Bike Safe - A bicycle safety initiative of Manitoba Public Insurance
Intersections
In Manitoba, approximately 45 per cent of bicycle and vehicle collisions occur at intersections. Many of these collisions could be avoided by following the rules and the key elements of safe riding, which include manoeuvrability, visibility, predictability, and communication. As a cyclist, you need to be alert at intersections and, in particular, aware of turning vehicles.
When stopping at lights or stop signs, you need to position yourself to allow sufficient space to manoeuvre. Regardless of how experienced you are, all cyclists will move from side to side as they start up. While The Highway Traffic Act only specifies riding as close as practicable to the (right) edge of a roadway, experienced cyclists recommend moving closer to the middle of the lane when stopped at a light or stop sign (to maximize your visibility and allow the space needed during start up). Once you have enough momentum to maintain a straight line, shoulder check and move back to the right side.
When stopped at an intersection, never position yourself with your foot on the curb as it encourages motorists to "squeeze" up beside you. This can result in the driver turning right across your path as you both proceed from the intersection. This is called the "right hook."
Passing motor vehicles on the right side, along the curb, is both illegal and very dangerous. If you are on the right side of a vehicle, you may not be able to see the motorist's turn signal and the motorist likely won't be able to see you either.
A cyclist travelling straight through an intersection should remain in the right most position on the road. However, it is advisable to shoulder check as you approach the intersection for any motor vehicles that might be close behind or attempting to pass by.
When approaching an intersection where several motor vehicles are either slowing or stopped, the best option is to remain in the right lane and wait for the vehicles to clear before proceeding. Passing on the right is not an option.
Because intersections can be dangerous for cyclists, there are a few other items that you should consider:
- Treat every driveway and back lane as an intersection and never assume that the motorist has seen you.
- Don't enter an intersection on a yellow light. Remember that lights are timed for motor vehicles, not bicycles.
At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop is the first to proceed. If you arrive at the same time as a motorist, let them proceed first and avoid any possible confusion. While The Highway Traffic Act only specifies riding as close as practicable to the (right) edge of a roadway, experienced cyclists recommend moving closer to the middle of the lane when approaching a yield (to maximize your visibility). Once you have completed the turn, move back to the right edge.
