By Bryan Laprise
Local Journalism Initiative
With the summer peeking out of its springtime hiding spot and forecasts calling for a warm summer, it may be tempting to go out for walks or bike rides throughout the city or on some of the region’s many trails. However, there are a few rules and tips to follow to make sure that every leisurely stroll doesn’t occasion safety risks.
Biking rules
According to the Highway Safety Code, cyclists and pedestrians have rules to follow.
In general, cyclists must ride on the right side of the road, while being cautious of car doors that might open. They can only ride elsewhere to turn left, if it is permitted to ride against traffic or if it is absolutely necessary.
Just like cars, bikes must yield the right of way to pedestrians as they are more vulnerable.
While bikes don’t have turn signals, it is necessary to signal intentions when turning. To turn left, the signal consists of raising the left arm outwards. To turn right, either raise your left arm upwards so your elbow forms a 90-degree angle or extend your right arm outwards.
Cyclists must ride in a single file line when in groups and only 15 cyclists can be part of a group before a new one must be created.
At the sight of a school bus with its flashing lights activated, cyclists must, like cars, wait at least five metres from the bus.
It is prohibited for cyclists to ride on highways or exit ramps, against the flow of traffic unless a sign explicitly indicates that it is permitted, on sidewalks, unless authorized by signs (in this case, it is important to ride slowly and give way to pedestrians). Cyclists cannot ride between two lanes of moving vehicles, apart from when the right lane is reserved for turns in that direction. They cannot wear earphones or headphones, use a portable electronic device, view a display screen unless it is relevant to riding, integrated into the bicycle and positioned so it can easily be seen. It is also prohibited to drink alcohol or use drugs while riding a bike, to carry a passenger unless there is a specific seat for them.
There are fines in place for cyclists that do not follow the law. Failure to obey to safety lights and their signs can result in an $80 to $100 penalty, Not yielding the right of way to pedestrians, wearing ear- or headphones, using a portable electronic device, not signaling intentions and riding two people without an additional fixed seat can result in a fine of equal amounts.
Pedestrian rules
Like other users of the road network, pedestrians also have rules to follow. They must use sidewalks or walk against traffic. They must cross at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks by properly checking both sides of the road. It is against the law to cross an intersection diagonally. Penalties for not obeying the Safety Code can result in a fine from $15 to $30.
Mechanical requirements
To ride safely there are mechanical requirements in place, such as having reflectors on the front and back of the bike to be visible when it’s dark.
“Having a bike in good condition is essential for both comfort and safety,” said Magali Bebronne, program director at Vélo Quebec, an organization which has, since 1967, promoted the use of bikes.
It’s also a good habit to check that both tires are well pumped before hitting the road or trails, to avoid having a flat tire.
According to the Safety Code, it’s mandatory to have a properly functioning brake on the back wheel.
There are bike repair shops throughout the Townships which can inspect all bike parts to ensure they’re in good working order and fix any issues. In Sherbrooke, this includes Sports 4 Saisons, Tech-Sport, and Nouveau Cycle.
The City of Sherbrooke also has bike repair stations throughout its territory where cyclists can fix their bike themselves. The stations are equipped with tools to loosen or tighten the bike’s components as well as remove the tires. A map of all of these stations is available on the city’s website.
Habits to adopt
“Another good habit for cyclists to adopt, is staying visible,” said Bebronne, citing the importance of having reflectors on bikes.
To be more visible, riding in a straight line and avoid zigzagging between open parking spots is important.
“Unfortunately, in Quebec, we have a culture that ignores pedestrians’ right of way. So, at crosswalks, it’s up to drivers and cyclists to yield the right of way to pedestrians as soon as they indicate the intention to cross the road,” explained Bebronne.
By following the laws set by the Highway Safety Code, it becomes easier to anticipate what other users of the road will do, she added.
Bebronne noted that cyclists must also be careful near bus stops, as the drivers cannot always see them coming as it’s hard to hear them approach the vehicle.
“I think that pedestrians and cyclists should be the closest allies because they use the ‘softer’ methods of transport, so we need to take care of each other,” concluded Bebronne.
Quebec has many trail networks including La Route verte, which is made up of 5300 km of biking trails throughout all of the province’s regions. The Trans Canada Trail also passes through the Eastern Townships in Magog, North Hatley and Sherbrooke.
Eastern Townships Tourism’s latest guide includes pages about bike touring throughout the region. It also published a special cycling guide with a map of the area’s 24 biking routes. They can be consulted online at easterntownships.org.