City police say May’s bike safety message is also for motorists

The Sault Ste. Marie recognizes May as Bike Safety Month and offers important safety tips that they say are for cyclists of all ages, as well as motorists.

“As the weather improves, we can expect to see more people commuting by bike,” traffic sergeant Joe Poderys said in a news release.

“Not only is it important that cyclists follow the rules and take precautions to keep themselves safe, but motorists must also ensure they share the road with cyclists.

Throughout the month, police announced they would share tips on social media to promote safety and encourage responsible cycling.

Their safety tips for cyclists include:

• Wear a helmet: Protect your head; helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries.
• Check your bike: Before riding, make sure your bike is in good working order with properly inflated tires, working brakes and visible reflectors.
• Be visible: use lights and wear reflective clothing, especially when cycling in low light conditions.
• Follow traffic rules: obey all signs and traffic lights. Ride with the flow of traffic and use hand signals to communicate with drivers and other cyclists.
• Stay alert: Always be aware of your surroundings and watch for road hazards like potholes, puddles and debris.

Sault police also noted some Ontario laws that apply to cyclists:

• Bicycles on the road are considered vehicles under Ontario law.
• Cyclists are required to stop at all red lights and stop signs and obey all traffic control signals.
• The use of appropriate lighting and reflectors is mandatory when driving half an hour before sunset and half an hour after sunrise.
• Wearing a helmet is mandatory for cyclists under the age of 18 and is strongly recommended for all cyclists.

If you live in Sault Ste. Marie or Prince Township, police also recommended registering your bike at https://saultpolice.ca/bikeregistry.

If your bike is stolen, registering it increases the chances of getting it back, police said.