Posted:
Halifax Regional Police encourages motorists and cyclists to work together to share our roadways for everyone’s safety. As the cycling season is just starting for many citizens, we encourage motorists and cyclists to prepare for an enjoyable summer season of safe cycling and to work together to share the roadway for everyone’s safety.
HRP’s Traffic Unit will be out this morning, together with CAA, reminding motorists and cyclists of how everyone can stay safe. Road safety is a shared responsibility – motorists should treat cyclists as vehicles and provide them with the same rights as other motorists; cyclists must obey all road signs and traffic signals and should signal their intentions clearly before turning or stopping.
Additionally, motorists and cyclists must obey the following sections of the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act (MVA):
Motorists must:
• Allow one metre clearance when passing a cyclist. (S.171B (1); fine - $295)
• Not drive in bike lanes. (S.131A; fine - $697.50)
• Not park in bike lanes. (S.143 (2); fine - $61.60)
Cyclists must:
• Not drive on the sidewalk if either of your tires exceeds 350 mm in diameter. (S.171 (2); fine - $151.25)
• Ride in a bicycle lane where available. (S.171 (3); fine – $151.25)
• Ride in same direction as flow of traffic. (S.171 (5); fine - $151.25)
• Ride on the far right side of roadway or shoulder, in the same direction as traffic. (S.171 (4); fine - $151.25)
• Ride in single file. (S.171 (6); fine - $151.25)
• Wear a helmet. (S.170A (2); fine - $151.25)
• Equip your bike with lights, a bicycle is required to have a white front light visible from 100 metres and a red rear reflector or light visible from 60 metres. (S. 174(6); fine - $180).
June 2 to 11 is HRM’s Bike Week.