Riding Your Bike Safely in Nova Scotia
Posted May 18, 2023 07:00:23 AM.
Last Updated May 16, 2023 11:28:04 AM.
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Preparing for summer fun
Spring 2023 is finally delivering on its early promises, the school year will soon be coming to a close, and warm weather fun is beckoning. That means that bicycles are being hauled out of the back of the garage and from the depths of the basement and getting pumped up and tuned up for The Great Summer Adventure 2023!
Know the rules
Before you head out for the wild, remind yourself of the bike rules that may have faded in your mind since last season. For example, did you remember that bicycles are considered vehicles and must adhere to the same rules of the road as cars and motorcycles? It’s true. (under section 492.1 of the Nova Scotia Safety Code). Anyone aged 14 years or older is mandated to ride on the right-hand side of the road, stop at all stop signs, and signal when making turns. It’s also mandatory that you ride with the flow of traffic, not facing oncoming vehicles. Young learners are allowed to ride on sidewalks but should be reminded to give warning and yield to pedestrians at all times.
Common Sense
Wear bright colours when you’re out on the roads. Learn and use your hand signals to make a turn. It’s important to see and be seen. In short, be a highly alert and visible rider. Your attention to surroundings could help you ride another day. And stow your headphones and earbuds in your backpack until you get to the park, beach, or your friend’s house.
Getting from Here to There
When you come to an intersection with traffic lights/stop signs or wish to cross to the other side of the road, the rule is to dismount and walk your bike across the crosswalk or street for optimum safety. If there are cars and trucks in motion nearby, be sure to make eye contact with the drivers before stepping out into traffic.
Off-roading
If there are bike trails or bike lanes designated in your neighbourhood, use them whenever possible. Your community puts them there so you can have fun while riding as safely as you can.
Safety equipment matters
Don’t forget to install a bell or horn on your handlebars, so you can alert pedestrians and drivers alike that you are close by. Using pant clips or wearing bike shorts will help keep you from getting tangled up in your chain. Rear view mirrors can be installed on your helmet or the bike’s handlebars, giving you the best view of your situation at all times.
Safety equipment here in Nova Scotia includes a CSA-certified helmet, which is mandatory since the law was enacted in September of 1997. Remember that if you have a fall or hard strike on your helmet, it is no longer considered safe and replacing it is the best way to “maintain your brain”.
If a safety helmet is not within your budget, Valent Legal would like to recommend that you contact the Lids4Kids.ca project. Lids4Kids is a non-profit organization that provides helmets for children in need.
Now you Know
With all of this information under your helmet and your bike freshly tuned up, head on out for your own Great Adventure! The folks at Valent Legal wish you a fantastic summer!
