As summer break starts, the Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding everyone about the importance of safe cycling. You can expect to see the Manitoulin OPP watching for helmet use, proper lighting, and overall safe riding practices in our communities.
It is the law under the Highway Traffic Act, all persons under the age of 18 shall wear an approved bicycle helmet. Even though cyclists over the age of 18 are not required by law to wear a helmet, the OPP encourages cyclists of all ages to always wear a helmet. The use of an approved bicycle helmet greatly reduces the risk of permanent injury or death in the event of a fall or a collision.
Parents and guardians should be reminded that they may be subject to a fine if their child under the age of 16 is operating a bicycle without a helmet.
It is also the law that bicycles have proper lighting and reflectors when being operated between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise. This allows all cyclists to be more visible to traffic in low-light conditions.
Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates and the Manitoulin Injury Prevention Coalition have teamed up for a bicycle safety initiative. The two organizations have generously donated bicycle lights and helmets which the OPP will be giving to children and teens that are “caught” riding their bikes in a safe manner.
“Bicycle safety is an important priority for this summer,” comments Staff Sergeant Webb, Commander of the Manitoulin OPP Detachment. “We want every cyclist to be able to ride their bikes safely and visibly.”
