steveintoronto
Superstar
In the absence of clear definitions in the HTA, I'm referring to MTO publications for cyclists and motorists. In a court case, the Justice would take this literature into consideration, albeit assessing fault and a fine may be tricky outside of the HTA, but assessing damages wouldn't be since this is civil law.
The MTO publications have come a long way, even in the last five years, as that pertains to cyclists and their rights. From the Driver's Handbook. I'll quote the really relevant point here: "Do not follow too closely behind cyclists. They do not have brake lights to warn you when they are slowing or stopping."
Entire section here:
Not a lot of drivers would have a clue on many of those points. And neither would many cyclists!
Which brings me to a point I never would have thought I would have supported in years past: Retesting for motorists every few years to make sure they are aware of the rapidly changing HTA, especially as that relates to cyclists....and the big bugaboo: I now favour testing of *cyclists* and a licence necessary for at least some cycling facilities like separated bike lanes. Believe me, I'm a Libertarian, but it's getting freakin' crazy out there. The *clear majority* of Toronto cyclists haven't a clue on some very important facets of safety protocol, let alone the law. And it's putting my safety of that of many other safe and serious cyclists in jeopardy.
Frankly, it would help if the cops cracked down on idiot cyclists, and the Province would raise the fines. Ditto with motorists. This has been done for 'dooring', but it's got to be raised again. You play with a gun, they throw you in jail. What's the difference? Cars...or more correctly...*drivers* kill magnitudes more people than guns do. And they get a slap on the wrist for doing it in almost all cases. The only saving grace for cyclists is that the mass of their vehicle and body is a fraction of that of a car. But they make up for that by being such idiots.
To be clear, I doubt very much any of the posters in this string aren't good or exceptional cyclists, or you wouldn't be posting here and discussing these matters. My concern is to somehow limit the number of cyclists sharing the road to those who can think and act rationally.
The MTO publications have come a long way, even in the last five years, as that pertains to cyclists and their rights. From the Driver's Handbook. I'll quote the really relevant point here: "Do not follow too closely behind cyclists. They do not have brake lights to warn you when they are slowing or stopping."
Entire section here:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook/section2.3.2.shtmlSharing the road with cyclists
Bicycles and mopeds travelling at a lower speed than other traffic are expected to ride about one metre from the curb or parked cars, or as close as practical to the right-hand edge of the road when there is no curb. However, they can use any part of the lane if necessary for safety, such as to:
- Avoid obstacles such as puddles, ice, sand, debris, rutted or grooved pavement, potholes and sewer grates
- Cross railway or streetcar tracks at a 90° angle
- Discourage passing where the lane is too narrow to be shared safely
- A bike lane may exist adjacent to parking bays (See Diagram 2-10)
Diagram 2-10
Cyclists are not required to ride close to the right edge of the road when they are travelling at or faster than the normal speed of traffic at that time and place, or when they are turning left, or getting in position to turn left. (Cyclists are permitted to make a left turn from a left-turn lane, where one is available.)
When passing a cyclist, drivers of motor vehicles are required to maintain a minimum distance of one metre, where practical between their vehicle and the cyclist. (See Diagram 2-11.) Failure to do so may result in a fine in the range of $60 to $500 and an additional two demerit points on the driver’s record. Whenever possible, you should change lanes to pass.
Do not follow too closely behind cyclists. They do not have brake lights to warn you when they are slowing or stopping.
Intersections – To avoid collisions with bicyclists at intersections, remember the following:
Diagram 2-11
Do not sound your horn unnecessarily when you are overtaking a cyclist. It may frighten them and cause them to lose control. If you feel that you must use your horn, tap it quickly and lightly while you are still some distance away from the cyclist.
- When turning right, signal and check your mirrors and the blind spot to your right to make sure you do not cut off a cyclist.
- When turning left, you must stop and wait for oncoming bicycles to pass before turning.
- When driving through an intersection, be careful to scan for cyclists waiting to turn left.
Bike lanes are reserved for cyclists. They are typically marked by a solid white line. Sometimes you will need to enter or cross a bike lane to turn right at a corner or driveway. (See Diagram 2-12) Take extra care when you do this. Enter the bike lane only after ensuring that you can do so safely, and then make the turn.
Watch for cyclists' hand signals. A cyclist may indicate a right-hand turn by extending their right arm.
Try to make eye contact when possible with cyclists.
Diagram 2-12
Bike boxes help prevent collisions between motorists and bicycles at intersections. It is typically a painted box on the road with a white bicycle symbol inside. Bicycle lanes approaching and leaving the box may also be painted. As a driver, you must stop for a traffic signal behind the bike box. Do not stop in the box. See (Diagram 2-13)
Sharrows A bicycle sharrow, two chevrons painted above a bicycle symbol on the road, indicates the lane is shared. Vehicle or bicycle traffic may be in the lane. Although you should always keep on the lookout for bicyclists, this serves as an additional warning to watch for them in the lane. See (Diagram 2-14)
Diagram 2-13
Children riding bicycles on the street may lack the necessary training and skills for safe cycling. They may not be aware of all the dangers or the rules of the road. Watch for children on oversized bicycles, as they may not have the ability to control it. When parked on the side of the roadway, look behind you and check your mirrors and blind spots for a passing cyclist before opening a door.
Not a lot of drivers would have a clue on many of those points. And neither would many cyclists!
Which brings me to a point I never would have thought I would have supported in years past: Retesting for motorists every few years to make sure they are aware of the rapidly changing HTA, especially as that relates to cyclists....and the big bugaboo: I now favour testing of *cyclists* and a licence necessary for at least some cycling facilities like separated bike lanes. Believe me, I'm a Libertarian, but it's getting freakin' crazy out there. The *clear majority* of Toronto cyclists haven't a clue on some very important facets of safety protocol, let alone the law. And it's putting my safety of that of many other safe and serious cyclists in jeopardy.
Frankly, it would help if the cops cracked down on idiot cyclists, and the Province would raise the fines. Ditto with motorists. This has been done for 'dooring', but it's got to be raised again. You play with a gun, they throw you in jail. What's the difference? Cars...or more correctly...*drivers* kill magnitudes more people than guns do. And they get a slap on the wrist for doing it in almost all cases. The only saving grace for cyclists is that the mass of their vehicle and body is a fraction of that of a car. But they make up for that by being such idiots.
To be clear, I doubt very much any of the posters in this string aren't good or exceptional cyclists, or you wouldn't be posting here and discussing these matters. My concern is to somehow limit the number of cyclists sharing the road to those who can think and act rationally.
Last edited:
