Bike and e-scooter safety

Summer is here and we want you to enjoy riding your bikes and e-scooters safely in our community.

Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your families protected and safe as you enjoy the trails and riding around you local neighbourhoods.

Be aware

Be prepared for the unexpected and make sure to be on the lookout for:

• Pedestrians
• Poor road conditions (debris, grates, potholes, etc.)
• Bad weather which might affect your visibility
• Protect your head

Helmets

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

Here are some tips for protecting your head properly with a bike helmet:

• 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)
• Visit here for more detailed tips on how to properly fit and wear a bike helmet.

Make sure your bike is safe

A key step to ensuring a safe bike ride is making sure your bike is in good working condition.

Make sure your bike is:

• The right size for the person riding it
• Properly working before each ride
• Tires have enough air
• A working bell
• Brakes are working properly
• Fitted with reflectors, reflective tape or lights for visibility at night

For more basic rules of cycling, and helpful tips on cycling with children, please refer to this resource from MyHealth.Alberta.ca

Etiquette for micromobility users

The City of Airdrie is committed to providing convenient, accessible, and efficient transportation choices that support the movement of people and goods throughout our City. To achieve this, we ask all micromobility users (both personal and on shared modes) follow the etiquette listed below:

1. Pedestrians first!: Always yield to people walking on the sidewalks and pathways. Pedestrians have priority.
2. Be considerate: Use your bell to alert others when you are approaching to pass on sidewalks and pathways.
3. Ride safely: Shared forms of micromobility, including shared e-scooters, are available for users of 16 years of age and older. Helmets are encouraged but not required. The maximum speed limit is 20 km/hr. Only one rider per device is allowed.
4. Park responsibly: 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.
5. Right and report: 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 you can report this issue to the provider. Contact info for each company is provided on each shared e-scooter.

Operating a personal e-scooter

Personal e-scooters and other forms of personally owned micromobility, such as e-bikes, have been growing in popularity in our community. There are some important distinctions between personal e-scooters and shared e-scooters/e-bikes.

1. Personal e-scooters may be used only on the pathway network. The pathway network is regulated through City bylaws.
2. E-scooters on roadways and sidewalks are regulated under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. Personal e-scooters are not allowed on roadways or sidewalks without a provincial exemption. Currently, shared e-scooters are granted a provincial exemption as the speeds and locations of operation are regulated, and each e-scooter provider is required to have insurance to hold a permit, and other requirements.