Cycling in Kingston
Cycling is an environmentally-friendly, healthy, inexpensive form of transportation and a quick, fun way to get to work, get around and see the city.
Did you know it costs about $8,000 a year to own a car? Cycling commuters save money, stay fit and reduce the community's production of greenhouse gas emissions. City cyclists are encouraged to take advantage of Kingston Transit's Rack and Roll option so they can choose to bike to work and take the bus home, or vice versa, or hop on anytime the weather turns ugly.
Recreational cyclists might want to check out the BMX bike track at Woodbine Park, head downtown (where there are many bike racks), try the K&P Trail, pedal along the Waterfront Pathway — or head to the Cataraqui Trail just outside of the city.
Wherever you cycle, please do it safely by learning and respecting roadsharing guidelines and observing the rules of the Highway Traffic Act. [Read the Act on Ontario's E-Laws Website.]
ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET
All cyclists should wear helmets for their own safety. If you are under 18, the law requires you to wear one while cycling on any public road. Cycle Kingston —
a grassroots registered charity that promotes cycling — notes that 85 per cent of all serious cycling-related head injuries could have been prevented by
wearing a helmet, and about 90 per cent of cycling fatalities are caused by cyclists struck by motor vehicles. Choose a light-coloured helmet to make you
visible to motorists. If you ride at night, wear one with a reflective strip. Other prudent safety equipment: a horn or bell, and rearview mirror.
[Visit the Cycle Kingston website.]
OBSERVE THE ONTARIO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACT AND ROADSHARE
Cyclists must remember they are legally considered "vehicles" under the Highway Traffic Act and need to know and obey all the same rules of the road as other vehicles. So don't ride on the sidewalk, observe traffic signals, road signs and respectfully share the road.
KNOW YOUR HAND SIGNALS
Hand signals let drivers know what you intend to do.
- Left turn: extend your left arm STRAIGHT OUT to your side.
- Right turn: bend your left arm UP at the elbow OR extend your right arm STRAIGHT OUT to your side.
- Stop or sudden decrease of speed: bend your left arm DOWN at the elbow.
USE A LIGHT AT NIGHT
Lights make cyclists more visible to drivers and help keep them safe. Under the Highway Traffic Act, cyclists are required to use front and rear lights for night riding — a half hour before sunset to a half hour after sunrise and any other time it would be reasonable to expect you might be difficult to see.
