Cycling is one of the fastest ways to get around Vernon. It's also one of the cheapest, healthiest environmentally friendly modes of transportation available.
The City of Vernon is committed to making cycling easier for residents and visitors by providing an extensive network of cycling routes around the city and by promoting safe and healthy travel.
Cycling and Safety
There are five basic principles of safe cycling, according to BikeSense, the British Columbia Bicycle Operator’s Manual:
- Maintain your bicycle in good working order.
- Be as visible as possible to others.
- Learn the skills needed to control your bike.
- Cycle in traffic safely and predictably.
- Know and obey the rules of the road.
In addition to these principles, there are a number of specific tips for safe cycling:
- Always be visible to drivers by wearing bright reflective and coloured clothing (red, orange, yellow, fluorescent colours), particularly at night. In the summer, wear a light breathable vest. In the cooler months, use a reflective jacket.
- Make sure you have a bright white light on front of your bike (or use a head lamp) and use red flashing lights at the rear of your bike (attached to your helmet, bike post and/or rear panniers)
- Always cycle on the right side of the road in cycle lanes when possible or cycle on multi-use paths
- Yield to pedestrians, as they have the right of way at intersections and on multi-use paths. Use a bike bell to alert pedestrians when you are approaching them. Ring once at a distance from them, and again as you pass.
- Wear an approved bicycle helmet that fits properly, is in good condition and approved. Hockey helmets and other types of sports helmets are not designed to protect against cycling injuries.
For additional resources please visit:
Bike Sense Manual
BikeSense has been written and reviewed by professional cycling skills instructors, cycling advocacy organizations, bicycle trained police officers and provincial authorities responsible for making and interpreting our traffic laws.
Pathways and Safety
Tips on how to ride your bicycle safely on pathways shared by pedestrians, rollerbladers and other users. (Courtesy of City of Kelowna Smart Trips)
How to Not Get Hit by Cars
Information on the different causes of cyclist/motorist collisions and how to avoid them.
Kids and Bicycle Safety
Bicycle riding is fun, healthy, and a great way for kids to feel independent. This guide provides safe riding tips for kids and summarizes the rules of the road.
Cycling Safely in a Roundabout (Courtesy of Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition)
Roundabouts are becoming more and more common in Vernon. This guide illustrates how to safety cycle through a roundabout.
HUB: Your Cycling Connection
HUB is a non-profit society that works to address cycling issues in the Metro Vancouver area. Their website is a useful resource that provides links to even more information about cycling.
Why the Focus on cycling?
During community consultation for various projects in recent years, Vernon residents have consistently expressed a desire to ride bicycles more, but have SAFETY CONCERNS. The City of Vernon has responded by making cycling a high priority in all of its transportation plans.
Benefits of cycling:
- No greenhouse gas emissions
- No sticker shock at the pump
- More efficient use of road space
- Higher levels of fitness and lower levels of stress
- Safer streets
