Cycling is a fun, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to get around — but it’s important to ride safely and follow the rules of the road. The Woodstock Police Service encourages all cyclists to stay alert, be visible, and make safety a priority every time they ride.
Safe Riding Tips
When riding your bicycle, there are certain places where you can and cannot ride.
You may ride your bike on:
- Bicycle lanes and cycling routes
- Most city streets and roadways
- Multi-use trails and shared pathways
You may not ride your bike on:
- Highways such as Ontario’s 400-series highways
- Sidewalks
- Crosswalks
Children under the age of 10 are permitted to ride on sidewalks, as they may not yet have the skills or experience to ride safely in traffic.
Road Safety
When riding on roadways, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. You must:
- Ride in the same direction as traffic
- Stay as far to the right-hand side of the lane as is safely possible
You are allowed to move away from the right edge of the lane when:
- Avoiding obstacles or road hazards
- Preparing to make a left turn
- Passing another vehicle
- The lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle
Cyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals, including stopping at red lights and stop signs.
Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops so other road users know your intentions.
Safety Equipment
Always ensure your bike is properly equipped and maintained. The following equipment is required or recommended under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act:
- Helmet – Required for cyclists under 18 and strongly recommended for all riders
- Bell or horn – Required to alert pedestrians or other cyclists
- Lights and reflectors
- White light on the front of your bike
- Red light or reflector on the rear (required at night)
- Reflective tape
- White on the front forks
- Red on the rear forks
Wearing bright or reflective clothing will make you more visible to drivers, especially in low-light conditions.
Helmet Fit and Safety
A properly fitted helmet can greatly reduce your risk of serious injury. Riders under 18 are required by law to wear one, and failure to do so can result in a $80 fine.
Use the 2-V-1 Rule to check your fit:
- The helmet should sit level on your head, about two fingers’ width above your eyebrows.
- The straps should form a snug “V” shape under each ear.
- The chin strap should be tight enough that only one finger fits between your chin and the strap.
Register Your Bicycle
Registering your bicycle helps the Woodstock Police Service return it to you if it’s ever lost or stolen. Visit our Bicycle Registry.