Cycling in Ontario – know the laws Image credit at bottom

Figuring out which highways cyclists are allowed on in Ontario is much easier than figuring it out in BC – Cyclists are NOT allowed on 400 series highways. This means no cycling on the 401, 403, 427, etc. As well, cyclists are NOT allowed on the QEW or the Ottawa Expressway.

Helmet Laws

All cyclists must wear a bicycle helmet if under 18 and operating the bicycle on the road. If the cyclist is under 16 it is the duty of their parent or guardian to ensure that he/she wears a helmet. If the person is 16 or 17 it is his or her personal responsibility to wear a helmet.

Number of ‘Passengers’

No passengers are allowed if the bicycle is only meant for one person.

Stay to the right?

When going slower than the rest of traffic, cyclists should stay as close to the right edge of the road as is practicable. Cyclists are allowed to safely use the full lane if staying close to the right edge of the road is unsafe.

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). Thanks to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

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: $85.00
• HTA 153 – One-ways streets
  ride in the designated direction on one-way streets. Set fine: $85.00
• 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. For cyclists, you must ride far enough out from the curb to maintain a straight line, clear of sewer grates, debris, potholes, and parked car doors. You may occupy any part of a lane when your safety warrants it. Never compromise your safety for the convenience of a motorist behind you. Set fine: $85.00
• 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: $85.00
• HTA 140(1) 144(29) – Crosswalks
  yield or stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. Set fine: $85.00
• HTA 140(6)/144(29) – No riding in crosswalks
  walk your bike when crossing at a crosswalk. Set fine: $85.00
• HTA 166 – Streetcars
  stop two metres behind streetcar doors and wait until passengers have boarded or departed and reached the curb. Set fine: $85.00
• HTA 175 (12) – Stopped school buses
  stop for stopped school buses when the upper alternating red lights are flashing and the stop arm is out. Set fine: $400.00
• 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: $20.00
• HTA 75 (5) – Bell
  a bike must have a bell or horn in good working order. Set fine: $85.00
• 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: $85.00
• 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: $85.00
• 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: $85.00
• HTA 178(2) – Passengers
  Passengers are not allowed on a bicycle designed for one person. Set fine: $85.00
• 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: $85.00
• 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: $60.00
• 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: $35.00.

Image thanks to Bobcatnorth