Roadsharing Guide For Motorists And Cyclists
WE'RE ALL ON IT TOGETHER
Motorists and cyclists are all part of road traffic & where safe use depends on mutual respect, cautious and cooperative action, simple courtesy and communication.
You are sharing the road effectively when:
- You recognize the rights of others to use the road.
- You make a decision to make safety the top priority every time you enter traffic.
- You model safe, respectful on-road behaviour.
About On-Road Bikeways
Cyclists and motorists already share the roads in Kingston.
The City's On-Road Bikeway Implementation Plan calls for a number of measures to better accommodate cyclists who prefer to travel in designated bicycle lanes.
The On-Road Bikeway Implementation Plan suggests a network of routes with:
- Designated marked and signed bicycle lanes;
- "Share the road" signage;
- Sharrow road markings; and
- Identified and signed bicycle routes.
Roadshare Safely
Motorists enjoy the safety of seat belts, headlights, signal lights — and the metal frame of a car — to protect them from harm. Cyclists are more vulnerable and need to equip themselves to be safe and visible in traffic, and to be clear about their intentions in traffic.
Cyclists should wear helmets for their own safety. Those under 18 are legally required to wear a helmet while cycling on any public road. Light-coloured and reflective clothing makes cyclists more visible to motorists. Cyclists who ride at night are legally required to use front and rear lights a half hour before sunset to a half hour after sunrise and should add reflective strips to their helmets and bikes. Other prudent safety equipment includes a horn or bell, padded riding gloves, a rearview mirror, and a good set of brakes.Rack And Roll
Commuting and recreational cyclists can use the map on the back to help plan their routes — and plan where to use Kingston Transit's Rack and Roll option. Now available on every Kingston Transit bus from mid-March to mid-November (weather permitting) for no extra charge, Rack and Roll offers cyclists a convenient way to travel with their bikes when they choose to ride Kingston Transit.
The Rules Of The Road Apply To All Vehicles
The official rules of the road are laid out in Part 10 of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. Both automobiles and bicycles are legally considered vehicles under this Act — vehicles that belong on the road. So cyclists need to know and obey the same rules as motorists to enjoy using the roadways.
Roadsharing according to these rules of the road means that:
- Cyclists moving slower than the normal traffic speed should drive in the right-hand lane, or as safely to the right side as is practical (except when preparing to turn left).
- Cyclists have the right to use a full lane of traffic when travelling on the right side of the roadway is hazardous or does not allow them to maintain a straight predictable line..
- Cyclists belong on the road, not the sidewalk, because bicycles are vehicles.
- Motorists and cyclists must obey road signage, markings and traffic signals.
- Motorists and cyclists must signal their intention to turn or stop.
- Motorists and cyclists should drive/ride responsibly and defensively, be properly equipped, watch for hazards, and make sure they are seen and drive/ride in a predictable manner.
Know The Signs
Bicycle Route Marker Sign
These signs identify routes that are part of Kingston's On-road Bikeway. Unlike the signs that indicate exclusive cycling lanes, bicycle route signs do not have a regulatory function.
Bicycle Route Sign
These signs are used to advise motorists and cyclists of officially designated routes along municipal roadways where bicycles and vehicles are both permitted.
Reserved Bicycle Lane Sign
The Reserved Bicycle Lane sign informs motorists that a specific lane on the road is designated for exclusive use by bicycle.
Warning Sign
These signs are used to inform motorists and cyclists that a roadway is to be shared and may be placed where a designated bicycling lane comes to an end.
Sharrows
Sharrows remind road users to share the road and offer line-of-travel guidance to cyclists.
