Let’s ride right, Mississauga! Brush up on safety, rules and etiquette when riding on two wheels

Are you planning to explore Mississauga’s 500 kilometres of multi-use trails, park pathways, bike lanes and marked cycling routes on your bike, e-bike or e-scooter? Before you set off, brush up on safety measures, road rules and proper etiquette so that you and those around you can enjoy the trail. Let’s ride smart, safe and with respect.

Riding safety, rules and etiquette

All riders are reminded to stay safe, follow all rules of the road and obey shared trail etiquette. E-bike and e-scooter users must be 16 years old or older to ride.

Wear a helmet: E-bike users must wear a helmet. Cyclists and e-scooter users must wear a helmet if under the age of 18. However, all riders are encouraged to wear a helmet for their safety.

Check your speed: Maximum permitted speed for e-scooters is 24 km/h, and for e-bikes it’s 32 km/h. Do not race others.

Obey all road rules, traffic signals and signs: Unless there is a crossride, dismount your device and walk across pedestrian crosswalks. Remember riding bikes and e-scooters aren’t allowed on the sidewalk.

Ride your bike, e-bike or e-scooter solo: Unless your device is built for two people, double riding is not permitted.

Stay visible to drivers: Make sure your bike, e-bike and e-scooter have a working bell or horn, lights at the front and back, and reflectors. You must have a light when riding at night.

Be courteous to others: Always keep to the right of the trail, particularly if you are travelling at a slower speed. If passing others, always pass on your left and use your bell or a signal before passing another rider or pedestrian. If stopping for a break, pull off to the side or off the trail completely. When approaching a sharp turn that obstructs your view on your bike, approach slowly, use your bell or give a verbal warning and proceed when clear to do so.

Ride sober: Just like operating any other vehicle, it is illegal to ride an e-bike or e-scooter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Ontario.

E-scooters and e-bikes not allowed on MiWay buses: As of July 1, e-bikes and e-scooters will no longer be allowed on MiWay buses or the bike rack. This change is due to safety concerns associated with the lithium-ion batteries that power these devices.

Know where you can ride

Whether you ride a bicycle, e-bike or an e-scooter, it’s important to know what type of roads and trails you can ride your device on.

Cycle tracks | Cyclists, e-bike users and e-scooter users

Cycle tracks are separate asphalt paths installed between the curb and the sidewalk. They are for one-way travel and help create a more comfortable environment for all road users.

Multi-use trails | Cyclists, e-bike users, e-scooter users and pedestrians

Multi-use trails are wide asphalt trails in place of a sidewalk that are separated from the road. They are typically next to major collector and arterial roads and are meant for the two-way travel.

Park trails | Cyclists, e-bike users, some trails for e-scooter users and pedestrians

Park trails can be paved or unpaved trails in parks and conservation areas and are meant for two-way travel. All park trails are available for cyclists, e-bike users and pedestrians, and some park trails allow e-scooter users. Make sure to check the park’s signage to make sure you can ride your e-scooter on the trails.

Bike lanes | Cyclists, e-bike users and e-scooter users

Bike lanes are located on the road and marked with signs and pavement markings. They are meant for one-way travel. You must travel in the same direction as vehicle traffic.

Roads without bike lanes | Cyclists, e-bike users and roads under 50km/h for e-scooter users

These are roads that don’t have designated bike lanes. Cyclists and e-bike users can ride on all roads. E-scooter users can only ride on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less.

Crossrides | Cyclists, e-bike users and e-scooter users

A crossride is a dedicated space at an intersection. Cyclists, e-bike users and e-scooter users can stay on their device and ride through the intersection.

Park shared e-bikes or e-scooters properly

If you’re renting a shared e-bike or e-scooter to ride to your destination, make sure to park the device properly and follow all rules and etiquette.

When parking your device, make sure to park at an approved parking station or location found on the service provider’s app. Use the kickstand so it remains upright and don’t block any pathways or bus stops. Parked devices should not obstruct sidewalks or be an obstacle for pedestrians or other road users.

Report a shared device

If you come across an improperly parked device, inappropriate riding behaviour or encounter any other issue, you can contact Bird Canada or Lime Technology Inc. using the contact information below:

Bird Canada (orange e-scooters, blue e-bikes):

• Phone: 1-866-205-2442
• Email: 311_mississauga@birdcanada.co
• Online form: https://help.bird.co/hc/en-us/requests/new

Lime Technology Inc (white and green e-scooters and e-bikes):

• Phone: 1-888-546-3345
• Email: help-mississauga@li.me
• Online form: https://help.li.me/hc/en-us/requests/new

Learn more about cycling in Mississauga.

Tags

• Active Transportation
• Cycling
• Public Safety