Summertime in Oakville means more residents and visitors are taking advantage of our beautiful trails and cycle paths. The town reminds motorists and cyclists to watch out for each other and to keep the rules of the road in mind to ensure a safe and happy experience for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Enjoy the town’s 105 kilometres of on- and off-road cycling paths, and over 150 kilometres of trails and please remember that:
- cycling on town sidewalks is prohibited, except for children under the age of 11 years old, with bike wheel diameters that do not exceed 51 centimetres (20 inches). An adult may also ride a bicycle on the sidewalk while accompanying the child.
- cycling on sidewalks in commercial and lakeside areas is prohibited for all cyclists, including children, and a $75 fine applies (this includes the downtown Oakville, Kerr Street and Bronte business districts).
- a bicycle must have a bell or a horn in good working order, and a white front light and a red rear light (if you are riding between half an hour before sunset and half an hour after sunrise).
- a bicycle must have at least one brake system on the rear wheel.
- Ontario law requires that all cyclists under the age of 18 wear an approved helmet when riding; however, it’s recommended that everyone wear a helmet when cycling to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
- cyclists should obey all traffic laws, signs and signals, always signal your intentions, and travel on the right side with traffic.
- motorists should slow down when passing cyclists and allow a one-metre clearance.
- check your mirror before exiting your vehicle to avoid striking a cyclist with your door. The fine for opening a door into a cyclist’s path is $85 and two demerit points.
By working together we can share the road safely and enjoy all that our community has to offer.
The Town of Oakville continues to improve our roadways and trails to offer residents more choice in active transportation. In 2012, the Town of Oakville received a bronze award in recognition of building a bicycle-friendly community from Share the Road Cycling Coalition.
For more information on the town’s cycle network, visit the cycling routes page or pick up a new Cycle Walk Oakville map at a town facility.