Hamilton Police are launching a Share the Road campaign in partnership with the City of Hamilton and CAA South Central Ontario (SCO) to raise awareness about cyclist and pedestrian safety during Bike Month.

From May 31 to June 30, Hamilton Police will be patrolling, educating and enforcing in key areas across Hamilton.

“Be it walking, cycling, or driving a motor vehicle, we wish to ensure that Hamiltonians arrive at their destination safely, with a mutual respect for one another,” says Hamilton Police Superintendent Marty Schulenberg. “In Hamilton, we have a shared vision of zero fatalities or serious injuries on our roadways. This can only be done when all roads users know and follow the rules, while taking precautions to respect other users.”

“We continue to raise awareness on how drivers and cyclists can safely interact on our roads, including by doing the Dutch Reach to prevent dooring incidents and reminders on the rules of the road that apply to both cars and bikes. With more cyclists on our roads, Bike Month and road safety partnerships like this, are an important reminder that two wheels or four, we can all travel safely together,” says Michael Stewart, Community Relations Specialist, CAA SCO.

Hamilton Police continue to work closely with the City of Hamilton to make roadways safe for everyone.

Along with the support of Hamilton Police Services and other partner agencies, the City of Hamilton continues to work toward its Vision Zero goal: zero fatalities or serious injuries on roadways. The City recognizes that aiming for safer streets through improved education, enforcement, engineering, evaluation and engagement is not exclusive to protecting motorists– it’s about keeping streets safe and inclusive for all road users. During Bike Month, the City is reminding residents that whether you’re a motorist, pedestrian or cyclist, keeping streets safe is everyone’s responsibility, “says Edward Soldo, Director of Transportation Operations and Maintenance, City of Hamilton.

Hamilton Police will also be producing a number of videos throughout the month that focus on motorist, cycling and pedestrian safety.

Vehicle Driver Safety:

• When turning left or right, yield to both pedestrians and cyclists.
• Look behind and to the right before initiating the turn to the right.
• As of Jan.1st, 2016 all drivers shall wait until all pedestrians have cleared the entire crossover before proceeding. This even applies to school crossing where a crossing guard is present.
• Before opening your driver’s side door, ensure there are no bicycles travelling past your vehicle. This offence carries a $300 fine. Open the driver’s door with the hand furthest away. Normally your right hand for a driver’s door. This causes you to twist and look behind you.
• If travelling in the area of bicycle lanes, be cautious of two-way bicycle traffic before making any turns across them.
• Ensure when overtaking a bicycle, that you leave at least one metre distance between your vehicle and the bicycle. It is the law.
• Watch where you are going – Cyclists and pedestrians are more vulnerable on the roadways.
• Establish eye contact with pedestrians and cyclists when crossing their paths.
• Be predictable – give other road users plenty of time to observe your intentions by using your signal lights. 

Cycling Safety:

• All cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.
• Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
• All bicycle riders under the age of 18 are required to wear an approved bicycle helmet.
• Use headlights, tail lights, reflectors, and reflective clothing.
• Bicycles are vehicles. You must know traffic laws and proper hand signals.
• Shoulder check and signal all lane changes, turns, and stops.
• Stay off sidewalks and yield to pedestrians at crossings.
• As of January 1, 2017, new bicycle traffic signals are being used.
• Cyclists must obey bicycle traffic signals where they are installed.
• Watch for motorists opening driver side doors.
• If being overtaken by a vehicle, cyclists should turn out to the right to allow the vehicle to pass.
• Cyclists are exempt, and thus may use an intermittent red flashing light on the rear of their bicycle.
• Wear close fitting clothing to avoid getting caught in the bicycles moving parts.
• Headphones should never be worn.

Pedestrian Safety:

• Cross the road only at intersections or designated crosswalks.
• Cross only when the signal shows it is safe.
• If the crossing signal starts to flash, that means to stop and wait. Do Not Cross.
• During the flashing red hand, motor vehicles use this time to turn right if allowed.
• Wear bright reflective clothing in poor weather, and outside daylight hours.
• Do not walk and text – watch where you are going.
• Walk on sidewalks. If no sidewalks, travel facing traffic.
• When crossing a street, walk carefully and do not run.
• Establish eye contact with motorists when crossing.
• Watch for vehicles turning right on a red light.
• Use a crossing guard if one is available.
• Never expect a vehicle to stop for you.
• If in doubt - Do Not Cross.