The North Bay Police Service is offering up some safety tips with more cyclists and pedestrians out and about in the summer weather.
Police report the Highway Traffic Act says when there’s no sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on the lefthand side of the roadway, as close to the left edge, and facing oncoming traffic.
“This ensures you are clearly visible to traffic and that you are aware of oncoming traffic,” states a release.
They also say bicycles are considered “vehicles” that belong on the road and must travel with the flow traffic and follow all applicable traffic laws.
Police say laws for children on bicycles are slightly different:
- Cyclists under the age of 10 can travel on sidewalks;
- Cyclists under the age of 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet;
- Children riding in a child carrier or bicycle trailer are also required to wear a helmet.
They also say all bikes operating on roadways must have a bell or horn, lights and reflectors.
Additional safety information from Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation can be found online at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/bicycle-safety
