Safety for cyclists at intersections
Not only is cycling a great way to stay fit and healthy, but it is also good for the environment, especially if you commute by bike. Navigating the streets of Ottawa comes with its own set of challenges, from puddles and debris to other road users.
As a driver, it's crucial to exercise additional caution — always check your blind spots and remember to share the road. Cyclists—never stop beside a truck at an intersection — stay behind where they can see you.
We all have a role in keeping our roads safe by sharing the road:
Between 2019 and 2023, 62 collisions resulted in cyclists killed or seriously injured.
Drivers must always remember to check side mirrors for cyclists before changing lanes and before opening your door when parked on the street. When passing a cyclist, the Highway Traffic Act requires that you leave a safe distance between your car and the bicycle. Extra passing distance should be given when slippery road conditions exist.
Cyclists, beware when beside a heavy truck at an intersection, you may be in a blind spot where the driver cannot see you through their mirrors. If the driver makes a right turn, the truck may turn right into you. Always stay behind heavy vehicles. Learn more by watching this blind spot video above.
As a cyclist, it is important to be bright at night! Use a headlight, taillight, reflectors and light-coloured or retro-reflective clothing so motorists can see you.
The Highway Traffic Act requires cyclists to have lighting and reflectors on their bikes, which are especially useful in the half hour before and after sunrise. This includes a white light at the front of the bike, a red rear light or red rear reflector and two strips of white reflective tape on front forks.
The City continues several actions to improve cyclists safety including improved signage and pavement marking as well as protected intersections↗ for cyclists. To learn more, visit the City’s webpage on cycling↗.
The Province of Ontario↗ also has extensive information on how to keep yourself safe while cycling.
Have you ever noticed that we never refer to collisions as “accidents?” That’s because “accident” implies it was not anticipated and could not be prevented. But the fatal and major injury collisions that happen on our roads can be preventable with safer road use behaviour, especially by drivers since vehicles can inflict the most harm.
More than half of all fatal and major injury collisions each year happen at intersections.
Motorists: when approaching an intersection, make full stops at stop signs and red lights, avoid stopping in crosswalks to keep pedestrians safe, and check for cyclists, escooters, and pedestrians. Remember to make eye contact with other road users, and to share the road.
Along with education initiatives, the Road Safety Action Plan↗ includes infrastructure upgrades—including complete intersection redesign. As part of the 2025 Implementation Plan↗, these are some of the actions that will be undertaken to improve intersection safety this year:
Protected Left-Turns: Implement protected left turn phasing at up to 5 locations where no geometric revisions are required.
Traffic Control Devices: Ongoing design and construction of traffic control devices (traffic signals or roundabouts) at locations that meet the warrants for traffic control signals.