Cycling Safety and Laws

Bicycle helmets

It is strongly recommended that all cyclists, regardless of age, wear an approved bicycle helmet. Your personal safety is your responsibility. However, Ontario law mandates that anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. Parents or guardians shall not knowingly permit cyclists under 16 years old to ride without a helmet.

Lights and reflective tape

Your bicycle must have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector if you ride between a half hour before sunset and a half after sunrise. Your bike must also have white reflective tape on the front forks, and red reflective tape on the rear forks.

Bell

Your bicycle must have a bell or a horn in good working order.

Brakes

Your bicycle must have at least one brake system on the rear wheel. When you apply the brakes, you should be able to skid on dry, level pavement.

Harbours, wharfs and piers

Cycling is prohibited in harbours, wharfs and piers in Oakville.

Parking

You cannot park your bicycle on roadways, shoulders, cycle lanes or multi-use trails.

Parks and trails

You are required to have proper equipment (see the Ontario regulations) when cycling in any parks or on trails in Oakville. 

All motorized vehicles are prohibited, including e-bikes, in all areas other than the designated roadway space.

Riding side by side

No cyclist shall ride a bicycle on any roadway beside another bicycle except in the course of passing another bicycle.

Sidewalks

• Cycling on town sidewalks is prohibited, except for: 
  • children under the age of 11 years old, whose bicycle wheel diameter is equal to or less than 51 centimetres (20 inches). 
  • a parent, guardian or other adult accompanying a child. 
• Cycling on sidewalks in downtown Oakville, Kerr or Bronte business districts is prohibited.
• When approaching a pedestrian on a sidewalk, cyclists must give plenty of warning of their approach. 
• Cyclists must take every necessary precaution to avoid a collision with pedestrians. 
• Cyclists must give pedestrians the right-of-way. 

Trick riding

Trick riding is not allowed. Cyclists must be able to use both hands to control the bicycle when travelling on a roadway or multi-use trail.

Slow moving traffic

Any vehicle or cyclist moving slower than the normal traffic speed should drive in the right-hand lane, or as close as possible to the right edge of the road except when preparing to turn left or when passing another vehicle. 

Cyclists 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.

One-way streets

You must ride in the designated direction on one-way streets.

Crosswalks

Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. 

Dismount and walk your bike when crossing within a crosswalk, at a midblock trail location or pedestrian crossover location.

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 name and street address.

Expressways

Bicycles are prohibited on highways such as the QEW and the 400 series highways, and on roads where “No Bicycle” signs are posted.

Passengers

Passengers are not allowed on a bicycle designated for one person.

Respect the environment

When using our trails please respect the environment and stay on the marked path. Creating your own paths and building bike ramps in our woodlots/greenspace is harmful to the ecosystem and dangerous for other trail users. 

Respect other trail users

• Yield to pedestrians - pedestrians always have right of way.
• Travel in single file
• Keep to the right, except when passing.
• When passing other trail users:
  • Use a bell, horn or your voice to indicate your intention to pass other trail users.
  • Pass on the left only when the trail is clear.
  • Leave about two bike lengths before moving back to the right.
• Slow down when approaching a bend.
• If you need to stop, pull off the trail and leave the trail clear for other users.
• Be on the look-out for safety hazards including washouts, low hanging branches and down trees.