Bicycling for transportation, recreation and fitness has seen enormous growth in recent years. People everywhere are rediscovering the joys of cycling; how much fun it is, how practical it is, and how good it is for their health and well-being. However, with the increase in cycling there has also been an increase in conflicts with other road users. Many of these conflicts stem from confusion about how cyclists are to behave in traffic.

British Columbia's Motor Vehicle Act says that cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of vehicles. Licensed cycling instructors teach their students that 'cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as vehicles'.

To do this, cyclists must know and obey the rules of the road. Bike Sense provides information on traffic laws and riding strategies to help cyclists understand their rights, responsibilities and how best to protect their own safety in traffic.

By following the rules of the road and cycling in a predictable manner, cyclists will find more courtesy and respect on the road. For further information on the rules of the road you should consult Road Sense for Drivers - BC's Safe Driving Guide and the BC Motor Vehicle Act.

All cyclists should consider taking a course taught by a licensed cycling instructor such as CANBIKE I and II, in order to improve skills, knowledge and confidence on the road. For more detailed information on cycling, traffic skills, and the mechanics of your bike we suggest John Forester's Effective Cycling.

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Since this site uses style sheets, these pages are best viewed with Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape 4.0 or better. Site by Lindsay Hill, Tom Sutton and Joan McIntosh of the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition. E-Mail: webmaster. All material on this site is © 2003 Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition and may not be reproduced for commercial purposes without permission.