Road Laws and Traffic Skills

Four questions to ask yourself while cycling with traffic: Is it legal? Is it safe? Am I visible? Can I anticipate?

Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as the driver of a vehicle. Please find below some basic rules of the road for cyclists. For more info take a look at the BC BikeSense Manual’s chapter on Traffic Skills. In BC, cyclist road laws are written in the Motor Vehicle Act. Lana Taves, Senior Bike Skills Instructor and Education Manager at Bike to Work, hosted a webinar called the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) & You, giving great tips and helpful explanations of traffic laws in British Columbia. 

Legally, a cyclist may not…

1. Ride on the sidewalk
2. Ride through a crosswalk without the presence of “elephant’s feet” (see Cycling Infrastructure in the CRD for more info)
3. Ride side-by-side with another cyclist
4. Double a partner 
5. Ride on roads where cyclists are forbidden
6. Ride without at least one hand on their handlebars

Ride Defensively: Just as we are taught defensive driving, it can be useful to think of cycling the same way. Anticipating hazards, riding predictably, staying visible, and being prepared for the mistakes of other road users, are important ways of ensuring your safety on the road.

Riding Predictably: Riding in a straight line makes you predictable to other road users. Avoid weaving in between parked cars and always shoulder check when changing lanes or lane position.

Riding on sidewalks: Riding on the sidewalk is illegal in BC, except in New Westminster and Maple Ridge. Not only is it almost always illegal, but cyclists face much higher risk of collision when riding on the sidewalk as they can be hit crossing driveways and intersections.

Cyclist’s superpower: At any moment you feel like you can’t complete a maneuver safely or comfortably, use your cycling superpower and transform into a pedestrian. Though riding on the sidewalk is not legal, you can signal, stop, and walk your bike when you feel unsafe.

Riding with Headphones: Headphones are generally not recommended while cycling as they can obstruct your hearing. However, you can have a headphone in one ear while riding. Most important is that you do not use your phone while cycling. 

Traffic Skills 101 CAN-BIKE // Traffic Skills 101