New to biking and need advice

[razzi]

Hi
I have finally sold my car, am moving downtown and have decided to purchase a bike (this week). This will be my first time on a bike since I was a child, and I'm not too young. Can someone please give me the rules of biking in the city? Must I stop at a red light with the traffic, or can I just slow down and then cross the street if no cars are coming? Since it's not really a car I'm driving it shouldn't matter, right? Can I ride on the sidewalk if there aren't too many pedestrians? Is it the law to wear a helmet? If you can answer these questions and anything else I should know I would appreciate it. Thanks so much.

[Dennis]

Hi,

The easiest method of knowing what to do is to apply the (good) driving habits you have as everything you've asked about is referenced in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, the law which regulates use of the public roadways. All signals, signs and other traffic indicators apply to you while riding a bicycle. Except with regard to helmets. I believe in Ontario there is a helmet law which is applied only to riders below the age of 17-18. So it is your choice. If you have not been cycling regularly without one there isn't a reason you should now, so give it strong consideration.

Sidewalk riding is illegal except for cyclists utilizing bikes with a wheel diameter of 20" or less. This is to allow small children to ride on the sidewalk, hopefully with adult supervision. Sidewalk riding is inherently dangerous to the rider and pedestrians, but law enforcement and many pedestrians will overlook occasional sidewalk riding (especially to get to a bike rack or similar reason) if the rider moves at a pedestrian pace at all times and yields to all pedestrians.

Welcome to the club, soon you'll be fitter and more in touch with the neighbourhoods around you as you go about your daily business on a bicycle. I ride exclusively myself and take the subway or walk when I don't want to ride. In downtown it is all you need, and not having a car is not a burden at all, rather the distinct lack of a fiscal burden you won't need downtown. You'll have more than enough savings to take a taxi whenever you like and to rent a vehicle whenever you need to and still you'll reap the rewards.

There are a good many cycling functions and groups if you wanted to hook up with some. Try The Toronto Cyclists Union to start, every cyclist in Toronto can benefit by being a member.

Cheers & Welcome again.
Dennis

[Todd Tyrtle]

First off, congratulations on giving up the car and moving downtown. I gave up our car 5 years ago and started cycling about 2 years ago and those two decisions were some of the best I've made. Yes, cycling has introduced some new frustrations, challenges, and risks to my life but the benefits to my health, mobility, and overall demeanor (my wife says she can really notice my mood change after a ride - I can as well) have made it all worth it.

Probably too late now but if not, the Community Bicycle Network is doing an "Urban Cycling Skills" workshop tonight. Info is here. I'd be going myself but I found out a little too late. The good news is that in my experience they don't just teach one of a class and never do it again. I hope to be able to take it in the near future.

Another thing I'd recommend (and that I'm also hoping to get a chance to take myself) are the CAN-Bike courses. They sound like classes that are well worth the money.

[razzi]

Dennis & Todd Tyrtle,

Thanks so much for the advice. I'm going to check out the Toronto Cyclist Union and will definitely be taking the CAN bike courses. I do feel a bit scared riding my bike downtown, but I'm sure I'll get over it soon especially once I've taken the bike course.

Thanks again,
Razzi