Driving Tips > Safety Columns
More cyclists on the road for Bike to Work Day
Commuters from across the city will be biking to work on June 19th in support of Bike to Work Day, which promotes cycling as a healthy alternative to driving. If you’re planning on participating, the following tips can make your commute a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Plan your route
The City of Winnipeg’s cycling map is a good place to start. The 2009 edition of Cycling Winnipeg is available from your local bike shop or tourist information booth or online at www.winnipeg.ca. When mapping out your route, take your experience and level of confidence into account. Consider taking a longer ride on a quieter street.
Try riding your route before you use it for commuting
Take a ride along your route on a Sunday, and take note of any obstacles, road hazards (potholes, large cracks) or construction zones that might impact your ride. This also gives you an opportunity to see how much time it will take to complete your ride.
Ride the Wave
If you don’t want to ride alone, join one of the group rides being planned from the four sides of the city. Ride with experienced cyclists along planned routes. For more information go to http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/catch-the-wave.
Follow the rules of the road
Ride in the right lane at a safe distance (preferably one metre) from the curb or parked cars. Signal all your turns, lane changes, and stops. Don’t pass stopped vehicles on the right, rather take your place behind them and proceed as they move forward. Ride in a straight line and don’t weave in and out of traffic or between parked cars. Never ride on the sidewalk. Wear brightly coloured clothes, and most importantly, always wear a helmet.
Bike to Work Day benefits the rider and the community by reducing pollution and traffic congestion. If you’re not participating, remember to be courteous and share the road with cyclists.
“It’s something to remember throughout the summer, when more cyclists are on the road daily,” says Janine Pursaga, Road Safety Issues Specialist for Manitoba Public Insurance. “Remember to share the road – cyclists have the right to be there.”
For more information about Bike to Work Day, go to http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV, and check out the following on our website:
- Bike Safe in Vulnerable Road Users
- Bicycle Safety in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second Driver video on Bicycle Safety directly
