The following news release was issued today by the Guelph Police Service:
Tips for road and cyclist safety
The Guelph Police Service has been receiving numerous complaints regarding distracted drivers and dangers to cyclists. The Guelph Police Service reminds everyone to slow down, share the road and use the following safety tips to help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.
Tips for drivers:
• Don't get distracted. Watch for cyclists on the road and make eye contact if you can, so they can anticipate your next move.
• Yield the right-of-way. Yield to cyclists and signal well in advance if you need to cross a designated bike lane or pull over to the side of the road.
• Look out. Shoulder check for cyclists before turning right and watch for oncoming cyclists before turning left. Scan for cyclists before you enter the roadway from an alley or get in and out of a parking spot.
• Keep a safe distance. Maintain at least three seconds behind cyclists and at least one metre when passing a cyclist. Don't risk side-swiping or running a cyclist off the road.
• Dooring is dangerous. To avoid dooring a cyclist, both drivers and passengers must shoulder check before opening doors. This will also help you avoid a violation and fine.
Safety tips for cyclists:
• Start at the top. Wearing an approved bicycle helmet that meets safety standards is important for safety. Focus on how it fits: the helmet should sit level on your head (not tilted back) with the front edge one inch or less above your eyebrows to protect your forehead and should be snug so it can't roll off of your head when the chin strap is secured.
• Follow the rules of the road. Make sure you obey all traffic signs and signals and adhere to the rules of the road.
• Bike lanes are best. Use designated bike routes whenever possible – they're safer and reduce conflicts with vehicle traffic.
• Shoulder check. Use hand signals and shoulder check in advance before taking any turns. Remember, drivers sometimes fail to yield right-of-way.
• Reflect on safety. Be extra visible with reflective gear on your bicycle pedals and wheels.
• Use caution around parked vehicles. Be aware of people in vehicles as well as taxis to avoid getting hit by an opening door. Try to keep at least once metre away from parked vehicles.
Please note that the above safety tips were gathered from the ICBC website.
Calls for service
In the last 24 hours, the Guelph Police Service has responded to 205 calls.
