a highway unless the person is wearing a bicycle helmet.
Obey Stop Signs & Traffic Lights; Signal Turns & Turn Safely, Stop or Yield to Pedestrians at Crosswalks
Stop for red lights and stop signs and comply with all other signs. Section 144 of the Act is amended to allow for traffic
control signals that are specific to bicyclists. In locations where there are both bicycle traffic control signals and regular
traffic control signals, bicyclists will be required to obey the bicycle traffic control signals. Before turning, look behind
you and signal your turn. Cyclists can use their right arm to signal a right turn. Yield or stop for pedestrians at
crosswalks.
 HTA 136: Stop at through highway
(1) Every driver...approaching a stop sign at an intersection,
(a) shall stop his or her vehicle...at a marked stop line or, if none, then immediately before entering the nearest crosswalk or,
if none, then immediately before entering the intersection.
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 HTA 140: Pedestrian crossover
Duties of driver
(1) When a pedestrian is crossing on the roadway within a pedestrian crossover, the driver of a vehicle approaching the
crossover,
(a) shall stop before entering the crossover;
(b) shall not overtake another vehicle already stopped at the crossover; and
(c) shall not proceed into the crossover until the pedestrian is no longer on the roadway.
Riding in pedestrian crossover prohibited
(6) No person shall ride or operate a bicycle across a roadway within a pedestrian crossover.
 HTA 142: Signalling turns and stops
Signal for left or right turn
(1) The driver or operator of a vehicle upon a highway before turning to the left or right at any intersection or into a private road
or driveway or from one lane for traffic to another lane for traffic or to leave the roadway shall first see that the movement can
be made in safety, and if the operation of any other vehicle may be affected by the movement shall give a signal plainly visible to
the driver or operator of the other vehicle of the intention to make the movement.
How to signal manually
(4) When the signal is given by means of the hand and arm, the driver or operator shall indicate his or her intention to turn,
(a) to the left, by extending the hand and arm horizontally and beyond the left side of the vehicle; or
(b) to the right, by extending the hand and arm upward and beyond the left side of the vehicle.
Signal for stop
(8) The driver or operator of a vehicle upon a highway before stopping or suddenly decreasing the speed of the vehicle, if the
operation of any other vehicle may be affected by such stopping or decreasing of speed, shall give a signal plainly visible to the
driver or operator of the other vehicle of the intention to stop or decrease speed,
manually
(a) by means of the hand and arm extended downward beyond the left side of the vehicle.
 HTA 144: Traffic control signals and pedestrian control signals
[Basically, obey traffic signals and signs.]
Riding in crosswalks prohibited
(29) No person shall ride or operate a bicycle across a roadway within a crosswalk at an intersection or at a location, other than
an intersection, which is controlled by a traffic control signal system.
Slow-Moving Vehicles Must Remain to the Right
Any vehicle moving slower than the normal traffic speed should drive in the right-hand lane, or as close as practicable to
the right edge of the road except when preparing to turn left or when passing another vehicle.
 HTA 147: Slow vehicles to travel on right side
(1) Any vehicle 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.
One-Metre Passing Law
 HTA 148: Overtaking and passing rules
Vehicles meeting bicycles
(4) 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.
Bicycles overtaken
(6) Every person on a bicycle or motor assisted bicycle who is overtaken by a vehicle or equestrian travelling at a greater speed
shall turn out to the right and allow the vehicle or equestrian to pass and the vehicle or equestrian overtaking shall turn out to
the left so far as may be necessary to avoid a collision.
(6.1) Every person in charge of a motor vehicle on a highway who is overtaking a person travelling on a bicycle shall, as nearly as
may be practicable, leave a distance of not less than one metre between the bicycle and the motor vehicle and shall maintain
that distance until safely past the bicycle.
(6.2) The one metre distance required by subsection (6.1) refers to the distance between the extreme right side of the motor
vehicle and the extreme left side of the bicycle, including all projections and attachments.
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One-Way Streets
Ride in the designated direction on one-way streets. There is an exception to allow for the designation of a bicycle lane
on one-way streets that goes in the opposite direction.
 HTA 153: Highway designated for one-way traffic
Exception – Bicycle lanes
(2) A lane on a highway designated for the use of one-way traffic only may be designated for the use of bicycle traffic in the
opposite direction and...a person riding or operating a bicycle in that lane shall travel only in the direction designated for that
lane.
Streetcars
Stop two metres behind streetcar doors and wait until passengers have boarded or departed and reached the curb.
 HTA 166: Passing street cars
Standing street car, etc.
(1) Where a person in charge of a vehicle or on a bicycle...on a highway overtakes a street car or a car of an electric railway,
operated in or near the centre of the roadway, which is stationary for the purpose of taking on or discharging passengers, he or
she shall not pass the car or approach nearer than 2 metres measured back from the rear or front entrance or exit, as the case
may be, of the car on the side on which passengers are getting on or off until the passengers have got on or got safely to the side
of the street, as the case may be, but this subsection does not apply where a safety zone has been set aside and designated by a
by-law....
Prohibition as to passing street cars on left-hand side
(2) No person in charge of a vehicle or on a bicycle...overtaking a street car or the car of an electric railway, operated in or near
the centre of the roadway, which is stationary or in motion, shall pass on the left side of the car, having reference to the direction
in which the car is travelling....
Stopped School Buses
Stop for stopped school buses when the upper alternating red lights are flashing.
 HTA 175: School buses
Duty of drivers when school bus stopped
(11) Every driver or street car operator, when meeting on a highway, other than a highway with a median strip, a stopped school
bus that has its overhead red signal-lights flashing, shall stop before reaching the bus and shall not proceed until the bus moves
or the overhead red signal-lights have stopped flashing.
Idem
(12) Every driver or street car operator on a highway, when approaching from the rear a stopped school bus that has its
overhead red signal-lights flashing, shall stop at least twenty metres before reaching the bus and shall not proceed until the bus
moves or the overhead red signal-lights have stopped flashing.
Carrying Passengers and Clinging to a Vehicle are Prohibited
Passengers are not allowed on a bicycle designed for one person and cyclists are not permitted to attach themselves to
the outside of another vehicle or streetcar for the purpose of "hitching a ride".
 HTA 178: Clinging to vehicles, bicycle passengers, etc.
Bicycle riders, etc., clinging to vehicles
(1) A person riding, riding on or operating a motor assisted bicycle, bicycle...shall not attach it, them, himself or herself to a
vehicle or street car on a highway.
Bicycle passengers
(2) No person riding or operating a bicycle designed for carrying one person only shall carry any other person thereon.
Dismounted Cyclists
If you are walking your bike on a highway where there are no sidewalks, you are considered a pedestrian and you should
walk on the left-hand side of the road facing traffic. If it is not safe for you to cross the road to face traffic, you may walk
your bike on the right-hand side of the road.
 HTA 179: Duties of pedestrian when walking along highway
(1) Where sidewalks are not provided on a highway, a pedestrian walking along the highway shall walk on the left side thereof
facing oncoming traffic and, when walking along the roadway, shall walk as close to the left edge thereof as possible.
Idem
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(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a pedestrian walking a bicycle in circumstances where crossing to the left side of the highway
would be unsafe.
Identification to Police
Cyclists must stop and identify themselves when required to when stopped by police for breaking traffic laws. The
police officer will ask you for your correct name and address.
 HTA 218: Cyclist to identify self
(1) A police officer who finds any person contravening this Act or any municipal by-law regulating traffic while in charge of a
bicycle may require that person to stop and to provide identification of himself or herself.
Expressways
Bicycles are prohibited on expressway/freeway highways such as 400 series highways, the QEW, the Ottawa Queensway
and on roads where "No Bicycle" signs are posted.
 HTA 630: Vehicles on Controlled-Access Highways
(2), no person shall operate
(a) a bicycle
on...controlled-access highways and parts of controlled-access highways.
16. DRAFTING OR PACE LINE RIDING
Normally KNBC club groups DO NOT ride in pace line formation, however knowing how to safely do so can certainly help
an experienced group of riders work approximately 20% or more efficiently together over long distances and in strong
headwinds. Do NOT try until you have absolutely mastered consistent straight line riding.
A pace line is a straight line formation used by a group to get the maximum effect from drafting. Riders stay in the
'slipstream' of the rider in front, leaving 8" – 8’ between wheels. This allows the group to share the effort, with each
rider taking a turn at the front. It works best in a small group (4 to 6 riders); larger groups may use a double pace line
BUT only when safe to do so.
The group changes leaders at mutually-agreed times or distances. The leader signals time to change with verbal or hand
signal, shoulder checks, pulls out to the left, lets the group pass and rejoins the back of the group. The new leader keeps
a constant pace—no speeding up.
Stronger riders can do longer pulls at the front but be careful to NOT increase the speed. Weaker riders can stay at the
back and "sit in" by leaving a gap for the previous leader to move into.
By far the greatest danger is touching front wheel to back. You must stay alert and pay attention to the riders in front of
you. Your hands need to always be close to your brakes and you should NEVER ride in a pace line with aero bars.
The leader is responsible for:
 Selecting the best path and pace for the group; and
 Communicating road hazards to those behind (hand and verbal).
The group is responsible for:
 Riding straight and at a steady pace;
 Determining how they wish to signal position changes (switching the front rider);
 Determining how often and in what order they wish to change;
 Communicating road hazards from the leader to those behind (hand and verbal); and
 Maintaining independent decision making, always being aware of their particular or individual safety
considerations, (i.e. if an intersection is no longer clear), and communicating accordingly.
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