05.16.07 - Cycling for all – CAN-BIKE cycling tip #3

May 17, 2007 (Ottawa, ON) – Cycling for all – The Canadian Cycling Association is pleased to communicate its third CAN-BIKE cycling tip of the season.

CAN-BIKE TIP #3
Attention Cyclists: Sidewalks are dangerous places to ride.

Recent stats show that many car-bike collisions involve a cyclist riding off sidewalks and into roadways.

Although some Canadian communities allow children’s bikes (24 inch wheels or smaller) on the sidewalk, the intention was to allow only small children to ride on the sidewalk.

Sidewalks are for pedestrians. They are not safe havens for cyclists. Sidewalks are congested with pedestrians, strollers, wheel chairs, pets, senior citizens, doorways, planters, and entire families of unpredictable window shoppers.

Road traffic is more predictable. CAN-BIKE improves assertiveness and traffic analysis skills required to ride on the road. Rules of the road, risk management, handling skills, decision making are all part of the experience. Choose to improve your skills.

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.