Cycle Safety
A bicycle is a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA). This means that, as a bicyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users. Cyclists charged for disobeying traffic laws will be subject to a minimum set fine and a Victim Surcharge fine of $20.00 for most offences (please note set fines below are subject to change).
- Ontario Provincial Police News Portal
- Napanee, East Region Headquarters
The following are key sections of the HTA concerning cyclists.
- HTA 144/136 - Traffic signals and signs - stop for red lights and stop signs and comply with all other signs. Set fine: $85
- HTA 153 - One-ways streets - ride in the designated direction on one-way streets. Set fine: $85
- HTA 147 - Slow moving traffic travel on right side - any vehicle moving slower than the normal traffic speed should drive in the right-hand lane, or as close as practicable to the right edge of the road except when preparing to turn left or when passing another vehicle. Set fine: $85
- HTA 142 - Signalling a turn - before turning, look behind you and signal your turn. Cyclists can use their right arm to signal a right turn. Set fine: $85
- HTA 140(1) - Crosswalks - yield or stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. Set fine: $150
- HTA 144(29) - No riding in crosswalks - walk your bike when crossing at a crosswalk. Set fine: $85
- HTA 166 - Streetcars - stop two metres behind streetcar doors and wait until passengers have boarded or departed and reached the curb. Set fine: $85
- HTA 175 (12) - Stopped school buses - stop for stopped school buses when the upper alternating red lights are flashing. Set fine: $400
- HTA 62(17) - Lights - a bike must have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector if you ride between 1/2 hour before sunset and 1/2 hour after sunrise and white reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on rear forks. Set fine: $20
- HTA 75 (5) - Bell - a bike must have a bell or horn in good working order. Set fine: $85
- HTA 64(3) - Brakes - a bike must have at least one brake system on the rear wheel. When you put on the brakes, you should be able to skid on dry, level pavement. Set fine: $85
- HTA 218 - Identification - Cyclists must stop and identify themselves when required to stop by police for breaking traffic laws. The police officer will ask you for your correct name and address. Set fine: $85
- HTA Reg. 630 - Expressways - Bicycles are prohibited on expressway / freeway highways such as the 400 series, the QEW, Ottawa Queensway and on roads where "No Bicycle" signs are posted. Set fine: $85
- HTA 178(2) - Passengers - Passengers are not allowed on a bicycle designed for one person. Set fine: $85
- HTA 178(1) - Attaching to a vehicle - You are not permitted to attach yourself to the outside of another vehicle or streetcar for the purpose of "hitching a ride." Set fine: $85
- HTA 104 - Helmets - Every cyclist under the age of eighteen must wear an approved bicycle helmet. Parents or guardians shall not knowingly permit cyclists under sixteen to ride without a helmet. Set fine: $60
- HTA 179 - Dismounted bicyclist - Cyclists are required to ride on the right-hand side of the road. If you are walking your bike on a highway where there are no sidewalks, you are considered a pedestrian and you should walk on the left-hand side of the road facing traffic. If it is not safe for you to cross the road to face traffic, you may walk your bike on the right-hand side of the road. Set fine: $35
The following are not considered bicycles and are subject to different rules for use:
Limited-speed motorcycles
Motor-assisted bicycles (mopeds)
Low-speed vehicles
Electric and motorized scooters (go-peds)
Pocket bikes
Segway Human/Personal Transporters
For more information on the rules of use for these types of vehicles, please visit www.mto.gov.on.ca.