The mild weather has many Airdronians dusting the cobwebs off of their bicycles for the year.

Airdrie bylaw officers are reminding cyclists to be safe.

“For the 6 or 8 months it’s been in the garage it’s really a good idea to get your bike in and get it serviced so it’s operating correctly,” said Officer Maury Karch, coordinator for Airdrie Municipal Enforcement. “Also check your helmet, a lot of people don’t know they have expiry dates on them.”

With many people working from home and the kids out of school because of the coronavirus, there are more people than usual hitting the sidewalks, pathways and roads in the city both on foot and on wheels.

Karch said those on bicycles need to make sure they are yielding to pedestrians.

“There’s a lot more people walking, there’s a lot more people riding their bikes. Cyclists are required to have a bell on their bike. It’s just a nice courtesy to ring your bell, pass on the left side so you don’t startle people who are walking,” he said

Anyone cycling on the road is considered a vehicle and Karch said they should be following the rules of the road which means obeying traffic signs and signals like any other vehicle.

People under 18 are required by law to wear a helmet while riding a bike. Karch adds that while adults have the option to wear one or not, they probably should.

“The law says you only have to wear a helmet if you’re under 18 years of age,” he explained. “But, I just encourage everyone to wear a helmet, because it doesn’t take much to go flying off your bike and whack your head and then you’re in some serious trouble.”

With a lot more foot and bike traffic around the City, Karch is reminding everyone to be safe and during the COVID-19 crisis, to maintain proper distancing.

 

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