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How to practise good cycling etiquette

It may be bike season all-year-round in BC, but spring and summer means even more two-wheeled traffic on roads and trails. And with more bikes around, there are more reasons to use safe cycling habits.

When you are courteous to other path and road users while cycling, you create a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself and everyone around you. This applies especially to e-bikes, which can be hazardous when safety and etiquette are not top of mind.

  1. Watch your speed. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn't travel faster than 15 km/h on a multi-use path or 32 km/h on the road. Go slower when you're sharing a path with people walking or people 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 pedalling is 32 km/h.
  2. Adjust your speed when passing. When you pass someone cycling or walking, adjust your speed so that you’re riding only slightly faster than the person you’re trying to pass. Let them know you're coming by using your bell or voice. Pass on the left side whenever possible and give adequate space when you do so.
  3. Communicate clearly. When other people can see you, use hand signals to indicate your next move, whether you’re planning to turn, change lanes or stop. When looking to signal, use this sequence: shoulder check, signal, shoulder check, then move when it is safe to do so.

Remember, the more you communicate the more people can predict your movements – and that makes for safer and more enjoyable bike rides!  

Even more cycling tips

Learn more about riding electric with our intro to e-biking blog here. If you’re ready to try e-biking, discover Evolve E-Bike Share, powered by BCAA, where you can ride as long as you like, then return your e-bike to any Evolve Parking Zone.

Want to dive deeper into cycling safety? Our partners at HUB Cycling offer 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.

 Follow HUB Cycling on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube or LinkedIn, and check out the video below for more on good e-bike etiquette.

In case of the unexpected, BCAA can help

If you find yourself with a flat tire, broken chain or worse, BCAA is only a tap, 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 e-bike riders, make sure you have a Plus or Premier Membership, which includes coverage for e-bikes. Learn more at bcaa.com/plans.

Not a BCAA Member yet? Join today