The Ontario Highway Traffic Act defines the bicycle as a vehicle that belongs on the road. As a vehicle, the bicycle follows the same rules and enjoys the same privileges as a motor vehicle.

The Toronto Cycling Committee and Can Bike recommend a cyclist ride in a straight line, one metre from the curb or from parked cars; however, there are occasions when a cyclist must manoeuvre away from the curb avoiding opening car doors, drain grates, manhole covers, glass, etc. Cyclists can use any or all of their lane to ensure their safety.

Some tips for sharing the road with cyclists:

When passing a cyclist:

• Do not pass too closely.
• Remember a cyclist needs room to manoeuvre, always allow one metre between the cyclist and your vehicle.
• Remember your vehicle width. Trucks and equipment are often very wide, up to 2.3 metres and often fill a complete lane. Remember to move left when passing a cyclist, this may require you to cross the centre line to complete the pass.
• Remember your vehicle length. The HTA allows 75ft of vehicle combination length in Ontario. When passing a cyclist don't move back to the right too quickly. Use your mirrors and signals.
• Remember when pulling a trailer that the trailer may be wider than your vehicle. Slow down to reduce trailer bounce.
• Remember that the cyclist may not be aware of the width and length of your vehicle.

Opening your door:

• Check for bikes and traffic flow. The HTA requires vehicle doors to be opened safely. This applies to all the passenger doors as well as the driver's door.
• Instruct your passengers to check for bikes first.

Failure to comply with these tips may result in serious injury to the cyclist, a fine to the driver and two demerits to your driver's licence.

Noise:

• Remember that bikes are silent and many vehicles produce high noise levels. You may not hear a bike bell or shout over a diesel engine, tire noise or noisy cargo.

Turning:

• Remember your blind spots when turning. This is very important with trailers - as you start your turns you create blind spots to the side and rear.
• An experienced truck driver will use lane closure (crowd the curb) when approaching the turn to prevent small vehicles or bikes from entering the area between the vehicle and the curb.

Blind spots:

• Many vehicles have blind spots - generally the larger the vehicle the greater the blind spots.
• There are some very large blind spots to the side, front and rear, of all large trucks and equipment. Always be aware of what is around you.
• Use your mirrors to their best advantage. Keep them clean and properly adjusted.

Concentrate on driving, look out for cyclists and pedestrians, communicate with other road users, use your signals, make eye contact, and indicate your intentions while SHARING THE ROAD.