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Make eye contact. It is crucial to make eye contact with motorists at intersections. If you can’t make eye contact with the driver slow down enough that you are able to completely stop if you have to. If you are stopped at an intersection, eye contact ensures the driver knows where you are going when you leave, and vice versa. If a driver is not signaling, or you can't see the vehicles signal lights, don't be afraid to ask, either verbally or by pointing, what their intentions are. |
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Respect pedestrians. Your bike is as threatening to a pedestrian as a car is threatening to you. At intersections pedestrians have the right of way over cyclists. |
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Stay out of designated right-turn lanes if you intend to proceed straight through an intersection. Shoulder check to make sure it is safe to do so, and then move over to the lane that goes straight through the intersection. |
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Left turns: Don't try to turn left from the right lane. Before getting to the intersection, signal and move into the left lane when possible. Position yourself so that it is not possible for a car to pass you on the left when you are trying to turn left. Yield to oncoming vehicles before turning. If traffic is too busy or it's unsafe to turn left, proceed through the intersection from the right, stop and get into the bike lane and proceed when the light changes, or walk across the corsswalk. |
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It is illegal to cycle in a crosswalk unless authorized to do so by a municipal bylaw or otherwise directed by a sign. |
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What to do at those travel circles?
It seems that cyclists and motorists are equally confused about the mini traffic circles that dot our neighbourhoods and bike routes. Basically traffic circles are like four-way stops where vehicles do not have to stop. Whoever gets there first has the right of way; a vehicle already in the circle has the right of way; if two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right has the right of way; if everyone arrives at the same time from all directions—lookout! Many drivers treat these traffic circles as minor obstacles on their thoroughfare. Be vigilant and be prepared to stop if necessary. Don't assume the driver will yield even if you have the right of way.
Cyclists should keep their eyes and ears open in all directions when approaching a traffic circle, and not assume you will be the only one there. It's not just collisions with cars cyclists need to be concerned about, but with other cyclists and pedestrians too. Slow down, and gear down, as you approach. Gearing down makes sure you'll have the proper torque to be able to respond quickly if you have to make a defensive maneuver.
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Treat every driveway like an intersection and watch for traffic emerging from the driveway. Do not assume that a driver backing out of a driveway has seen you. |
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Look behind you before turning right. It is key to do this in case a cyclist tries (wrongly) to pass you on the right. This is an important rule for both cyclists and motorists. Look behind you before making a right-hand turn to make sure a bike isn't trying to pass you. |
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Avoid blind spots. At intersections stop either in front of a car or behind it, not to the right. If you are on the right you could be in a the driver's blind spot, you can't see the signal lights and risk getting hit if the vehicle turns right. |
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Safety Tips 
