Cycling and Pedestrian Safety

Walking and cycling are great ways to keep active while getting you from one place to another.

Be Alert. Avoid distractions like wearing earphones, texting and talking on the phone while riding your bike. These put your safety, and the safety of others, at risk because you may not be fully aware of what is going on around you.

Be Heard. Bicycles are quiet, so it is important to communicate with other road users when you are passing, approaching or are close by. You can communicate with other road users by using your bell, horn, hand signals or voice.

Ride Sober. Don’t ride your bicycle when you have consumed alcohol, cannabis or other substances as it increases your risk of injury.

For more details on the rules and safety standards for any bicycle rider: Cycling skills: Ontario’s guide to safe cycling | ontario.ca.

Video: Parachute Canada – Safe Cycling. Safe Roads. Save Kids Lives.

A head injury can have life long effects, and can even change the way you walk, talk, play and think. Helmets can help to protect us from serious head injury, such as a bump or crash during different activities or sports.

Though only children aged 18 and younger are required by law to wear a helmet in Ontario, wearing a properly fitted helmet while cycling, skating, rollerblading, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, playing hockey, or football can help reduce the risk of head injury. It is also important to be a role model for children.

When wearing a bike helmet, follow the 2V1 Rule to ensure the best fit- 2V1_Bookmark_EF_2015-colour-figures.pdf (parachutecanada.org)

For more information on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep, visit our Active Living page: Active Living(publichealthgreybruce.on.ca)