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NEWS RELEASE ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE *************************** The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind the public about the responsibilities of those who ride E-Bikes/Scooters and bicycles in our communities.

Our roads are for the enjoyment and transportation of everyone, using a wide variety of approved powered and self-propelled vehicles. Under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), a bicycle is a vehicle and cyclists are expected to follow the rules of the road. Motorists also have responsibilities in sharing the roadways.

The following outlines the rules and regulation about e-bike usage.

In order to operate an e-bike:

Similar to bicycles and mopeds, power-assisted bicycles are prohibited from use on certain provincially controlled highways.

Any municipal by-law prohibiting bicycles from highways under their jurisdiction also apply to e-bikes.

Municipalities may also pass by-laws specific to e-bikes that prohibit them from municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths, bike trails, and bike lanes under their jurisdiction.

To operate an e-bike on Ontario roads, an e-bike must meet the following equipment requirements:

Huronia West OPP would like to remind all e-bike operators that they are responsible for following the rules of the road and educating themselves on the Ministry of Transportation regulations related to their vehicles.

The following outlines some rules and safety tips for cyclists on bicycles.

Wearing a helmet can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death if you fall or collide with a car, pedestrian or other cyclists. A bicycle helmet is strongly recommended but not legally required if you are 18 or over.

The best helmet is one that: fits properly, is worn correctly, has been manufactured to meet strict safety standards. By law, cyclists under the age of 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet. For children age 16 and under, a parent or guardian must make sure they wear a helmet. Children are required to wear an approved bicycle helmet when riding in a child carrier or a bicycle trailer.

Other equipment required by law: bell or horn, lights and reflectors, a white light mounted on front of your bike, a red light or reflector on the back at night, reflective tape: white reflective tape on the front forks & red reflective tape on the rear forks.

When passing a cyclist, drivers must maintain a minimum distance of one metre between their vehicle and the cyclist, where it is practical to do so. Cyclists are not required to leave a one metre space, however they must still obey all the rules of the road. If you are being overtaken by a driver when riding, turn out to the right to allow the vehicle to pass.

To review Ontario's cycling laws, visit: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/bicycle-safety.shtml

The OPP expects cyclists and motor vehicle drivers to operate and share the road safely, respecting all laws, specifically the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). Those who don't can be charged with moving violations under the HTA. The OPP urges everyone to respect all road users and make safety their top priority.