Bike and e-scooter safety

Enjoying the pathways in Airdrie or riding through your neighbourhood can be a fun and healthy way to get around. To help keep everyone safe, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow safety guidelines while using bikes or scooters.

A safe bike ride starts with making sure your bike is in proper working condition. It should be the right size for the rider, have well-inflated tires, functioning brakes, and a working bell. For added visibility, especially at night, your bike should also be equipped with reflectors, reflective tape, or lights. Regular checks before each ride help ensure a safer experience for everyone.

Stay alert and ready for the unexpected while riding. Always watch for:

• Pedestrians sharing the path
• Hazards like debris, grates, or potholes
• Weather conditions that may reduce visibility
• And most importantly—protect your head by wearing a helmet

Helmet use

Helmets protect bike riders of all ages. In Alberta, anyone younger than 18 years old must wear a helmet. It's the law! To protect your head:

• Always wear a helmet that is right for the activity
• Make sure your helmet fits (it should be snug)
• Wear your helmet properly (it should be level and stable)

For basic rules of cycling or helpful tips on cycling with children, please visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca

Riding an e-scooter is a convenient and fun way to get around, but safety should always come first. Stay alert, follow local rules, and be mindful of pedestrians and traffic.

The City of Airdrie's e-scooters program is available for users 16 years of age and older with a maximum speed limit of 20 km/hr. Only one rider per device is allowed and helmets are strongly encouraged. When riding an e-scooter, make sure to:

• Always yield to people walking on the sidewalks and pathways. Pedestrians have priority.
• Use your bell to alert others when you are approaching to pass on sidewalks and pathways.
• Park in a secure, upright position in designated areas (where available) such as at benches, public bike racks or other marked parking zones. On sidewalks without benches or bike racks, please ensure there is at least 2 metres or 6 feet of clearance to allow for accessibility of residents using mobility devices such as a wheelchair.
• If you see an e-scooter that has fallen or is parked improperly you can help out your neighbours by righting the e-scooter or report the issue to the provider (company contact information is listed on the e-scooter).

Operating a personal e-scooter

The popularity of personally owned e-scooters and e-bikes is growing in Airdrie, but it's important to understand the rules that apply to their use.

• Personal e-scooters are permitted only on the City's pathway network, as regulated by Airdrie bylaws.
• Personal e-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks or roadways under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act, unless a specific provincial exemption is granted. Riders should be aware of these distinctions to ensure safe and legal use of their devices