The Safe Cyclist – Bicycle Helmets and Other Legal Requirements
Bicycle helmets are mandatory for any cyclist under the age of 18 in Ontario. It is the parent or guardian who is responsible for ensuring cyclists under 16 wear helmets. Helmets are not mandatory for adults but they are strongly recommended given the associated reduction in risk of permanent injury or death in the event of a fall or collision.
Cyclists must ensure that the helmet fits properly, is worn correctly, and is manufactured to meet strict safety standards. Helmets should not be transferred between sports; helmets designed for use in hockey, skiing, and football are designed for different types of impacts and are not appropriate for use in cycling.
A bicycle helmet should be worn such that it fits level and square on a cyclist’s head. Proper fit can be confirmed by checking for two finger widths between the eyebrows and adjusting as necessary. The straps of the helmet should be flat against the face, the side straps should meet in a V-shape just below the ears, and the chin strap should be snugly fastened. The helmet should touch the head all around, be comfortably snug, but not too tight.
To ensure that a helmet complies with safety standards, a cyclist should check its inside for a sticker from one of the following organizations:
• Canadian Standard Association: CAN/CSA D113.2-M89
• Snell Memorial Foundation: Snell B90, Snell B90S, or Snell N94
• American National Standard Institute: ANSI Z90.4-1984
• American Society For Testing and Materials: ASTMF1447-94
• British Standards Institute: BS6863:1989
• Standards Association of Australia: AS2063.2-1990
Bicycle helmets have a life span and should be replaced as needed. Bicycle helmets should be immediately replaced following a crash involving a hit to the helmet; even if the helmet looks intact, the foam will no longer be as protective as its design originally intended. Likewise, dropping a helmet can crack or damage the foam and thus is also cause for replacement.
In addition to the requirement that cyclists under the age of 18 wear helmets, cyclists are also subject to additional traffic laws under the Highway Traffic Act. Some of those laws include:
• Lights and reflectors: bicycles must have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector if you ride between ½ hour before sunset and ½ hour after sunrise and white reflective tape on the front forks and red reflective tape on rear forks. Set fine: $20.00.
• Bell: bicycles must be equipped with a working bell or horn. Set fine: $85.00.
• Traffic signals and signs: cyclists must stop for red lights and stop signs and comply with all other signs. Set fine: $85.00.
• Slow moving traffic travel on the right side: any vehicle moving slower than the normal traffic speed should drive in the right-hand lane, or as close as practicable to the right edge of the road except when preparing to turn left or when passing another vehicle. For cyclists, you must ride far enough out from the curb to maintain a straight line, clear of sewer grates, debris, potholes, and parked car doors. You may occupy any part of a lane when your safety warrants it. Never compromise your safety for the convenience of a motorist behind you. Set fine: $85.00.
• Signalling a turn: before turning, look behind you and signal your turn using either your left or right arm. Set fine: $85.00.
• Stopped school buses: cyclists must stop for a school bus when the red lights are flashing and sign is out. Set fine: $400.00.
• Passengers: passengers are not allowed on a bicycle designed for one person. Set fine: $85.00.
• Dismounted bicyclist: when walking a bicycle, the cyclist is considered a pedestrian and must walk on the left-hand side of the road facing traffic unless it is unsafe to cross the road. Set fine: $35.00.
For more information about the rules for bicycles, visit www.mto.gov.on.ca.
