Bicycle Safety in Ontario: Staying Safe on Two Wheels

July 31, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Cycling continues to grow in popularity across Ontario, both for commuting and recreation. With more bicycles sharing the roads, ensuring cyclist safety is more important than ever. Sadly, bicycle accidents are all too common, and cyclists are among the most at-risk road users.

At Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law, we help injured cyclists and their families every year. Bicycle accidents often result from driver inattention, failure to yield, or dooring incidents ~ when a parked car’s door opens into a cyclist’s path.

To protect yourself, always wear an approved helmet, even for short rides. Ontario law requires helmets for cyclists under 18, but all riders should wear one. Bright clothing, reflective gear, and front and rear lights make you more visible to motorists.

Obey all traffic signs and signals, and ride predictably. Signal turns and lane changes clearly. Where possible, use designated bike lanes or multi-use trails to separate yourself from traffic.

Motorists must also do their part. Under Ontario’s “one metre rule,” drivers must leave at least one metre of space when passing a cyclist. Unfortunately, not all drivers respect this, making defensive cycling skills essential.

If you’re injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation through your own auto insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance. Learn more about your rights and how our Personal Injury Lawyers can help.

Contact us if you or a loved one has been hurt while cycling. We will guide you through your claim and work to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and more.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.