Sharing the road with cyclists is an essential skill for every new driver. Bicycles and mopeds may travel more slowly than surrounding traffic, but they are still road users with the right to use the roadway. By staying alert, allowing plenty of space, and checking carefully before turning or opening a door, you can help prevent collisions and make the road safer for everyone.
Where cyclists ride
Cyclists and mopeds travelling more slowly than other traffic are generally expected to ride about one metre from the curb or parked vehicles. When there is no curb, they should travel as close as practical to the right-hand edge of the road.
However, cyclists may use any part of the lane when necessary for safety. This can include moving around:
- Puddles, ice, sand, debris, potholes, and sewer grates
- Rutted or grooved pavement
- Railway or streetcar tracks, which should be crossed at a 90-degree angle
A cyclist may also move farther into the lane to discourage passing when the lane is too narrow to be shared safely.
Cyclists are not required to stay close to the right edge when they are travelling at or faster than the normal speed of traffic at that time and place. They may also move into position to turn left or make a left turn from a left-turn lane, where one is available.
Give cyclists space when passing
When passing a cyclist, drivers of motor vehicles must maintain a minimum distance of one metre between their vehicle and the cyclist, where practical. Whenever possible, change lanes to pass rather than squeezing by in the same lane.
Failing to leave the required distance may result in a fine and an additional two demerit points on the driver’s record.
Do not follow too closely behind a cyclist. Bicycles do not have brake lights to warn you when the rider is slowing down or stopping, so leave enough room to react safely.
Be especially careful at intersections
Intersections are common locations for conflicts between vehicles and bicycles. Before turning or proceeding through an intersection:
- When turning right: Signal, check your mirrors, and check your right-side blind spot so you do not cut off a cyclist.
- When turning left: Stop and wait for oncoming bicycles to pass before completing your turn.
- When driving through: Scan carefully for cyclists who may be waiting to turn left.
Avoid sounding your horn unnecessarily while overtaking a cyclist. A sudden horn may frighten the rider and cause them to lose control. If you must use your horn, tap it quickly and lightly while you are still some distance away.
Understand bike lanes
Bike lanes are reserved for cyclists and are typically marked with a solid white line. At times, you may need to enter or cross a bike lane to turn right at a corner or driveway. Take extra care before doing so. Check that it is safe, enter the bike lane only when appropriate, and then complete your turn.
Watch for cyclists’ hand signals. A cyclist may indicate a right-hand turn by extending their right arm. Making eye contact when possible can also help confirm that you have seen one another.
Bike boxes and traffic signals
A bike box helps reduce collisions between motorists and bicycles at intersections. It is typically a painted box on the road containing a white bicycle symbol. Bicycle lanes approaching and leaving the box may also be marked.
As a driver, stop for a traffic signal behind the bike box. Do not stop inside the box.
What sharrows mean
A bicycle sharrow consists of two chevrons painted above a bicycle symbol on the road. It indicates that the lane is shared by vehicle and bicycle traffic. Although you should always watch for cyclists, a sharrow provides an additional warning that cyclists may be travelling in the lane.
Watch carefully for children on bicycles
Children riding bicycles on the street may not yet have the training, skills, or awareness needed to cycle safely around traffic. They may not know all the rules of the road or recognize every potential hazard.
Use extra caution around children riding oversized bicycles, as they may not have full control of the bicycle. Slow down, scan ahead, and be prepared for unexpected movements.
Prevent dooring incidents
Before opening a vehicle door after parking on the side of the roadway, look behind you and check your mirrors and blind spots for a passing cyclist. Taking this extra moment can help prevent a cyclist from colliding with an opened door.
Build safer driving habits with professional instruction
Knowing how to share the road with cyclists is an important part of becoming a confident, responsible driver. At WDS Driving School, young and first-time drivers in Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Scarborough, and Newmarket can build practical road awareness and safer decision-making habits as they prepare for Ontario road tests.
Contact WDS Driving School to book professional driving education and strengthen the skills you need to drive confidently around cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
When you’re turning right across a bike lane, what’s your routine for checking the mirror and blind spot first? Making that check automatic helps prevent a cyclist from being cut off.