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Road Warriors Beware

Cyclists may not get much respect from motorists, but bikes are considered vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act and are required to follow strict rules. You road warriors may want to think twice before jumping a red light. Here’s a guideline – and what it’ll cost you if you get pinched by the cops.

Highway Traffic Act violations that apply to cyclists 

Improper lighting $35. It’s more about motorists seeing you than your being able to see the road.

No bell or horn/improper brakes $110. Easy pickin’s for cops out on their yearly springtime bicycle blitz . 

Riding without a helmet (under the age of 18) $80. It’s probably a good idea to wear a helmet all the time, but not everyone agrees.

Riding in a crosswalk or intersection $110. Those signs telling you to walk your ride across the street are no joke.

Failure to signal $110. Who knew?

Failure to yield to a streetcar unloading passengers $110. Cyclists have enough enemies in motorists. Don’t make more among transit riders.

Carrying a passenger on a bike meant for one person $110. No double-riding the kids.

Riding the wrong way on a one-way street $110. It may be a good idea to ride against the flow of traffic on country roads, but not on narrow one-way streets in the city.

Failure to identify yourself when stopped by police $110. Think it’s okay to play dumb with cops about carrying I.D.? Think again.

Highway Traffic Act violations that apply to both motorists and cyclists

Disobeying a stop sign $110. No Idaho rules here allowing riders to treat stop signs like yield signs.

Failure to signal you are stopping $110. Little-known rule. 

Failure to stop at a yellow light $180. Failure to stop at a red $325. Yikes! 

Failure to remain at the scene No set fine. But this could net you a criminal charge depending on the circumstances.

Bike-lane blaming

Parking a motor vehicle in a bicycle lane or cycle track $150. This fine was raised from $60 in 2012, but enforcement of cyclists’ biggest pet peeve remains hit and miss.

news@nowtoronto.com | @nowtoronto

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