It's that time of year when everybody who wants to get around fast, but doesn't want to walk, gets on their trusty bicycle instead.

Sharing some tips for bicycle safety is CAA Saskatchewan's Christine Niemczyk.

“You always, always want to wear a helmet,” she said. “It's for your own protection and your safety.”



“You want to be seen, be heard and be ready, but read up on some bike safety tips on the CAA web site, read up on the hand signals, and it's the same thing as when we're motorists, use our signals in the car to communicate, and it's the same thing with a cyclist, communicate your intentions to other road users.”

“Remember to yield to pedestrians, stop for stop signs and travel with the flow of traffic,” said Niemczyk.

For cyclists of all ages, including adults, children, and even drivers, when you're riding a bike on the street, you're considered by law a vehicle on the road.

“If you are riding a bicycle, you are considered by law a vehicle on the road. If you're the cyclist on the bike, you would have to observe the same laws as a motorist,” she explained.

“If you dismount and walk alongside your bike, you are considered a pedestrian and have the same rights as a pedestrian. When you're riding your bike on our streets and roads, we want you to always follow the rules of the road. Same thing as when you're behind the wheel of a vehicle. Plan your ride as a cyclist, avoid dangerous routes.”

Niemczyk also noted that when purchasing a bicycle, choose the best bike for you, taking into consideration size, frame and seat height, as well as the type of trails or roads for which you need it.

Find out more at caask.ca/bikesafety.