Cycling Handbook
Check out the town’s Cycling Handbook (pdf) to learn more about cycling preparedness, bikes and public transit, and much more. You can also pick one up at one of our community centres, libraries or at Town Hall.
The following translated versions of these guides are also available at any community centre, library or at Town Hall:
- Cycling Handbook – Arabic (pdf)
- Cycling Handbook – French (pdf)
- Cycling Handbook – Korean (pdf)
- Cycling Handbook – Polish (pdf)
- Cycling Handbook – Simplified Chinese (pdf)
- Cycling Handbook – Spanish (pdf)
- Cycling Handbook – Urdu (pdf)
Cycling laws, roadway rules and trail etiquette
Trick riding
No cyclist shall indulge in trick riding or otherwise ride so as to prevent the full use of both hands to control the bicycle when travelling on a roadway or multi-use trail.
Riding side by side
No cyclist shall ride a bicycle on any roadway beside another bicycle except in the course of passing another bicycle.
Parking
No person shall park a bicycle on any roadway, shoulder, cycle lane or multi-use trail.
Sidewalks
Cycling on town sidewalks is prohibited, except for children under the age of 11 years old, with wheel diameters that do not exceed 51 centimetres or 20 inches. A parent, guardian or other adult may also ride a bicycle on the sidewalk while accompanying the child. Every rider of a bicycle, when approaching a pedestrian on a sidewalk, shall give adequate warning of their approach and shall take every necessary precaution to avoid a collision and shall give pedestrians the right-of-way. Furthermore, cycling on sidewalks in downtown Oakville, Kerr or Bronte business districts is prohibited.
Parks and trails
Cyclists are required to have proper equipment as per the Ontario regulations when utilizing any parks and trails within the town. All motorized vehicles are prohibited, including e-bikes, in all areas other than the designated roadway space.
Harbours, wharfs and piers
Cycling is prohibited in these areas.
Bicycle helmets
It is strongly recommended that all cyclists, regardless of age, wear an approved bicycle helmet. Your personal safety is your responsibility. However, Ontario law mandates that anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. Parents or guardians shall not knowingly permit cyclists under 16 years old to ride without a helmet
Lights
A bicycle must have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector if you ride between half hour before sunset and half after sunrise, and white reflective tape on the front forks, and red reflective tape on the rear forks.
Bell
A bicycle must have a bell or a horn in good working order.
Brakes
A bicycle must have at least one brake system on the rear wheel. When you apply the brakes, you should be able to skid on dry, level pavement.
Slow moving traffic
Any vehicle or cyclist moving slower than the normal traffic speed should drive in the right-hand lane, or as close as possible 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.
One-way streets
Ride in the designated direction on one-way streets.
Crosswalks
Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. Dismount and walk your bike when crossing within a crosswalk, at a midblock trail location or pedestrian crossover location.
Identification
Cyclists must stop and identify themselves when required to stop by police for breaking traffic laws. The police officer will ask you for your correct name and street address.
Expressways
Bicycles are prohibited on highways such as the QEW and the 400 series highways, and on roads where “No Bicycle” signs are posted.
Passengers
Passengers are not allowed on a bicycle designated for one person.
Respect the environment
When using our trails please respect the environment and stay on the marked path. Creating your own paths and building bike ramps in our woodlots/greenspace is harmful to the ecosystem and dangerous for other trail users.
Respect other trail users
- Yield to pedestrians - pedestrians always have right of way
- Travel in single file
- Keep to the right, except when passing
- When passing other trail users:
- Use a bell, horn or your voice to indicate your intention to pass other trail users
- Pass on the left only when the trail is clear
- Leave about two bike lengths before moving back to the right
- Slow down when approaching a bend
- If you need to stop, pull off the trail and leave the trail clear for other users
- Be on the look-out for safety hazards including washouts, low hanging branches and down trees