Bike Safe - A bicycle safety initiative of Manitoba Public Insurance
Traffic laws – The Highway Traffic Act
In Manitoba, the laws that regulate cyclists are contained in The Highway Traffic Act.
The Act has valuable information for both cyclists and motorists regarding the rules of the road. Some of the sections that apply to cyclists are referenced below. Click on the "HTA" beside each segment to be directed to the corresponding section in the official Highway Traffic Act.
- By definition, a bicycle is propelled by pedals, not a motor. (HTA)
- By definition, a power-assisted bicycle can be propelled using pedals but also has an electric motor under 500 watts. Power-assisted bicycles cannot exceed 32 km/hr. (HTA)
- When riding a power-assisted bicycle, a helmet must be worn. (HTA)
- The operator of a power-assisted bicycle must be 14 years of age or older. (HTA)
- Always use hand signals when turning and stopping to communicate actions to motorists and ensure intentions are visible and predictable. (HTA)
- Cyclists share the road with motorists and should do so with care and caution. Cyclists should remain as close to the curb as practicable and always stay to the right unless you are on a one-way street with three or more traffic lanes. (HTA)
- It is dangerous and illegal to ride side by side with other cyclists. Always ride in front of or behind other cyclists and have a safe distance between each rider. (HTA)
- It is illegal and dangerous to cycle on sidewalks. Leaving the sidewalk to travel across a roadway poses a significant risk. (HTA)
- A white light at the front of a bicycle and a red or amber reflector at the rear of a bicycle are required. Bicycles with a red light at the rear, rather than the required reflector, are much more visible to motorists and other road users. (HTA)
- Never listen to headphones while on a bicycle. You need to be able to hear things around you and be attentive to the road and your surroundings. (HTA)
- Passing motor vehicles on the right side, along the curb, is both illegal and extremely dangerous. (HTA)
- Cyclists have the same rights and duties as motorists so both groups need to know and follow the rules of the road. (HTA)
- Don't carry anything on your bicycle that is large enough to affect your balance or ability to maintain safe control of your bicycle. (HTA)
- Just as when driving a motor vehicle, you cannot operate a bicycle when you have been drinking. (HTA)
