This episode of Bicycles As Transport discusses local roads.

In the absence of nearby bike lanes or recreation trails, local roads to connect you to these facilities will likely be the route you’ll need to take.

General Expectations

Follow all traffic laws.

Kevin Montgomery, stopping at a stop sign.

Keep Right.

Ride about a meter from the curb.
Sewer grates are useful for measuring the distance from curbs.

Bicycles, as slower-moving traffic, need to keep to the right of the road to allow faster moving vehicles to overtake. Keep about a meter from the curb, or from parked cars.

Take Space If Necessary.

“Taking the lane”
Moving away from the curb to overtake a parked car obstructing the path ahead.

There is room for discretion. People can lawfully use bicycles in any part of the lane. If a person on a bicycle feels that the path they are traveling on is unsafe for any reason, such as potholes, obstructions, or because of a change in direction ahead such as preparing to make a left turn, they are allowed to adjust their position to the left.

Remember, when changing position: Shoulder-check, signal your intent, shoulder-check to make sure the way is clear before changing your position. For more information, please refer to Bike Handling Skills.

A non-exhaustive compilation of online references and things to know about using a bicycle on local roads is available on The Bikeport website. Particularly Traffic Skills.

For additional information, please check out the Ministry of Transportation for The Government of Ontario (MTO) website.

Bicycles Do Not Require

  • Registration
  • Licence plates
  • Vehicle insurance
  • Driver’s licence

People of all ages can ride a bike!

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Disclaimer: “Bicycle As Transport” videos are for demonstration purposes to provide general information on lawfully using a bicycle. They are not CAN-BIKE instruction videos, are not comprehensive, nor provides specific advice or any guarantees. You must determine for yourself what your experience, training and competency level is with using a bicycle. The Bikeport by Kevin Montgomery disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information.

To arrange a CAN-BIKE course, please visit:
http://bikeport.ca/courses/available-courses/