Bike Safety

CAA Saskatchewan wants to help ensure the safety of all road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. #ShareTheRoad safely.

Cyclists:

  • Plan your ride and avoid dangerous routes.
  • Choose the best bicycle for you, consider size, frame, and seat height, as well as the type of roads or trails you ride on.
  • Make sure you have a properly fitting helmet. Follow the 2V1 rule. Your helmet should fit two fingers above your eyebrows, the straps should form a V under your ears, and one finger should fit between the strap and your chin.
  • Wear a helmet, every time you ride your bike. Wearing a bike helmet increases your chances of surviving a fall or collision and helps prevent brain injury.
  • Wear appropriate footwear like runners or specific cycling shoes and keep both feet on pedals.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, stay alert, and avoid distractions. Never ride your bicycle while wearing headphones.
  • Keep both hands on the handlebars, except when making hand signals.
  • Never carry more people than the bike was designed for and ride in a single file.
  • It’s important to be seen, be heard, and be ready.
  • Bicycles are considered – by law – a vehicle on the road and cyclists must obey the same rules when travelling on the road.
  • If you dismount and walk alongside your bike, you are considered a pedestrian and have the same rights as a pedestrian. 
  • Some Saskatchewan communities only allow sidewalk riding by children on bikes with wheels less than 50 cm in diameter. 
  • It is recommended you walk your bicycle on pedestrian crosswalks and overpasses.
  • Teach your kids the rules of the road and always ride on the right in the same direction as traffic. 
  • Download the CAA Bike Safety Road Test for safe cycling tips and advice for families.
  • Download the CAA Family Safety Booklet containing fun activities and information about pedestrian, bike, and school zone safety, as well as the CAA School Safety Patrol® Program. Complimentary copies of the booklet are available at all CAA Stores.
  • You can use your CAA membership if you get stranded with a flat tire or a broken chain on your bicycle. CAA Roadside Assistance will transport you and your bike to your required destination through our Bike Assist service.

Motorists:

  • Leave at least one metre of space between you and cyclists.
  • Use your turn signals to indicate your intentions and always obey traffic signals and signs.
  • Shoulder check, check your mirrors and blind spots before turning, changing lanes, passing, or merging.
  • When parked on the street, don’t open your door into traffic. Instead, do the Dutch Reach and check your blind spot first.
     

Learn More

Bike Maintenance and Care

Before you ride your bike, make sure it functions properly. Remembering your ABC’s will get you out on the road safely and confidently.

  • A is for Air: Check your tires to ensure they are properly inflated with air and that they are not worn, cracked, or gouged.
  • B is for Brakes, Bar & Bell: Squeeze the brake levers of your handlebar brakes to make sure they are working. Check the brake pads for wear and tear. Set your handlebar to the correct height. You should be able to ride comfortably without strain on your back, shoulders, or wrists. Test your bell so you will be able to signal others easily.
  • C is for Chain & Crank: Ensure the chain is well oiled and secure so that it does not slip from the gears. Test the crank of your bike by running it through its gears. Ensure you can shift gears easily and cleanly. If any of these things are not correctly working, visit your local bicycle shop to have repairs made.