What are the rules for cyclists in Steinbach?

Steinbach RCMP would like to remind the public of the rules of the road for cyclists. The reminder comes as the result of a cyclist who has expressed concern over the way motorists in Steinbach often treat bicycles that are on the road. 

Community Constable Dennis Redikop says bicycles follow the same rules as motor vehicles.

"They are not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks," says Redikop. 

He notes when out on streets, cyclists should ride close to the curb and should always travel on the right side of the road, the same as motor vehicles. 

"Ride in single file and not side-by-side if you are going with a group," reminds Redikop. 

The incident that triggered this reminder happened along Old Tom Road. A cyclist was headed north and had indicated that she was attempting to turn left onto Park Road when an angry motorist from behind honked repeatedly at the cyclist, showing their displeasure.

Redikop reminds motorists of what the correct way is for cyclists wishing to make a left-hand turn. He notes that because the cyclist should be riding on the far right side of the road, they are required to make a shoulder check as they approach the intersection, to ensure that it is safe to now move into the middle of the lane. By using the proper hand signal, the cyclist, who is now riding in the middle of the lane, then makes a left turn once it is safe to do so. 

To motorists, Redikop reminds them that bicycles are allowed on the road. To cyclists, Redikop encourages them to be mindful and aware that cars and trucks are bigger than them. 

Meanwhile, City Councillor Jac Siemens says Steinbach started its Share the Road program at least a dozen years ago. He notes this was an initiative of City Council as more and more cyclists were starting to ride on city streets. 

Siemens says the Share the Road program has multiple phases to be implemented. But he says what has already happened is that they have sharrow symbols painted on some streets. These road lane markings show a stencil of a bicycle with two chevron markings above it, indicating the direction in which cyclists should ride. Siemens says they also have Share the Road signs to remind both motorists and cyclists. 

Concerning the incident that happened to the cyclist along Old Tom Road, similar to what Redikop says, Siemens confirms that cyclists follow the same rules as motor vehicles. However, he also points out that cyclists are at a disadvantage because they will not come out ahead in a battle with a car or truck. Siemens says even if the cyclist has the right to merge into the middle of a lane to make a left-hand turn, that rider should still only attempt that when it is safe to do so. 

"You have to think your way through that," he says. "You can't just enter into something because it's your right."

Siemens says the City of Steinbach has hired experts to do an active transportation study. He notes the goal is to improve active transportation within the smaller communities of Steinbach. For example, that could involve finding ways to connect The Meadows to downtown Steinbach using bike paths. 

"It will be interesting to see what comes out of that study so that we can have a long-term plan," says Siemens.

He notes that with this plan they will then know where to place regional pathways within a new development, to interconnect the community. 

With files from Corny Rempel and Carly Koop