Bicycle Laws

Which laws do I have to follow if I ride my bike in Alberta?

There is no easy answer to this question! Cycling laws are both written and unwritten. It is your responsibility to understand the rules that apply when you are cycling.

Unwritten laws include the common law rules of negligence. Everyone has a duty to take reasonable care not to harm others by their activities. If you do not take reasonable care and you cause harm, you could be sued for damages.

Written laws are found in federal and provincial legislation and a town or city’s bylaws.

Some written laws that affect cyclists are “laws of general application” which means they apply to everyone, including cyclists. For example, the Criminal Code sets out criminal laws that must be obeyed across Canada. If you intentionally run into a pedestrian with your bike, this could be considered assault under section 265 of the Criminal Code. This section does not contain the word “bicycle” but it still applies to cyclists.

Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act contains laws that apply specifically to cyclists in Alberta, such as using bicycles on roads and safety equipment requirements.

Each city or town may also have bylaws specific to cyclists. For more information about cycling in Calgary or in Edmonton, see the links at the bottom of this page.

For a more detailed review of the laws for cyclists, follow the link at the bottom of the page to the LawNow article “Bicycle Law in Alberta.”

Last Reviewed: June 2019

The rules for drivers and the rules for cyclists are different, right?

Not necessarily. Cyclists should assume that almost everything that applies to drivers of cars also applies to them. This includes rules about speed limits, signaling turns, obeying traffic signs, not driving carelessly or without due care and attention, and the rules against distracted driving (such as the use of cell phones).

Last Reviewed: June 2019

Where can I ride my bike?

Each town or city may have its own rules about where you can ride your bike. If you are not within town or city boundaries, they you have to follow the rules under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act.

The best and easiest rule is to simply understand and obey the signs.

Here is a brief overview:

Streets: Generally, bicycles are allowed on streets (including highways). Some towns or cities may ban bicycles on certain streets for safety reasons. Check local bylaws to determine if there are any bans. Both Edmonton and Calgary have also developed extensive bike networks for cyclists.

Sidewalks: Some towns and cities in Alberta do not allow bicycles on the sidewalks. Both Calgary and Edmonton ban riding on sidewalks but have exceptions for children and sidewalks where signs allow riding. Calgary adds a further exception for anyone delivering newspapers. Red Deer allows bicycles on sidewalks unless there are signs saying otherwise.

Crosswalks: Riding a bicycle in a crosswalk (using the crosswalk as a pedestrian would) is not specifically banned by the Traffic Safety Act or its regulations and is not banned by city bylaws in Calgary or Edmonton. As with all things, when you are on a small bicycle amongst the big cars, common sense is important. If you appear unexpectedly in a crosswalk, drivers might not see you. Take care for your own safety. Also, when you are on a bicycle in a crosswalk, you are a vehicle, not a pedestrian. You may not have the right of way over other vehicles as a pedestrian would.

Parks and pathways: Towns and cities may make further rules about biking in parks and on separated pathways, including speed limits. In Calgary, the speed limit is 20 kph on pathways!

Outside of cities: To ride on private land or leased Crown land, you must have permission from the owner or lessee. The rules around riding on non-agricultural crown land or in parks are complex and vary with ecological conditions in the area. You should stick to designated trails, obey all signs, and, if in doubt about whether you should be there, check with a local authority.

Last Reviewed: June 2019

Do I have to wear a helmet while riding a bike?

Anyone under the age of 18 years must wear a helmet if they are riding a bike, even if they are a passenger on the bike. An adult is not required by law to wear a helmet while riding a bike.

Additionally, a parent or guardian cannot allow a person under 18 years old to ride a bike without properly wearing a helmet. And a person cannot operate a bicycle with a passenger who is less than 18 years old unless that passenger is properly wearing a helmet.

Last Reviewed: June 2019

Will any helmet work for riding a bicycle?

No. Alberta’s laws set out specific requirements for “safety helmets.” Helmets must:

• have an approval from a designated safety organization;
• fit property and have a chin strap;
• have a hard, smooth outer shell and be capable of absorbing an impact; and
• be free of damage or modification that would reduce its effectiveness.

Last Reviewed: June 2019

What other safety equipment do I need for my bike?

Your bike must have a brake.

If you are riding your bike at nighttime, it must also have:

• one or two (but not more than two) headlamps;
• at least one red tail lamp; and
• at least one red reflector on the rear.

Last Reviewed: June 2019