Cycling Guides & Safety Resources
A number of safety-related agencies and cycling organizations have on-line resources that can help cyclists of all ages and abilities improve their safety skills.
The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition has a handbook for new cyclists that is available in five languages: English, simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Tagalog, and Korean. The handbooks outline rules of the road, safety tips, helmet and bicycle fitting, and list resources to find out more about safe and enjoyable cycling.
Bike Sense: The British Columbia Bicycle Operators Manual is a comprehensive guide to the rules of the road, bike handling, traffic skills and the enjoyment of cycling for life. Prepared by the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition, Bike Sense provides information on traffic laws and riding strategies to help cycl
ists understand their rights, responsibilities and how best to protect their own safety in traffic. The manual was written and reviewed by professional cycling skills instructors, cycling advocacy organizations, bicycle trained police officers and provincial authorities responsible for making and interpreting our traffic laws.
The Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) has a number of cycling publications and information sheets for both children and adults available on its website.
Bike Smarts: A Handbook helps teachers, youth leaders and cycling instructors improve the knowledge, skills and attitudes of children with respect to the safe handling of their first vehicle a bic
ycle. The handbook consists of six exciting sessions designed in an easy-to-follow format. Instructors with little or no background can assist children ages 7-13 to learn safe cycling skills that convert into lifetime habits. The sessions are also based on solid learning principles and curriculum learning outcomes.
Learn to Drive Smart is a guide prepared by ICBC that contains the basic information you need to know to drive safely. Session 12 of the manual, Sharing the Road (pdf), covers who drivers share the road with, such as cyclists and pedestrians, and how to share the road safely with them.
HASTE (Hub for Action on School Transportation Emissions) is a resource and networking hub for groups seeking to take action on school transportation emissions in BC by planning safe cycling and walking routes to school. Tools and programs include a cycling and walking route planning tool and supporting Bike to School week.
The Canada Safety Council is a national, non-government, charitable organization dedicated to safety and long range reduction in avoidable deaths and injuries through safety education. Its web site contains a number of pages related to bicycle safety.
Safe Kids Canada is the national injury prevention program of Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. The agency helps keep children safe by providing information on how to prevent injuries. See their safety tips for staying safe when enjoying wheeled activities.
