In 2019, there were 34 collisions involving cyclists and motorists in the first sixth months.
This year there have been 25.
Constable Ryan Snow with the Halton Police says that what many don’t realize is that drivers, cyclists, and motorcyclists are all considered to be vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act so all the same rules apply.
Motorists are expected to keep one-metre in distance between themselves and a cyclist.
Constable Snow challenges motorists to see that cyclists have the right to share the lane and to ensure that if you are going to pass a cyclist you do so safely.
There can be a fine of $110 laid against a motorist who isn’t being safe, generally with no demerit points.
Constable Snow says the intent of the Highway Traffic Act is to make an orderly movement of road users predictable to one another.
He encourages cyclists to think out their next steps and either decide to be a cyclist using the road or behave like a pedestrian.
Cyclists who choose to use the crosswalk are reminded that they have to get off the bike and walk it across.
Constable Snow reminds cyclists of what they can do to mitigate the risk of collision.
He encourages drivers to use their horn in a positive way.
Snow says that it is challenging to teach people that in the event of a collision it is not about who is right or wrong, but that it’s about the right of weight – not the right of way.
