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E-bike Etiquette

It may be bike season all-year-round in some parts of the province, but spring and summer inevitably see an influx of additional two-wheeled traffic on roads and trails. And with more bikes around, there are more reasons to use safe and predictable cycling habits.

When a person cycling is predictable and courteous to other path and road users, they create a safe and enjoyable experience for themselves and those around them. And this applies especially to e-bikes, which are inherently faster, and potentially more hazardous when safety and etiquette are not top of mind.

When it comes to e-bikes, there are a few differences in riding etiquette when compared to riding a traditional bike. Be sure to follow these tips from HUB Cycling to keep yourself and others safe while cycling:

  1. Be mindful of your speed. As a rule of thumb, you should travel no faster than 15 km/h on a multi-use path or 32 km/h on the road. Travel slower when sharing a path with people walking, or those cycling at lower speeds, and keep in mind that electric-assist bicycles are inherently faster than traditional bikes and people walking. Under the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act, the maximum speed e-bikes are legally allowed to travel on level ground without pedaling is 32 km/h.
  2. Adjust your speed when passing. When passing a person cycling or walking, adjust your speed so that you’re riding only slightly faster than the person you’re trying to pass. Make your presence known using your bell or voice, and then pass on the left side whenever possible, giving adequate space when you do so.
  3. Communicate clearly. When others can see you, use hand signals to indicate your next move, whether you’re planning to turn, change lanes, or stop. Use these hand signals as part of the ‘signal sandwich’ sequence: shoulder check, signal, shoulder check, then move when it is safe to do so.

Remember, the more you communicate the more predictable you are to others – and that makes for safe and enjoyable bike rides!  

More cycling tips

Did you catch our last e-bike blog? Check it out here for an intro to e-biking. For more cycling tips, be sure to check out HUB Cycling’s website at bikehub.ca or subscribe to their newsletter to stay up to date on cycling-related news and events. You can also follow HUB Cycling on Facebook (@WeAreHUB), Twitter (@WeAreHUB), Instagram (@hubcycling), YouTube (/hubcycling) and LinkedIn (HUB Cycling).

If you’re looking to dive even deeper into cycling safety, register for HUB Cycling’s free StreetWise Cycling Online course that helps adult beginner riders gain the knowledge and skills needed to start their cycling journeys with confidence. Get access to information about essential and helpful gear, pre-ride ABC Quick Checks, route planning, rights and responsibilities as a person cycling, riding on the road and navigating intersections, and other helpful resources.

In case of the unexpected, BCAA can help

If you find yourself with a flat tire, broken chain, or worse, BCAA is only a click or call away. We'll send a BCAA Roadside Assistance Technician to help you get back on the road or to drop your bike at a nearby bike shop or your home. For motorized e-bike riders, make sure you have a Plus or Premier Membership, which includes coverage for e-bikes and motorcycles. Learn more at bcaa.com/plans.