Cyclists, motorists and all citizens can benefit from reducing distracted driving

Ontario Ministry of Transportation is proposing legislation to amend the Highway Traffic Act in a manner that would impact cyclist and motorist interaction in the province.

“The proposed legislation would respond to municipal requests, stakeholder input and recommendations from the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario to promote cycling as active transportation and improve cyclist safety by:

• Allowing cyclists to use the paved shoulders on unrestricted provincial highways to promote safer  opportunities to cycle
• Supporting cycling in urban areas by allowing municipalities to create contra-flow bicycle lanes to provide  more direct routes and connectivity for cyclists
• Increasing the fine range for convictions of dooring of cyclists from $60 – $500 to $300 – $1,000 and  raising the demerit points from two to three
• Requiring all drivers to maintain a distance of one metre when passing cyclists
• Increasing the maximum fine from $20 to a set fine amount that falls in the range of $60 – $500 for not using required bicycle lights and other reflectors/reflective material; and  permit the use of flashing red lights as a safety feature on bicycles”

“Ontario’s roads consistently rank among the safest in North America thanks to our tough laws and strong enforcement, along with the work of our many dedicated road safety partners. Our new legislation, if passed, would keep drivers, cyclists and pedestrians even safer as we get tougher with those who ignore the law.”

Glen R. Murray

Minister of Transportation, Minister of Infrastructure

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