06.14.07 - Cycling for all – CAN-BIKE cycling tip #7

June 14, 2007 (Ottawa, ON) – Cycling for all – The Canadian Cycling Association is pleased to communicate its seventh CAN-BIKE cycling tip of the season.

CAN-BIKE TIP #7
Going…going, gone! When one lane disappears, use the other one

Highway Traffic Acts across Canada tell all vehicle users to occupy any part of a lane when safety warrants it. Bikes are vehicles too. In the event of parked vehicles, construction, snow banks, etc. If the lane is obstructed and there is not enough room to share the lane while passing the obstruction, take the whole lane to prevent vehicles from passing too close.

1. Look well ahead when you ride and pre-plan your position on the road.
2. Shoulder check first to make sure there is room and then signal before taking the lane.
3. Shoulder check again to make sure the drivers behind you respect your intention.
4. Take the centre of the lane and ride in a straight line.
5. Repeat 2 & 3 and return to the right most side of the lane when the obstruction is passed.

Maintain room to manoeuvre between your bike and the passing vehicle. Do not rely on the motorist’s judgement. Use your own. Let others behind you know what you are doing. Communicate with eye contact and hand signals. And even a wave of thanks.

Drivers: Be alert to road conditions and considerate of two-wheeled road users. Stay a safe distance behind cyclists and pass only when safe to do so – do not pass too close to cyclists

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.