News Releases

Ready, Set - Cycling Safety Blitz

This page was reviewed or revised on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 3:29 PM

Sarnia, ON – Bluewater Trails and its cycling partners are holding several bicycle safety activities in May and June to educate cyclists and drivers on the rules of the road.

From May 19-25, Sarnia Police Services will be ensuring cyclists understand the rules of the road, including the hazards of cycling on sidewalks and crosswalks through a vigorous enforcement campaign. Crosswalks and sidewalks are for pedestrians. Not only is cycling on sidewalks dangerous, it is illegal for bicycles with tires larger than 20 inches.

According to Sarnia Police data, 61% of bicycle-vehicle collisions over the past two years are caused when cyclists enter the roadway from a sidewalk. Kelley Elliott, Health Promoter with the County of Lambton's Community Health Services Department, says "Residents must understand that cyclists entering a road from a sidewalk can be struck by a turning vehicle and that every driveway is an intersection."

The following is a list of safety rodeos and workshops in Lambton.

Bike Safety Rodeos for Children

Saturday, June 1
9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
St. Michael School, Bright's Grove
Sponsored by Bright's Grove Optimists

Saturday, June 1
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Shores Arena, Forest
Sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Forest

Saturday, June 8
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Kid Funfest, Centennial Park, Sarnia
Sponsor: Chad Dreise State Farm Insurance

Saturday, June 15
9:30 a.m.
Corunna Legion, Corunna
Sponsored by Corunna Policing

Adult Bike Safety Workshops
Residents who do not cycle because of safety concerns are encouraged to attend a bike safety workshop on June 22 or 23. Bike safety workshops teach drivers and cyclists the 'rules of the road', the benefits of cycling on less busy side streets and how to be confident and competent cycling on roads.

Saturday, June 22
Attend one of two sessions: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School, 1257 Michigan Ave, Sarnia
Sponsored by CanBike; Cost $10.

Sunday, June 23
Attend one of two sessions: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School, 1257 Michigan Ave., Sarnia
Sponsored by CanBike; Cost $10.

Women's Bike Maintenance Workshop & Ride
Revolution Bike Shop, The Bicycle Shop and CanBike, in partnership with Lambton County Libraries, are offering free bike maintenance workshop to teach women bike maintenance skills and to help them feel safer cycling. Elliott says "When women feel safe and confident cycling, they will encourage their family and friends to get out and cycle."

Bike maintenance skills workshop will be followed by a women's bike ride.

How to Change a Bike Tire
Tuesday, May 21
6:30 p.m.
Meet at Point Edward Library.
Sponsored by The Bicycle Shop

Monday, May 27
7 p.m.
Meet at the Bright's Grove Library
Sponsored by Revolution Bike Shop

How to Repair Bicycle Brakes
Tuesday, June 4
6:30 p.m.
Meet at the Point Edward Library
Sponsored by The Bicycle Shop

Monday, June 17
7 p.m.
Meet at the Bright's Grove Library
Sponsored by CanBike

Workplace Cycling Safety Workshops

Workplaces are encouraged to educate their drivers on the rules of the road and sharing the road with cyclists. To view free cycling safety videos and resources, or to arrange a free Lunch 'N Learn on cycling safety, contact www.bikefriendlylambton.com.

For more information on any event visit www.bluewatertrails.com or www.bikefriendlylambton.com. Call 519-344-2062 ext. 2111 or toll free 1-800-387-2882 to register for a Bike safety workshop on June 22 or 23.

For more information about Lambton County, visit www.lambtononline.ca.

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Contact:

Kelley Elliott
Health Promoter
County of Lambton
Telephone: 519-344-2062 ext. 2346
email: kelley.elliott@county-lambton.on.ca