The week-long Safe Cycling – Share the Responsibility traffic safety initiative is aimed at making cyclists and motorists safer by stepping up education, awareness and enforcement.

The June 12-18 campaign is the second part of a year-long traffic safety strategy, Operation Safe Journey.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility,” Traffic Services Sgt. Brian Bowman said, of the campaign that aims to get drivers and cyclists communicating.

“Communication through eye contact and hand signals and motorists using their signals and their mirrors makes everyone safer,” Bowman said.

Officers are reminding motorists to be careful when opening car doors in the path of cyclists and the importance of checking blind spots when making right turns.

“Some drivers roll around a right turn, rather than stopping and checking their blind spot first,” Bowman said, noting cyclists are vulnerable road users.

Officers will be keeping an eye out for vehicles parked in designated bike lanes and aggressive bicycling that puts people in danger.

Bowman also said cyclists will be held to account for their actions, meaning they must obey all the traffic rules of the road.

“They have to obey the same laws as motorists,” said Bowman.

Each year, about 1,200 cyclists are involved in collisions on Toronto roadways.

The last five cycling fatalities have involved commercial vehicles.