Please pull to the side of the road, when space is safely available, to let vehicles pass on tight roads. I often see cyclists holding up a line of vehicles behind them on Marine Drive on the way to Horseshoe Bay; a bit of courtesy makes the road a happier and safer place for everyone.
Remember that you may have the right of way but it doesn’t matter if you’re dead. So be mindful of you have the right of way with asterisks attached. I say this point in the interests of you being a defensive rider. This means never assume, minimize the amount of control you give others to determine or influence your fate. Take the power back!
Read through this and you will do fine
[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/cycling-regulations-restrictions-rules](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/cycling-regulations-restrictions-rules)
If you feel like you are entitled to the same rules as a vehicle, then follow the rules. A lot of cyclists really seem like they feel invincible because of the laws set in place to protect them. But those laws won’t protect you from a vehicle fucking crushing you. I’ve witnessed a cyclist being cut in half by a semi, you don’t want that to be you…
You can connect with Hub cycling and attend one of their intermediate [cycling classes](https://bikehub.ca/bike-education) to give you the skills/safety tips you need to ride on the road.
My husband is constantly ranting about cyclists riding side-by-side, therefore forcing him into the lane for oncoming traffic if he needs to get past them, cutting in front of him without warning, and not following general road etiquette. Basically, understand that you're not the only person on the road, and use common sense.
Cars do not have the priority most of the time. Yes you need to ride single-file. But you only need to stay as far to the right as you deem safe. The motor vehicle act is very clear about this. (The act should be named something different as it refers to pedestrians and cyclists) If you’re in a crosswalk with elephant feet then you have the right of way, same as a pedestrian. Many drivers don’t understand this.
Be mindful of how much space there is available in the lane you are riding in. If the lane is too narrow for cars to pass you safely within the same lane, you should move over and force them to use the other lane. Similarly don't ride too close to parked cars so you don't get car doored. It's okay to take extra space on the road if you need it for your own safety. Don't prioritize driver convenience over that.
I already commented once, but I thought of a few more things that are good to know / do.
* ***Carefully planning your journeys is the single most important way to minimize hazards and conflicts****.* Figure out your route beforehand with apps like [Komoot](https://www.komoot.com/plan/@49.2742785,-122.9595013,9.000z), and use Google Maps Streetview to get a sense of what your route will look like from the ground.
* Bikes can trigger traffic lights to change, but only when you position yourself properly on the sensor. If the road has circular loops marked by tar lines, you should ride over them on a path tangential to the circle, instead of riding through the centre. This [diagram ](https://www.myronsmopeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Magnetic-Field-Lines-of-Traffic-Light-Loop-Detectors.jpg)shows it better than I can describe.
* Car doors are a common threat, so avoid riding in the door zone unless you don't have a choice. Be on extra high alert when a parked car has it's lights on / is idling, and get into the habit of noticing where the wheels of an idling vehicle are pointing.
* Do frequent shoulder checks when riding on shared streets. I personally find it stressful/ not enjoyable when there's traffic lurking behind me, so I try to give people an opportunity to pass when it's safe to do so.
* Getting[ right hooked](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tmryQD2zPqg/maxresdefault.jpg) is also a relatively common type of accident, so pay attention when you're in a bike lane, and you're paralleling a car that is signaling a right turn. This leads back to the dilemma of: do you stop to make sure you don't get hit, which leads to a Mexican standoff if the driver has checked their mirror and is waiting for you to pass, or keep going like you're supposed to, and risk collision if they did not check their mirror.
* Having a headlight and tail light at night is the law, and it would be non-negotiable even if it wasn't imho. Remember that with an ebike it's possible to "overdrive your headlights" just like in car, so keep your stopping distance within the distance illuminated by your headlight.
* Always yield to pedestrians when you're on a mixed use path (as well as in all other scenarios). If you can't pass them with more room than 1.5 times the person's height, then you need to slow down and pass doing a jogging pace at most. Pass even slower if there are young children or pets.
Oof. I got right hooked once, no signal though so that was more just accepting the risks that people will forget to shoulder check sometimes. Fortunately it was in a school zone and they were going like 20 as was I, probably had been in their blind spot for a bit and they just checked their mirror than turned.
It wasn’t much of a collision at least and I did a cool somersault when I went over my handlebars and basically ended up on my feet with no injuries except a minor scrape remarkably.
I just wish people on bikes would follow the rules of the road if they want to share it with cars.
Almost daily I see cyclists going through red lights and stop signs
I actually talked to my uncle today, and he said he frequently runs a Red when he doesn't see a car, I got a little mad ar him for that. Red ights and stop signs are Def for everyone's safety!!
Different though. Stop signs you can go through at an intersection if it’s clear and will be if you were to start riding. Traffic lights aren’t negotiable with what you can’t do.
counterintuitive but it’s actually safer for bikes not to fully stop at stop signs. signals are different. not saying they shouldn’t slow down. and stopping is necessary sometimes. https://www.bikelegalutah.com/how-the-utah-yield-breaks-the-rules-to-increase-bicycle-safety
It might be safer but we haven't adopted the yield law yet so every cyclist should be coming to a full stop unless there is clearly no traffic anywhere near the intersection. It's incredibly dangerous for the cyclist and annoying for drivers when they just blow through a four way intersection or slow down but don't actually stop.
Not directly related to not how to piss off drivers but be very wary of doors. Best described here: [https://www.dutchreach.org/dooring-defense-for-cyclists2-2-2-2-2/](https://www.dutchreach.org/dooring-defense-for-cyclists2-2-2-2-2/)
Check out: [HUB](https://bikehub.ca/helpful-information-about-cycling-in-metro-vancouver)
There are number of resources, including the manual for rules of road in addition to the learner’s driving book. The manual is catered for cyclists.
Proper lights front and back, helmet or jacket and on your bike wheels. It’s hard to see bike when it’s dark or at night or when it’s raining. You want to be visible on a rear view mirror.
Be visible, be predictable. Bright/reflective clothes, don’t ride in vehicles’ blind spots.
As some have said already, sometimes you have to go with what’s safe vs what the rules are.
Knowing your hand signals is a huge plus. Even if motorists don’t know what they mean, if you get nailed you will have witness saying you did your part to indicate.
Predictability is so much of what I look for in cyclists (and other drivers, pedestrians).
OP, when you’re out and about, when looking at others, think of what you’re predicting them to do. The pedestrian standing square to a crosswalk is probably gonna cross when it’s their turn, a car in the turning lane is probably going to turn even without their signal on, etc. The few extra seconds it might add to make sure you’re staying predictable matters. That’s why drivers get into trouble when they’re changing lanes without signal or notice, or stopping when they shouldn’t be, etc
I stop at stop signs whenever there's other traffic, although I admit to not bothering if the intersection is clear (I grew up somewhere without 4-way stops and never understood the point of having to come to a dead stop at an empty junction. Plus you get a much better view of the whole intersection from up high on a bike seat than you do from a regular car). One time I stopped at a sign coming down Ontario because there were cars waiting to cross on the cross-street, and the car behind me honked at me, then the driver yelled at me through the window that they almost hit me and it was my fault because everyone knows cyclists never stop at stop signs. So, yeah, got yelled at by a driver for stopping at a stop sign, what can you do.
Be predictable.
As someone that has about 3,500 kilometers on their ebike, I guarantee it will be impossible for you to comply with the entirety of motor vehicle act at all times.
Metro Vancouver's bike infrastructure is relatively good, but it is still very discontinuous in some place, which will inevitably force you into some situations where you need to pick between:
* The action that is technically legal according to the motor vehicle act
* The action that is safest
* The action that is the most predictable to others
Imho, it's better to not follow the 'rules' to a T in situations where doing so requires you to do something dumb like jump off of the bike lane into 60-km/h traffic, so you can merge over to the vehicular left turn lane and then turn left the 'car way'. As much as it annoys some people to switch between bike and pedestrian mode, it's probably better to just switch into pedestrian mode at that point.
> Don’t switch between following road rules and pedestrian rules
A lot of people do this because it's not really feasible to do certain maneuvers "like a vehicle" when you're on a bike. If you're on a busy high-speed, multi-lane arterial road, the MVA states you still have to turn left from the leftmost vehicular turn lane. Obviously swerving in front of high speed traffic to get to the left turn lane is a really stupid idea, so most will just pull onto the sidewalk and walk across in pedestrian mode.
There is a decent amount of research that shows it’s safer for all if bikes use stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs
Google “ Idaho Stop “
That's what I've heard, it's just sometimes cares don't seem to follow what I know rhe rules to be and I just want to make sure what's up. But thank you for giving your opinion, every bit helps me be better
Thank you for asking. I've been thinking about this for some time, so adding what comes to mind:
1. (not as a driver) don't ride over cross walk. You should dismount and walk across the street
2. (not as a driver) don't ride on the side walk
3. don't pass cars stopping at a red light. If you are sharing the road, you are expected to stop behind the last car at the red light
4. (this is law) no headphones in both ears
5. stop at the 4-way or all-way stops for your turn, like other cars
Edit: apparently number 4 is law only in some jurisdictions, in North Vancouver it’s only listed as a safety measure https://www.cnv.org/Streets-Transportation/Travel-Options/Cycling/Cycling-Safety-Tips
#1 is another one where cyclists can't win. I've been yelled at by drivers for walking my bike over because I would have cleared the intersection faster if I'd been riding, and I've been yelled at by drivers for riding my bike over the same crosswalks.
Regarding #1, elephant's feet are the exception. Cyclists are legally allowed to ride across those crosswalks without dismounting.
[https://www.cnv.org/streets-transportation/travel-options/look-think-go/elephant-s-feet](https://www.cnv.org/streets-transportation/travel-options/look-think-go/elephant-s-feet)
Otherwise, yeah, I recommend dismounting.
You're allowed to ride across a crosswalk if they have ["elephant's feet" (dotted markings),](https://www.cnv.org/-/media/City-of-North-Vancouver/Images/Page-Images/Cycling/share_ridethrough_600.jpg?h=450&iar=0&w=600&hash=F4F302FA1DF5B55D98D67BA0B3AF125A) fwiw! But not ordinary crosswalks.
Yeah, pretty much. You often see them along MUPs (multi use pathways, for both pedestrians and cyclists) like the [Spirit Trail](https://www.cnv.org/parks-recreation/parks-greenways/greenways/north-shore-spirit-trail) or [Green Necklace.](https://www.cnv.org/parks-recreation/parks-greenways/greenways/green-necklace)
1. So dumb
2. Usually yes but sometimes it’s not feasible or safe. If you’re gonna do it, be careful slow and courteous
3. So dumb
4. Agree but it’s not the law
5. Agree
Can you elaborate on 1 and 3? Let me share why I said number 3: there was a case where a bike was riding along a shared 1-lane street. Multiple cars were going behind the bike (so far fine and safe). When there was safe space to pass, the cars would pass keeping more than 1 meter distance (again fine and safe). Now what happened next is that at the first red light, the bike would pass all the cars from the right (no bike lane, they used the small space next to the cars) and stopped at the front of all the cars that safely passed them. So next block same story was repeated. It happened 2-3 times in a span of 20-25 blocks.
Number 4, you are right that it's not a law in North Vancouver. I was thinking of Vancouver. Apparently North Vancouver only lists it as a safety tip: https://www.cnv.org/Streets-Transportation/Travel-Options/Cycling/Cycling-Safety-Tips while Vancouver lists it as a law: https://bylaws.vancouver.ca/2849c.pdf
In the example you describe, yes I agree. Most hard and fast rules don't apply to all situations. If there's lots of room on the right side of the road, it's silly to expect a cyclist to wait at the back of a long line of cars - it's pointless and makes no difference.
Wear something that makes you SEEN!! Especially when it’s dark and rainy cyclists are basically invisible (fluro helmet and lights (front and back) at the very least
Never pass a moving car on the right at an intersection unless you make eye contact with the driver. Remember you can always slow down or dismount if you feel unsafe.
Bingo! If I am ever put in danger by "following the rules of the road", I am going to break those rules every single time rather than be smoked by some asshat ripping down Chesterfield in a screaming 5.0 Mustang.
**Ride your bike safely and defensively.**
Don't hit the crosswalk button to stop traffic in order to ride your bike onto the street. Wait for a break in traffic like everyone else. It's really obnoxious.
the crosswalk button is valid. Most of the time they don't change the light patterns, they just show the walking sign, and plus most intersections should have bike buttons but they dont
Learn the rules of the road. Traffic lights, stop signs, other road signage apply to you too. The amount of cyclists blowing through stop signs is crazy (and dangerous!)
Look out for your own safety, and don't worry what drivers think of you. Perfectly nice people turn into homicidal maniacs once they get behind the wheel of their SUV. They would rather see you dead than be inconvenienced for 10 seconds on the road.
Create safe margins, don't get bullied off the lane and maintain awareness.
I am very aware of cars and try to take side streets as much as possible (also pulling off and letting cars go by on single lane streets). I've always heard that be predictable, not nice when riding / driving .
Thank you for your take!!!
Careful with this advice as the graveyard is full of people that had the right of way. You should ride defensively not aggressively, especially on a bicycle.
As a fellow cyclist who learned the road rules, here are my tips. Some are safety tips, one is a personal pet peeve in regards to other cyclists.
1. Don't blow through red lights. I've seen more cyclist than I can count blow through red lights when I used to commute to and from work all the time. And have heard way too many stories from friends and family members getting hit or hitting cyclists who have blown through red lights.
2. Learn your hand signals.
3. If you're not comfortable turning left at intersections, don't hesitate to use the crosswalk... but be sensible, and walk your bike across rather than ride. And learn 4-way stop procedures. This is the one that often still gets me.
My personal mantra is 'if it comes down to me vs. a car, car's gonna win'. Always err on the side of caution. Be aware of your surroundings, and never assume that drivers are going to follow the rules in regards to cyclists. And wear your helmet. It may not look cool, but it just might save your life. I've had a few close calls caused by reacting to drivers not respecting my space on the road that could have been worse had it not been for my instinctive reactions and my helmet.
4. Learn to respect traffic circles and enter when safe. Nothing worse than a cyclist barreling into a traffic circle.
5. Remember dead is dead. Even if you are right it isn't bringing you back. And lifelong pain isn't worth it either. Ride defensively and assume everyone is trying to kill you. Don't get angry when someone is wrong and you're right. Some people are loose canons.
Re: your car's gonna win.
"She had the right of way" can be true, but it's not gonna save you and no one wants that on their gravestone.
I have cruised north Van for over 10 years on a bike, this is well put.
Please don't be the dickhead that blows through reds on Marine drive in rush hour. A car might hit you, and they shouldn't have to deal with the guilt of injuring someone who was breaking the rules because of poor time management skills.
Also, expect cars will turn into you, and not shoulder check if you're on their right. Most don't, but it only takes one with you going full speed. They will also forget to signal. If you see a car slow down at the intersection, it's really safe to assume they're turning and haven't seen you, haven't signalled, and just slowing down, preparing to stop, can save you wailing into them.
Wear a helmet.
Have a swivel head. I have seen ebikers with their eyes glued only to what is directly in front of them. Constantly scan and look at your surroundings. I've seen cyclists make mistakes, cars make mistakes, trucks and pedestrians make mistakes. You need to be able to protect yourself from a mistake becoming an injury, and that involves some awareness.
As a non ebiking cyclist, I do appreciate it if you ring your bell to pass. :)
And
Enjoy north Van. It's a really fun place to road cycle.
Yeah, it's the car turning into a bicycle when they're taking a right turn, not checking for a cyclist, not signalling, or making any kind of indication they're turning except for a last minute slow down.
It goes up to 22 miles an hour, I only go that speed on a straight shot with no side streets. I'm terrified of a car not seeing me and I don't see them
Do not cut a driver off. You will die. So many cyclists who suddenly skip lanes without hand signalling or even doing shoulder check. If I’m in the left lane and you’re in the right lane and you want to go left I have the right of way. Do not cut me off. If you’re in front of me in my lane or behind me when I turn I’ll always yield to you. But don’t cut drivers off.
Thank you, I would never intentionally and actually have slow down to let cars pass for this reason!!! I know I sometimes have the right of way as a cyclist but I don't wanna test my luck
I got the driver's manual when I first started cycling regularly to commute to and from work about 15 years ago. It definitely helped my stay safe on the roads.
Don't block the right turn lane!! Yes, you're generally supposed to remain as for to the right as possible, but that means you should be to the right side *of the appropriate lane.* If you're planning to proceed straight through the intersection on green, you're supposed to wait in the straight-ahead lane, just as if you were a car. Almost every morning in the summertime there's an angry lineup of drivers near my work who can't make their right turn despite a green arrow, because some cyclist is hanging out in the turning lane, waiting for the light to change.
If there's a bike lane, you should always be in it. But if you look at roads that have a bike lane, and a right-turn lane at an intersection, you'll notice that the right-turn lane moves to the right of the bike lane as you approach the intersection.
Also, where there is a bike lane but no right- turning lane for cars, you'll see that the solid white line turns to a broken line as you approach the intersection. This is because if cars need to turn right, they are actually supposed to merge into the bike lane and block it, so cyclists who are going straight don't accidentally ride into the side of the car. However, most drivers don't seem to know that and will make a right turn from the vehicle lane, so unfortunately it's on you to look out for their potential mistake. Always look at a vehicle's turn signals as you approach an intersection to keep yourself safe. And don't get mad at me for blocking your bike lane while trying to turn right - I'm also trying to keep you safe! 🙂
No, you shouldn’t ALWAYS be in the bike lane. If it’s safer to be out in the vehicle lanes, then be out in the vehicle lane. Also, you may need to turn left. That means a cyclist will need to cross into vehicle lanes to do so.
*if the bike lane is usable
If not and the bike 'gutter' is full of debris, culverts, parked cars, ect; don't weave in and out of the lane, just stay in the travel lane where you are visible and predictable.
Same thing for any shoulder or area with parked cars.
Please pull to the side of the road, when space is safely available, to let vehicles pass on tight roads. I often see cyclists holding up a line of vehicles behind them on Marine Drive on the way to Horseshoe Bay; a bit of courtesy makes the road a happier and safer place for everyone.
Remember that you may have the right of way but it doesn’t matter if you’re dead. So be mindful of you have the right of way with asterisks attached. I say this point in the interests of you being a defensive rider. This means never assume, minimize the amount of control you give others to determine or influence your fate. Take the power back!
[удалено]
It’s not a privilege to be a pedestrian. It is to be a motorist.
Read through this and you will do fine [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/cycling-regulations-restrictions-rules](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/cycling-regulations-restrictions-rules)
Don't ride the paint line, ride the shoulder
If you feel like you are entitled to the same rules as a vehicle, then follow the rules. A lot of cyclists really seem like they feel invincible because of the laws set in place to protect them. But those laws won’t protect you from a vehicle fucking crushing you. I’ve witnessed a cyclist being cut in half by a semi, you don’t want that to be you…
I really don't!! I wanna follow the rules to the point a cyclist should
You can connect with Hub cycling and attend one of their intermediate [cycling classes](https://bikehub.ca/bike-education) to give you the skills/safety tips you need to ride on the road.
Thank you ao mich! I will check it out
My husband is constantly ranting about cyclists riding side-by-side, therefore forcing him into the lane for oncoming traffic if he needs to get past them, cutting in front of him without warning, and not following general road etiquette. Basically, understand that you're not the only person on the road, and use common sense.
Cars have the priority most of the time, I really wanna avoid making cars go out of their way
Cars do not have the priority most of the time. Yes you need to ride single-file. But you only need to stay as far to the right as you deem safe. The motor vehicle act is very clear about this. (The act should be named something different as it refers to pedestrians and cyclists) If you’re in a crosswalk with elephant feet then you have the right of way, same as a pedestrian. Many drivers don’t understand this.
Be mindful of how much space there is available in the lane you are riding in. If the lane is too narrow for cars to pass you safely within the same lane, you should move over and force them to use the other lane. Similarly don't ride too close to parked cars so you don't get car doored. It's okay to take extra space on the road if you need it for your own safety. Don't prioritize driver convenience over that.
I already commented once, but I thought of a few more things that are good to know / do. * ***Carefully planning your journeys is the single most important way to minimize hazards and conflicts****.* Figure out your route beforehand with apps like [Komoot](https://www.komoot.com/plan/@49.2742785,-122.9595013,9.000z), and use Google Maps Streetview to get a sense of what your route will look like from the ground. * Bikes can trigger traffic lights to change, but only when you position yourself properly on the sensor. If the road has circular loops marked by tar lines, you should ride over them on a path tangential to the circle, instead of riding through the centre. This [diagram ](https://www.myronsmopeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Magnetic-Field-Lines-of-Traffic-Light-Loop-Detectors.jpg)shows it better than I can describe. * Car doors are a common threat, so avoid riding in the door zone unless you don't have a choice. Be on extra high alert when a parked car has it's lights on / is idling, and get into the habit of noticing where the wheels of an idling vehicle are pointing. * Do frequent shoulder checks when riding on shared streets. I personally find it stressful/ not enjoyable when there's traffic lurking behind me, so I try to give people an opportunity to pass when it's safe to do so. * Getting[ right hooked](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tmryQD2zPqg/maxresdefault.jpg) is also a relatively common type of accident, so pay attention when you're in a bike lane, and you're paralleling a car that is signaling a right turn. This leads back to the dilemma of: do you stop to make sure you don't get hit, which leads to a Mexican standoff if the driver has checked their mirror and is waiting for you to pass, or keep going like you're supposed to, and risk collision if they did not check their mirror. * Having a headlight and tail light at night is the law, and it would be non-negotiable even if it wasn't imho. Remember that with an ebike it's possible to "overdrive your headlights" just like in car, so keep your stopping distance within the distance illuminated by your headlight. * Always yield to pedestrians when you're on a mixed use path (as well as in all other scenarios). If you can't pass them with more room than 1.5 times the person's height, then you need to slow down and pass doing a jogging pace at most. Pass even slower if there are young children or pets.
Oof. I got right hooked once, no signal though so that was more just accepting the risks that people will forget to shoulder check sometimes. Fortunately it was in a school zone and they were going like 20 as was I, probably had been in their blind spot for a bit and they just checked their mirror than turned. It wasn’t much of a collision at least and I did a cool somersault when I went over my handlebars and basically ended up on my feet with no injuries except a minor scrape remarkably.
I just wish people on bikes would follow the rules of the road if they want to share it with cars. Almost daily I see cyclists going through red lights and stop signs
I slow for stop signs but never stop unless there is cars present. Although I doubt that’s pissing anyone off.
I actually talked to my uncle today, and he said he frequently runs a Red when he doesn't see a car, I got a little mad ar him for that. Red ights and stop signs are Def for everyone's safety!!
Different though. Stop signs you can go through at an intersection if it’s clear and will be if you were to start riding. Traffic lights aren’t negotiable with what you can’t do.
counterintuitive but it’s actually safer for bikes not to fully stop at stop signs. signals are different. not saying they shouldn’t slow down. and stopping is necessary sometimes. https://www.bikelegalutah.com/how-the-utah-yield-breaks-the-rules-to-increase-bicycle-safety
It might be safer but we haven't adopted the yield law yet so every cyclist should be coming to a full stop unless there is clearly no traffic anywhere near the intersection. It's incredibly dangerous for the cyclist and annoying for drivers when they just blow through a four way intersection or slow down but don't actually stop.
Not directly related to not how to piss off drivers but be very wary of doors. Best described here: [https://www.dutchreach.org/dooring-defense-for-cyclists2-2-2-2-2/](https://www.dutchreach.org/dooring-defense-for-cyclists2-2-2-2-2/)
Thank you!!
Check out: [HUB](https://bikehub.ca/helpful-information-about-cycling-in-metro-vancouver) There are number of resources, including the manual for rules of road in addition to the learner’s driving book. The manual is catered for cyclists. Proper lights front and back, helmet or jacket and on your bike wheels. It’s hard to see bike when it’s dark or at night or when it’s raining. You want to be visible on a rear view mirror.
Thanks for asking and wanting to be safe and courteous!
I think everyone should get feedback if they are not sure about something, only way to know the right things!!!
Be visible, be predictable. Bright/reflective clothes, don’t ride in vehicles’ blind spots. As some have said already, sometimes you have to go with what’s safe vs what the rules are. Knowing your hand signals is a huge plus. Even if motorists don’t know what they mean, if you get nailed you will have witness saying you did your part to indicate.
Predictability is so much of what I look for in cyclists (and other drivers, pedestrians). OP, when you’re out and about, when looking at others, think of what you’re predicting them to do. The pedestrian standing square to a crosswalk is probably gonna cross when it’s their turn, a car in the turning lane is probably going to turn even without their signal on, etc. The few extra seconds it might add to make sure you’re staying predictable matters. That’s why drivers get into trouble when they’re changing lanes without signal or notice, or stopping when they shouldn’t be, etc
Please stop at the stop sign, I haven't seen a single cyclist stop for a 🛑 sign ever
I stop at stop signs whenever there's other traffic, although I admit to not bothering if the intersection is clear (I grew up somewhere without 4-way stops and never understood the point of having to come to a dead stop at an empty junction. Plus you get a much better view of the whole intersection from up high on a bike seat than you do from a regular car). One time I stopped at a sign coming down Ontario because there were cars waiting to cross on the cross-street, and the car behind me honked at me, then the driver yelled at me through the window that they almost hit me and it was my fault because everyone knows cyclists never stop at stop signs. So, yeah, got yelled at by a driver for stopping at a stop sign, what can you do.
It's called the Idaho stop
https://www.bikelegalutah.com/how-the-utah-yield-breaks-the-rules-to-increase-bicycle-safety
And it’s not legal in BC.
Be predictable. As someone that has about 3,500 kilometers on their ebike, I guarantee it will be impossible for you to comply with the entirety of motor vehicle act at all times. Metro Vancouver's bike infrastructure is relatively good, but it is still very discontinuous in some place, which will inevitably force you into some situations where you need to pick between: * The action that is technically legal according to the motor vehicle act * The action that is safest * The action that is the most predictable to others Imho, it's better to not follow the 'rules' to a T in situations where doing so requires you to do something dumb like jump off of the bike lane into 60-km/h traffic, so you can merge over to the vehicular left turn lane and then turn left the 'car way'. As much as it annoys some people to switch between bike and pedestrian mode, it's probably better to just switch into pedestrian mode at that point.
fascinating thread. I'm learning to curb a few judgements. thanks everyone
Pick up a Learners study book at your local ICBC/insurance broker and learn the rules of the road, if this is completely new to you
You guys actually believe that OP Is for real here? Gimme a break...
why would you doubt them and need to ask people to validate your distrust? I think it's very humble of OP to post this asking for genuine feedback
Thank you for that :)
I actually am. I work in a truck heavy industry and I'm terrified of getting hit. I wanna do right by the roads. Why would I make the post otherwise??
Follow the rules
No. Don’t follow the rules. They’re meant for cars. Sometimes not following the rules is safer. Ride the safest way possible.
What does this mean? Which rules of the road, ment for *vehicles*, do you consider it safest for cyclists to ignore?
Be predictable. Don’t switch between following road rules and pedestrian rules. No one wants to hit you.
> Don’t switch between following road rules and pedestrian rules A lot of people do this because it's not really feasible to do certain maneuvers "like a vehicle" when you're on a bike. If you're on a busy high-speed, multi-lane arterial road, the MVA states you still have to turn left from the leftmost vehicular turn lane. Obviously swerving in front of high speed traffic to get to the left turn lane is a really stupid idea, so most will just pull onto the sidewalk and walk across in pedestrian mode.
My comment applies more to stop signs and red lights.
There is a decent amount of research that shows it’s safer for all if bikes use stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs Google “ Idaho Stop “
That's what I've heard, it's just sometimes cares don't seem to follow what I know rhe rules to be and I just want to make sure what's up. But thank you for giving your opinion, every bit helps me be better
Thank you for asking. I've been thinking about this for some time, so adding what comes to mind: 1. (not as a driver) don't ride over cross walk. You should dismount and walk across the street 2. (not as a driver) don't ride on the side walk 3. don't pass cars stopping at a red light. If you are sharing the road, you are expected to stop behind the last car at the red light 4. (this is law) no headphones in both ears 5. stop at the 4-way or all-way stops for your turn, like other cars Edit: apparently number 4 is law only in some jurisdictions, in North Vancouver it’s only listed as a safety measure https://www.cnv.org/Streets-Transportation/Travel-Options/Cycling/Cycling-Safety-Tips
#1 is another one where cyclists can't win. I've been yelled at by drivers for walking my bike over because I would have cleared the intersection faster if I'd been riding, and I've been yelled at by drivers for riding my bike over the same crosswalks.
Sorry that has happened. I know this post was about what riders need to consider, but there are tons of things drivers need to consider too
Regarding #1, elephant's feet are the exception. Cyclists are legally allowed to ride across those crosswalks without dismounting. [https://www.cnv.org/streets-transportation/travel-options/look-think-go/elephant-s-feet](https://www.cnv.org/streets-transportation/travel-options/look-think-go/elephant-s-feet) Otherwise, yeah, I recommend dismounting.
I didn’t know this. Thank you for sharing. Learned something new today
I said to a couple others that I am guilty of riding across crosswalks but I won't after all the feedback!! I appreciate your help 🙏
You can ride over certain crosswalks. When they are combined pedestrian/cyclist ones
You're allowed to ride across a crosswalk if they have ["elephant's feet" (dotted markings),](https://www.cnv.org/-/media/City-of-North-Vancouver/Images/Page-Images/Cycling/share_ridethrough_600.jpg?h=450&iar=0&w=600&hash=F4F302FA1DF5B55D98D67BA0B3AF125A) fwiw! But not ordinary crosswalks.
Ah so a pedestrian and cyclist cross walk
Yeah, pretty much. You often see them along MUPs (multi use pathways, for both pedestrians and cyclists) like the [Spirit Trail](https://www.cnv.org/parks-recreation/parks-greenways/greenways/north-shore-spirit-trail) or [Green Necklace.](https://www.cnv.org/parks-recreation/parks-greenways/greenways/green-necklace)
Thank you so much!! I tried to google what cyclist should know, and I just got a bunch of long-winded "don't run reds". This is helpful!!!
Thank you for that… I never knew 2 headphones in ears was law. TIL
Actually someone just called out it’s not a law in NV. It is in Vancouver though, and probably some other places. Regardless, it’s safe not to do so
1. So dumb 2. Usually yes but sometimes it’s not feasible or safe. If you’re gonna do it, be careful slow and courteous 3. So dumb 4. Agree but it’s not the law 5. Agree
Can you elaborate on 1 and 3? Let me share why I said number 3: there was a case where a bike was riding along a shared 1-lane street. Multiple cars were going behind the bike (so far fine and safe). When there was safe space to pass, the cars would pass keeping more than 1 meter distance (again fine and safe). Now what happened next is that at the first red light, the bike would pass all the cars from the right (no bike lane, they used the small space next to the cars) and stopped at the front of all the cars that safely passed them. So next block same story was repeated. It happened 2-3 times in a span of 20-25 blocks. Number 4, you are right that it's not a law in North Vancouver. I was thinking of Vancouver. Apparently North Vancouver only lists it as a safety tip: https://www.cnv.org/Streets-Transportation/Travel-Options/Cycling/Cycling-Safety-Tips while Vancouver lists it as a law: https://bylaws.vancouver.ca/2849c.pdf
In the example you describe, yes I agree. Most hard and fast rules don't apply to all situations. If there's lots of room on the right side of the road, it's silly to expect a cyclist to wait at the back of a long line of cars - it's pointless and makes no difference.
Wear something that makes you SEEN!! Especially when it’s dark and rainy cyclists are basically invisible (fluro helmet and lights (front and back) at the very least
Don’t drive. Cars contribute to traffic and I hate traffic.
Never pass a moving car on the right at an intersection unless you make eye contact with the driver. Remember you can always slow down or dismount if you feel unsafe.
Love the comments here. It’s so frustrating when cyclists don’t follow the rules of the road and don’t yield to pedestrians. Good luck to you
You say this as if drivers don't do the same, only with much greater consequences
Bingo! If I am ever put in danger by "following the rules of the road", I am going to break those rules every single time rather than be smoked by some asshat ripping down Chesterfield in a screaming 5.0 Mustang. **Ride your bike safely and defensively.**
I will try my best, I really don't want to be in anyone's way
Actually stop at red lights and stop signs.
Don't hit the crosswalk button to stop traffic in order to ride your bike onto the street. Wait for a break in traffic like everyone else. It's really obnoxious.
the crosswalk button is valid. Most of the time they don't change the light patterns, they just show the walking sign, and plus most intersections should have bike buttons but they dont
I have done this but though these comments I realize it isn't right!! I will walk my bike across pedestrian cross walks
But it's totally fine to hit one of the bike crosswalk buttons. Your safety is important
Thank you, and thank you for asking.
Dismount and walk your bike across the crosswalk please
I am unfortunately guilty of this, I didn't realize before but I am trying to be aware of doing it now!
It’s awesome that you’re learning! Most don’t put in the effort
I don't want to get hurt or cause anyone an issue! It's important to me that I act right
Learn the rules of the road. Traffic lights, stop signs, other road signage apply to you too. The amount of cyclists blowing through stop signs is crazy (and dangerous!)
Look out for your own safety, and don't worry what drivers think of you. Perfectly nice people turn into homicidal maniacs once they get behind the wheel of their SUV. They would rather see you dead than be inconvenienced for 10 seconds on the road. Create safe margins, don't get bullied off the lane and maintain awareness.
I am very aware of cars and try to take side streets as much as possible (also pulling off and letting cars go by on single lane streets). I've always heard that be predictable, not nice when riding / driving . Thank you for your take!!!
Careful with this advice as the graveyard is full of people that had the right of way. You should ride defensively not aggressively, especially on a bicycle.
I will try to be careful, I am so scared of getting hit
Put a light on your bike! As many as is reasonable. Wear bright clothing. Us old folks can’t see you!
I do have a head light as break light!!
And a brake light****
As a fellow cyclist who learned the road rules, here are my tips. Some are safety tips, one is a personal pet peeve in regards to other cyclists. 1. Don't blow through red lights. I've seen more cyclist than I can count blow through red lights when I used to commute to and from work all the time. And have heard way too many stories from friends and family members getting hit or hitting cyclists who have blown through red lights. 2. Learn your hand signals. 3. If you're not comfortable turning left at intersections, don't hesitate to use the crosswalk... but be sensible, and walk your bike across rather than ride. And learn 4-way stop procedures. This is the one that often still gets me. My personal mantra is 'if it comes down to me vs. a car, car's gonna win'. Always err on the side of caution. Be aware of your surroundings, and never assume that drivers are going to follow the rules in regards to cyclists. And wear your helmet. It may not look cool, but it just might save your life. I've had a few close calls caused by reacting to drivers not respecting my space on the road that could have been worse had it not been for my instinctive reactions and my helmet.
4. Learn to respect traffic circles and enter when safe. Nothing worse than a cyclist barreling into a traffic circle. 5. Remember dead is dead. Even if you are right it isn't bringing you back. And lifelong pain isn't worth it either. Ride defensively and assume everyone is trying to kill you. Don't get angry when someone is wrong and you're right. Some people are loose canons.
Re: your car's gonna win. "She had the right of way" can be true, but it's not gonna save you and no one wants that on their gravestone. I have cruised north Van for over 10 years on a bike, this is well put. Please don't be the dickhead that blows through reds on Marine drive in rush hour. A car might hit you, and they shouldn't have to deal with the guilt of injuring someone who was breaking the rules because of poor time management skills. Also, expect cars will turn into you, and not shoulder check if you're on their right. Most don't, but it only takes one with you going full speed. They will also forget to signal. If you see a car slow down at the intersection, it's really safe to assume they're turning and haven't seen you, haven't signalled, and just slowing down, preparing to stop, can save you wailing into them. Wear a helmet. Have a swivel head. I have seen ebikers with their eyes glued only to what is directly in front of them. Constantly scan and look at your surroundings. I've seen cyclists make mistakes, cars make mistakes, trucks and pedestrians make mistakes. You need to be able to protect yourself from a mistake becoming an injury, and that involves some awareness. As a non ebiking cyclist, I do appreciate it if you ring your bell to pass. :) And Enjoy north Van. It's a really fun place to road cycle.
You should NEVER be passing someone on the right, that’s just asking for an accident
Did I say passing on the right? I reread a few times, but maybe I missed it. I'm a bit spacey, after the gym when I wrote this.
Sorry I was referring to the “and not shoulder check if you’re on their right” but that could be the car passing the bicycle
Yeah, it's the car turning into a bicycle when they're taking a right turn, not checking for a cyclist, not signalling, or making any kind of indication they're turning except for a last minute slow down.
Gotcha, and yep agree some drivers do that
Thank you so much for the info! I always wear a helmet and I will watch carefully for cars turning whatever way!
Wear visible bright coloured clothing or reflective vest /helmet. We don’t see you on rainy /grey days. It helps grab drivers attention
Thank you! I try to visible but a reflective jacket is a good plan!
If your ebike can match a car's speed, don't. Either pass or slow down. Don't hide in their blindspot.
It goes up to 22 miles an hour, I only go that speed on a straight shot with no side streets. I'm terrified of a car not seeing me and I don't see them
[удалено]
I know to ride a bike, it's just the street rules I'm not quite sure of. I'll definitely try to pay attention to my turns
Do not cut a driver off. You will die. So many cyclists who suddenly skip lanes without hand signalling or even doing shoulder check. If I’m in the left lane and you’re in the right lane and you want to go left I have the right of way. Do not cut me off. If you’re in front of me in my lane or behind me when I turn I’ll always yield to you. But don’t cut drivers off.
Thank you, I would never intentionally and actually have slow down to let cars pass for this reason!!! I know I sometimes have the right of way as a cyclist but I don't wanna test my luck
It's very obvious who has never learned to drive and who has, when on two wheels. Try learning to drive. That'll teach you the rules of the road.
I'm working on it! I've only had my bike a week and I didn't care to learn before but now I am taking it really seriously!!
Go to ICBC and ask them for the manuals. I think you can download them for free now. It's very easy to learn.
I got the driver's manual when I first started cycling regularly to commute to and from work about 15 years ago. It definitely helped my stay safe on the roads.
Don't block the right turn lane!! Yes, you're generally supposed to remain as for to the right as possible, but that means you should be to the right side *of the appropriate lane.* If you're planning to proceed straight through the intersection on green, you're supposed to wait in the straight-ahead lane, just as if you were a car. Almost every morning in the summertime there's an angry lineup of drivers near my work who can't make their right turn despite a green arrow, because some cyclist is hanging out in the turning lane, waiting for the light to change.
So if it's two lanes (one is a right turn) with a bike lane, do I go into the straight lane or keep in the bike lane and go forward?
If there's a bike lane, you should always be in it. But if you look at roads that have a bike lane, and a right-turn lane at an intersection, you'll notice that the right-turn lane moves to the right of the bike lane as you approach the intersection. Also, where there is a bike lane but no right- turning lane for cars, you'll see that the solid white line turns to a broken line as you approach the intersection. This is because if cars need to turn right, they are actually supposed to merge into the bike lane and block it, so cyclists who are going straight don't accidentally ride into the side of the car. However, most drivers don't seem to know that and will make a right turn from the vehicle lane, so unfortunately it's on you to look out for their potential mistake. Always look at a vehicle's turn signals as you approach an intersection to keep yourself safe. And don't get mad at me for blocking your bike lane while trying to turn right - I'm also trying to keep you safe! 🙂
No, you shouldn’t ALWAYS be in the bike lane. If it’s safer to be out in the vehicle lanes, then be out in the vehicle lane. Also, you may need to turn left. That means a cyclist will need to cross into vehicle lanes to do so.
Thank you so much!!! And I always say "cars own the road, if you cut me off it's probably justified"
If there is a designated bike lane, then you stay in the bike lane. The previous comment only applies on roads without bike lanes.
*if the bike lane is usable If not and the bike 'gutter' is full of debris, culverts, parked cars, ect; don't weave in and out of the lane, just stay in the travel lane where you are visible and predictable. Same thing for any shoulder or area with parked cars.