Stay safe on the roads this summer

The thought of someone being knocked off their bicycle, even if not seriously injured, makes everyone wince and feel terrible for everyone involved.

Cyclists are particularly vulnerable and that makes obeying city, town and municipal bylaws so important for drivers and cyclists.

This past week in the city of Medicine Hat, Medicine Hat police responded to the scene where a cyclist had collided with a motor vehicle at a pedestrian crossing. Another incident last month saw a man who was riding his bicycle on a pedestrian crossing, being hit by a vehicle. Thankfully in both of these cases, the injuries were minor but things could have easily turned for the worst in either case.

The common denominator was that people were riding a bicycle in a pedestrian crossing. This is in no way means to address how the collisions took place and whether people should have been charged or not. It is a good opportunity though to be reminded that cycling in a pedestrian crossing is not allowed.

If you choose to use a pedestrian crossing you must be a pedestrian and if you have a bicycle with you, you must get off the bicycle and push it while you walk across. If you want to keep riding your bicycle you are considered a vehicle and you must ride on the road with other traffic and obey all traffic regulations.
This is a timely reminder to us all.

During the COVID lock down many people, in some cases whole families, purchased bicycles and have been making use of this great form of physical exercise and a way to get outside during the nice weather. Please stay safe while cycling and follow the rules of the road and at pedestrian crossings get off that bicycle and walk.