Cycling is popular with Canadians of all ages. Most Canadian children 12 and under ride bikes. In addition, many adults ride bicycles to keep fit, for recreation and for transportation.
Overall, bicycling is a safe and enjoyable activity for riders of all ages who respect the rules of the road and keep a safety conscious attitude.
Bicycle crashes have gone down in line with the general drop in traffic fatalities. Statistically, a cyclist is safer than motor vehicle driver or passenger - plus, cycling offers positive health benefits.
Risk and the Adult Rider
In 2004, there were 56 bicycle fatalities. Of these, 20 were age 19 and under (36 percent), and 36 were over 19 (64 percent). In 1984, the proportion was exactly the opposite: there were 138 fatalities, 64 percent of which were 19 and under, and 36 percent were over 19. Of the 2004 fatalities, close to 80 percent were not wearing a helmet.
The lower rate of deaths and injuries for child cyclists is good news. Community bike safety programs and increased helmet use deserve much credit for this improvement.
But why has the proportion of adult casualties gone up? Demographics are likely a factor; the under-20 age group is now a smaller part of the population than it was 15 or 20 years ago. Nonetheless, adult cyclists must always put safety first.
Head injuries, which account for an estimated two-thirds of cyclist fatalities, can be largely prevented by wearing a helmet. Children must wear a helmet by law in most provinces. Adults, by and large, are given a choice as to whether or not to protect their head. Would fewer adults be killed in bike crashes if more wore a helmet? The Canada Safety Council believes the answer is yes.
About 90 percent of cycling fatalities are caused by cyclists being struck by motor vehicles. Children usually ride within their own community. Adult cyclists are more likely to ride in heavy traffic or less-than-ideal conditions. For instance, individuals who cycle to work or tour long distances increase their exposure to the hazards of traffic. Intersections can be particularly challenging.
Reduce your exposure to these hazards as much as possible. Often an alternate route can help you avoid heavy traffic. Traveling on a back road or bicycle trail might be less direct, but you will likely find it safer and more enjoyable. If weather creates difficult conditions, delay your outing or take alternate transportation.
Use Road Smarts
A bicycle is classified as a vehicle which belongs on the road. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. You must obey the same rules of the road when riding your bike as you do when driving your car.
Traffic laws help road users predict each other's actions. Cyclists, like motorists, must ride on the right side of the road (except on two-way designated bicycle paths), be sober, stop for stop signs and red lights, signal turns, and yield to traffic that has the right-of-way.
In addition, bicycle-related laws cover specific safety issues. Bicycles, as one of the smallest vehicles on the road, must be seen and heard. Since bikes are quiet vehicles, you must be equipped with a working bell or horn to announce your approach. Reflective tape, reflectors and a front light make you more visible to other road users. Consider these laws as a minimum. Whether required by law or not, for example, you should always wear a helmet and observe other common sense precautions.
Always ride defensively, anticipating the actions of other road users to avoid a collision and staying alert for all hazards. A car door could open at any time. A pedestrian or animal could dart onto the road without warning. Debris, grates or holes in the road could make you veer or crash. Wet or cold weather can make riding treacherous. If you must ride in those conditions, be aware of the challenges and handle your bike accordingly.
Whether it's daylight, dawn, dusk or dark, make yourself easy to see. One of the reasons motorists often give for hitting cyclists is that they did not notice them. A cyclist may be hard to spot from far away when a vehicle is traveling relatively fast. When the sun is very low, cyclists and motorists can be momentarily blinded by the glare.
Bright clothing catches people's attention in the daytime - the brighter the better. If you must ride at night, go beyond the required reflectors and front light. Wear clothing made with retro-reflective material, or retro-reflective tape on your clothing, to ensure you can be seen.
Protect your head by wearing a CSA-approved bicycle helmet; other types of sport helmets won't do, as they are designed for different types of impact. The helmet should fit snugly, level and square on the forehead with the front covering the forehead. If it has been in a collision, it has done its job. Replace it.
Is Your Bike Safe?
First, your bicycle must fit you correctly. If it's too big or too small, you won't be able to control it adequately. You should be able to straddle it comfortably with both feet on the ground.
Next, keep it well maintained. Check it regularly to be sure it is safe to ride.
- Are the brakes adjusted properly, with brake pads and cables in good condition?
- Is the chain clean and oiled? (On ten-speeds, a chain that sags means the rear derailleur needs repair.)
- Do all the gears work well
- Are all bolts tight?
- Are the wheels centred and secure?
- Are the tires in good condition with the right amount of air pressure?
- Do you have an emergency tool kit? Be prepared in case a tire goes flat or a screw comes loose.
- If anything is broken, fix it.
Cycle for Health and Happiness
Cycling is good for your heart, improves your balance and co-ordination, helps with weight control, enhances your general well-being and promotes mental health. Beyond the health benefits, it's an enjoyable way to get around.
Health experts believe that after just a few weeks of regular cycling, regardless of age, gender or initial physical fitness, the cyclist will be fitter and enjoy a greater sense of well-being.
The Canada Safety Council wishes Canadians a safe and enjoyable biking season!
Updated May 2006.
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