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This pamphlet contains general information about the law. For further information on this and other areas of law, contact a library, government agency or PLEA. PLEA is a non-profit, non-government agency that provides a variety of legal information services to the public.

If you need legal advice, contact a lawyer.

© 1.2-0303 Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan, Inc.

Saskatchewan laws create rules, called rules of the road, which help ensure road safety. When riding your bike you must obey the rules of the road so that riding can be safe and enjoyable for you and for others.

Some laws about bicycling may be different from one part of Saskatchewan to another. When the province of Saskatchewan makes laws about traffic on roads and highways, called Acts, they are the same all over the province. However, cities, towns and municipalities can also make their own laws about bikes. Laws made by cities, towns or municipalities are called bylaws. Different communities can have different bylaws.

You should check with your city hall, town hall, or municipal office to see what bicycle bylaws apply in your area. The police can also give you this information. Some cities, towns or municipalities may have rules like the following examples:

• operation
  For safe operation of your bike you should ride near the curb, and keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. Also, you must signal before turning corners and before stopping, and if riding on a bike path, you should observe the posted speed limit.
  
  
• equipment
  Your bicycle should be kept in good working order. You should check your brakes, seat, wheels and tires, and handgrips and handlebars regularly. Also, there should be a bell or horn, and front and rear lights and reflectors on your bike.
  
  
• biking etiquette
  Etiquette means rules of good behavior and they apply to everyone. You should be considerate of others who are using the roads, watch out for people who are walking, especially small children and older adults, and warn pedestrians of your presence by ringing your bell or honking your horn.
  

• do I need a licence to ride my bike?
  In some parts of Saskatchewan you may need to register your bike and get a licence for it. In other parts of the province a licence is not necessary. You should check with your local city or town hall or municipal office to find out if you need a licence in your area.
  
  
• do I have to be a certain age to ride a bike?
  You do not need to be a certain age to ride a bike, however, you must be old enough to learn, understand, and follow bike safety.
  
  
• can I ride my bike on the sidewalk?
  A bike is a vehicle, so you should ride it on the street. To find out if your municipality has a bylaw on this, you can contact the municipal office in your area. It is usually permissible for young children to ride on the sidewalk.
  
  
• can I give my friend a lift?
  No, not unless you are riding a bicycle built for two. Most bikes are meant for only one rider, so it is unsafe to give your friend a ride. Also, there may be a bylaw against it in your community.
  
  
• what about a child riding on a bike seat?
  Small children are permitted to ride on bicycles that have a child seat, but make sure that it is correctly mounted before setting off on your ride.

Every time you ride your bike you should be wearing a bike helmet. When buying a helmet here are a few things to look for:

• standards
  To ensure your safety you should buy a CSA, ANSI or Shell approved cycling helmet. There are three types of approved helmets: hard shell helmets have a thick covering over the foam liner that may prevent a sharp object from puncturing the helmet; thin shell helmets have a thin layer of plastic over the foam liner. It is lighter in weight than the hard shell helmet; soft shell helmets have no covering over the foam liner. Although lighter than the other types of helmets, it may not slide along rough pavement, increasing the possibility of neck injuries. Also, it does not prevent objects from penetrating.
  

Children need lighter helmets if they are five years or younger because their neck muscles are still developing.

• fit
  Many bike riders are injured when they fall from their bikes. A helmet can prevent injury, so it is important that the helmet you buy fits you properly. A helmet must be snug and comfortable. Fasten the chinstrap and use the adjustable foam pads to make it fit you well. The helmet must sit squarely on your head, and cover the top of your forehead.

Bikes are easily stolen. To help prevent the loss of your bike you should contact your local police or the RCMP. They will help you find the bike's serial number (if you cannot find it), or they will stamp your bike with its serial number. If your bike is ever stolen and later recovered, you can use the serial number to identify it.

However, most stolen bikes are never found. You may try to prevent bike theft by never leaving your bike unlocked and unattended. Securing your bike with a good quality locking device when you have to leave it unattended can inhibit theft.

If your bike is stolen, report it to the police or the RCMP right away. Be prepared to tell the police the colour of your bike, its make and model, its serial number and your licence if you live in an area where a licence is required.

For information about bike bylaws check with your city hall, town hall, municipal office, local police or RCMP.

For information about bike safety and safety helmets contact:

• saskatchewan cycling Association
  2205 Victoria Avenue
  Regina SK S4P 0S4
  Tel: (306) 780-9299 /(306) 780-9289
  Fax: (306) 525-4009
  E-mail: cycling@accesscomm.ca
  Website: www.saskcycling.ca
  
  
• saskatchewan brain injury association
  2310 Louise Avenue
  Saskatoon SK S7J 2C7
  Tel: (306) 373-1555
  Fax: (306) 373-5655
  
  
• saskatchewan prevention institute
  1319 Colony Street
  Saskatoon SK S7N 2Z1
  Tel: (306) 655-2512
  Fax: (306) 655-2511
  Website: www.preventioninstitute.sk.ca

• saskatchewan safety council
  445 Hoffer Drive
  Regina SK S4N 6E2
  Tel: (306) 757-3197
  Website: www.sasksafety.org