A multitude of measures concerning cyclists has been adopted since May 2018, as part of Bill 165 amending the Highway Safety Code. A little refreshment is needed, at the beginning of the season.
Pedestrian light: drive with caution
In recent days, “facing a red light and a pedestrian light activated, the cyclist is allowed to continue his journey. In this case, he must stop, give priority to pedestrians and drive at a reasonable and prudent speed.
Exceeding distance cars
Another rule that came into effect this week is for drivers to “slow down and stay a distance when they’re past a cyclist,” says Sophie Roy. “This distance is 1.5m on roads where the limit is more than 50 km/h and 1m on roads where the limit is 50 km/h or less”.
Sanctions on the rise
Offenses for bicycle offenses were increased in May 2018 to $ 80 to $ 100, while demerit points are no longer applied.
“Before, the fines for cyclists were the same as for pedestrians, from $ 15 to $ 30. The level of risk of hurting another road user is higher for a cyclist than for a pedestrian, “says Roy.
No distractions
A new measure also confirms that it is forbidden for any cyclist “to use a cell phone or any other portable device designed to transmit or receive information or to be used for entertainment purposes, or to make use of a display screen “.
The same applies to the wearing of headphones that are not allowed, with the exception of the “bike helmet with integrated earphones that captures the ambient noise,” says Ms. Roy.
Signals of intentions
During a turn at an intersection, “the rule required the cyclist to make two signals: one to signal his intention to slow down and one to signal his intention to turn,” puts Ms. Roy in context.
Since May 2018, the first is no longer mandatory, but the second still holds, unless his maneuver jeopardizes the safety of the cyclist, stipulates the regulation.
Multiple reflective materials and reflective vests
“The red reflector on the back and the white reflector on the front of the bike are always mandatory,” says Roy.
However, “alternative measures are permitted to fill the absence of reflectors on parts of the bicycle such as pedals and spokes”, including reflective tire sidewalls and appropriate color reflective strips placed in the right places.