The week-long Safe Cycling – Share the Responsibility traffic safety initiative is aimed at ensuring motorists and cyclists are both heeding the rules of the road as more bicycles flood the streets over the summer.

Beginning Monday, June 16, police and parking officers will be blitzing city streets, ticketing both drivers and cyclists for endangering others on the road.

“Cycling is a practical mode of transportation in our city,” said Chief Bill Blair. “This is an opportunity to encourage the cycling public and ensure the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”

He said bicycles are both a great mode of transportation as well as a recreation that is part of everyone’s childhood.

“We want to send a message to all road users to respect others on the road,” the Chief said. “Together we can have a safe summer on our roadways.
Councillor Adrian Heaps, chair of the Toronto Advisory Cycling Committee, said almost one million people will get on a bike in the city at some point in the year.

“We want to remind people that when you get on the road, it’s no longer just recreation,” said Heaps. “Cyclists are subject to the same rules of the road as other vehicles.”

Heaps said the city is promoting bike use by adding 210 km of bike lanes over the next three years and bicycle storage facilities at major transportation hubs in the city.

Cyclists can take a variety of cycling courses offered by the city on how to negotiate traffic, said Toronto bicycle safety planner Barb Wentworth.

“It provides information on how to make good decisions based on their skill level,” said Wentworth. “Cyclists have to be a lot more skilled on the road than drivers.”

For more information on courses go to www.toronto.ca/cycling or www.toronto.ca/parks/torontofun

A few safety tips in preparation for the Safe Cycling campaign:

● Know the laws that govern the safe usage of the areas you will be using and the rules that govern your choice of transportation

● Slow down and look around

● Signal your intentions and obey all the traffic lights and signs that moderate traffic flow. Unless there is a posted exception to a sign, it applies to everyone

● Be mindful of children and animals; their actions are not always what you might expect

● Bicycle lanes are for bicycles. Do not park your car, truck or motorcycle in them

● Don’t enter on to a roadway unless you know that it is safe to do so by first looking and ensuring the way is clear

● Make sure all your equipment is working properly and that you have the required equipment for your choice of transportation

● Not knowing that a law exists is never an excuse for breaking it. Road safety is a responsibility that begins with you.