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By Derek Craddock

SHARE THE ROAD

SGI asks you to be cautious as more cyclists hit the road

Apr 11, 2022 | 4:00 PM

As the snow slowly disappears on roads in northern Saskatchewan, more cyclists will be out and about which can pose a risk to drivers and those on the bikes.

In 2020, SGI reported 92 collisions involving motor vehicles and cyclists. The majority involved injuries to the rider, with one reported fatality.

Tyler McMurchy with SGI said as temperatures warm up, more cyclists are expected to be on the roads and sidewalks, adding riders, like pedestrians, are at higher risk of injury in a collision than those in the vehicle.

“We want to make sure that people know what they need to do to be safe. It comes down to drivers sharing the road with cyclists so we want them to keep an eye out and be alert. That means scanning the street in front of you and checking your mirrors often to avoid being surprised by a cyclist in your path.”

McMurchy added if you’re driving at night, cyclists might also be on the road. Those on their bikes also need to be wearing reflective clothing and lights if they’re travelling in the dark. He said passing a cyclist can be tricky, especially during times of heavy traffic.

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“Some of those cyclists will move into the turning lane to allow motorists to go by but if the lane is unavailable, that motorist needs to wait until it is safe to pass and you want to keep a safe distance from cyclists when you’re waiting to pass them, not following too closely because they can stop a lot quicker than somebody in a vehicle.”

Cyclists, like drivers, also need to respect the rules of the road and use arm signals when turning or changing lanes.

McMurchy also advises cyclists to wear protective gear like helmets as well as lights and reflectors. He added blind spots are a necessary thing to keep in mind for anyone on the road.

“So, making sure that you’re either riding well ahead or well behind vehicles and making sure that you’re seeing and riding with caution although you may see an approaching vehicle, that other driver may not see you.”

“If you’re heading out on your bike, even if you’re doing everything right you need to keep an eye out for people, for drivers who may not do what they’re supposed to,” McMurchy added. “We always encourage drivers to share the road and be respectful of the cyclist’s right to be there as well but we really want to make sure that everybody gets where they’re going safely.”

SGI has resources and advice for motorists and cyclists on its website.

Meanwhile, police forces across the province are asking cyclists to be proactive in preventing bike thefts in the coming months.

Prince Albert police said that bike theft is one of the most common types of property crimes in the city.

They recommend cyclists keep records and photos of their bikes, including the serial number. They’re also encouraged to properly secure their bike and file a report with police if it is stolen.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow