With bike lanes freshly completed across the city and more people hopping on two wheels for summer, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is reminding both drivers and cyclists to prioritize safety on the roads.
Tara Seel, Media and Public Relations Lead for MPI, says the growing number of serious incidents involving bikes shows why consistent education and respect on the road are critical.
“We want everyone who uses the road to be safe, and we recognize that cyclists are very vulnerable road users because they don't have the structural protection of a vehicle,” Seel says.
Tips for cyclists
Seel notes that safety for cyclists starts with wearing a helmet, obeying all traffic signs, and treating the road as any vehicle would. Hand signals, eye contact with drivers, and predictable riding patterns help improve visibility and reduce risk.
“If you're on the roadway, you are considered a vehicle, so you want to make sure that you are obeying the traffic control signs,” she adds.
MPI also advises cyclists to avoid weaving between cars, especially when navigating around road hazards. Riding in a straight line helps reduce the chance of entering a driver’s blind spot.
“Be aware that there are blind spots. When you're weaving in and out of traffic on a bicycle, you are hitting blind spots, and a motorist legitimately might not see you," she notes.
She also cautions against carrying heavy or awkward loads on handlebars, recommending backpacks instead to maintain proper balance and control.
"It's also a great idea to make eye contact with the driver. If you're making eye contact with the driver, you know the driver sees you and will be paying attention to the movements that you're making."
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What drivers need to know
Motorists have a responsibility to share the road safely with all types of vehicles. Drivers should give cyclists plenty of room when passing and adjust their speed accordingly.
“Change lanes if possible to give the cyclist as much room as you can. If it's not possible to change lanes, you want to make sure that you're passing at a safe distance, more than 1 metre,” she says.
Drivers are also reminded to be patient, avoid using their horn near cyclists, and watch for hand signals or sudden swerves if a rider needs to avoid debris near the curb.
“You'll have to give them some more room on the road,” she continues. "Provide a safe distance between your vehicle and a cyclist, and increase that distance as your speed increases."
Collision data paints a stark picture
In 2024, MPI recorded 420 collisions involving cyclists in Manitoba. These incidents resulted in 236 injuries and three deaths.
"That's three Manitoban cyclists who didn't make it home, and all of these incidents are preventable. Our cycling months are fairly limited with the cold Manitoba weather. The fact that we're having that number of collisions, injuries, and fatalities in a shorter amount of time is quite startling, and there needs to be respect between both motorists and cyclists for the shared space that they're using," she explains.
Promoting safer roads
To address these issues, MPI offers education programs for all ages and experience levels. From school-based bike rodeos to community workshops for adults, the goal is to build safe habits and road awareness.
“We offer some that are targeted at children who are just learning how to ride their bikes and be out in public spaces,” she says.
For adults, training includes everything from basic road rules to becoming community cycling leaders. Those interested in building their skills or learning more about safe cycling practices can visit MPI's website.
A shared responsibility
Whether on two wheels or behind the wheel, safety comes down to mutual respect and shared responsibility on Manitoba’s roads.
“The road is a shared space, and safety in that shared space is everyone's responsibility. We want everyone to get home safely, and cyclists are especially vulnerable because if they get hit, they're far more likely to have a serious injury or fatality."
With more riders on the road this season, MPI hopes increased awareness will lead to fewer collisions and safer journeys for all.
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