Written by Katherine Ludwig

As the warmer weather continues, more and more cyclists will be out riding the roads along with motor vehicles.  

SGI is reminding both motorists and cyclists to pay extra attention while sharing the roads.  

“The one thing we want cyclists to understand is that they are required to follow the rules of the road as well. We want them to be aware of the fact that they are going to be sharing the road with motor vehicles... when a motor vehicle and a bicycle collide the cyclist almost always loses. So, it’s really important for them to keep their head up, be aware of their surroundings, understanding that not only are they expected to follow the rules of the road but they should take additional steps to protect themselves as well, not just relying on other motorists and road users to do what they’re supposed to do,” says SGI Communications Manager Tyler McMurchy.  

According to SGI’s website, there are several things cyclists should be thinking about when it comes to bike safety and while riding the roads.  

- Always wear a certified helmet and have it strapped on tightly.  
- Always ride on the right in the same direction as traffic, as riding a bike facing oncoming traffic (i.e., riding on the left side of the road) is dangerous and greatly increases the chance of a collision with a vehicle. 
- Use arm signals when turning or changing lanes. 
- Do an over-shoulder check before changing lanes. 
- Look both ways before crossing streets. 
- Obey traffic lights and signs.
- Learn to look over your shoulders without losing your balance or swerving. 
- Scan the road ahead for potholes, railway crossings, slippery surfaces, loose gravel, and other obstacles. 
- Remember that drivers have blind spots so ride either well-ahead of or well-behind vehicles. 
- Ride on the road, not the sidewalk, if you’re an experienced rider. 
- Never wear headphones when cycling, because the music drowns out the noise of traffic and is distracting. 
- Always ride with caution; you might see an approaching vehicle but the driver might not see you. 

There are currently no specific bylaws in place for cyclists in Moose Jaw.  

McMurchy also says that it’s important to have reflective gear on your bike and your body while riding the roads at night.  

“You can equip your bicycle with a headlight and a tail light that you can turn on. Some helmets even come with lights on the back of them as well. Also dressing to be seen, wearing reflective clothing is a great idea, and making sure that your bicycle has reflectors on the front, the back, and on the sides so you can be seen from all directions,” says McMurchy.  

Cyclists can also use hand signals to tell drivers which direction they’re planning to head towards. A cyclist should extend their left arm straight out away from the body to indicate that they’re turning left. When turning right, cyclists should extend their arm the same way but bend their elbow and raise their hand upward to the sky. In order for a cyclist to signal that they’re slowing down, they must extend their arm, bend their elbow with their hand pointing down to the ground.  

There’s dozens of ways cyclists can keep safe while riding on the roads. However, road safety isn’t just up to cyclists.  

McMurchy says “Bicycles are vehicles and drivers of motor vehicles are expected to share the road with bicycles. And exercising that patience; even if you have a bike in front of you in the driving lane, just making sure you’re giving that person enough room. Obviously, a bicycle can stop a lot more suddenly than a motor vehicle so giving that person enough room and only passing when it is safe to do so and making sure you’re not passing to closely.” 

For more information about bicycle safety visit the SGI website.