08.07.07 - Cycling for all – CAN-BIKE cycling tip #8

August 7, 2007 (Ottawa, ON) – Cycling for all – The Canadian Cycling Association is pleased to communicate its eighth CAN-BIKE cycling tip of the season.

CAN-BIKE Tip #8

Right Riding

A heart-stopping moment. I turn my car into a one-way street and almost collide with a cyclist coming straight at me. I slam on the brakes to avoid a cyclist riding into the fender of my car. Why don’t cyclists see the danger in riding against traffic? I don’t want to hurt anyone – especially my neighbours children!

Statistics show that young riders are more apt to be injured because of riding against the traffic flow. Some cyclists illegally ride the wrong way on one way streets to avoid nearby high traffic streets. Often one-way streets are designed as a traffic control devices to keep auto traffic out of neighbourhoods. Cyclists may not understand that they are out of the driver’s field of vision when they choose to ride against traffic.

Canadian cyclists face fines of $80 to $100 for cycling against traffic. Advise children to keep their bike-chain-side of the bike next to the curb and they will find themselves safely riding on the right.

ABOUT CAN-BIKE
The CAN-BIKE safe cycling skills program is the standard for bicycle education across Canada. CAN-BIKE Courses teach riding skills, traffic analysis skills, and collision avoidance techniques. They also provide the basics on safe equipment, and a basic bike inspection. Regardless of your experience, CAN-BIKE will make your cycling more effective, and give you a greater sense of confidence and control in traffic. Visit http://www.canbike.net/cca_pages/

With generous support of Transport Canada’s Moving on Sustainable Transportation program.