Bicycles are a cost-effective way to get around the city during the warmer months; however, many people are unaware of where they belong on the roadway. Constable Preston Roy with the Weyburn Police Service explains all bicycles are under the Traffic Safety Act.
“If a bicycle goes through a stop sign, there is potential that they could be hit by a vehicle, or else they could strike someone crossing the intersection. That's why we want them to follow the Traffic Safety Act, and subsequently, they could be charged under the Traffic Safety Act for failing to comply with the rules.”
While bicycles must abide by the same rules as vehicles on the road, vehicles must also treat bicycles like any other vehicle on the road. Constable Roy says they are seeing injury rates go up because of cyclists unaware of their role on the road.
“People just assume they're on a bike, that they don't have to follow those rules, but those rules are there for public safety and the safety of the people operating both the vehicle and the bike.”
He also emphasizes the importance of wearing a helmet, saying many people are unaware of the severity of injuries that can occur when proper safety gear is not worn, and the rate of speeds smaller conveyances like a bicycle can achieve.