Cycling Safety in Calgary
Cycling Safety in Calgary:
Calgary is a great city for cycling, with an extensive network of pathways, bike lanes and cycle tracks. The City of Calgary offers helpful safety and education resources through its pathways and trails program, but here’s a quick overview of some of the most important rules and tips to help you ride safely.
Helmet Requirements
In Alberta, anyone under the age of 18 must wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bicycle or riding as a passenger. This requirement comes from Sections 111(1) to 112(7) of the Alberta Vehicle Equipment Regulation.
A proper safety helmet must:
- Be certified for bicycle use
- Have a hard, smooth outer shell that can absorb impact
- Be securely fastened with a chin strap
- Be free from damage or modifications that could reduce its effectiveness
If a rider under 18 is not wearing a helmet that meets these standards, they may receive a fine. While helmets are only required by law for those under 18, they are strongly recommended for cyclists of all ages to help prevent serious head injuries.
Cyclists and the Rules of the Road
When you’re riding a bike, you’re considered a vehicle under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act. That means cyclists must follow the same rules of the road as drivers, including obeying traffic lights, stop signs and right-of-way rules.
There are also rules about where you can ride:
- Children under 14 years old are allowed to ride on the sidewalk.
- Anyone 14 or older must ride on the road or in designated cycling spaces such as bike lanes or pathways.
Cycling and Alcohol
Riding a bicycle after drinking alcohol is not a Criminal Code offence, because a bicycle is not considered a motor vehicle.
However, alcohol can affect your balance, judgment and reaction time, which can make cycling unsafe. There may also be consequences under the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act, such as being intoxicated in public or consuming alcohol in a public place.
Cycling and Distracted Driving
Because bicycles are classified as vehicles under the Traffic Safety Act, cyclists can also be ticketed for distracted driving. This includes using handheld electronic devices such as phones while riding.
Designated Bike Lanes
Bike lanes are marked with white diamond and bicycle symbols painted on the road, along with signs identifying the lane.
These lanes are generally in effect at all hours, unless signage indicates otherwise.
When it’s safe to do so, drivers are allowed to briefly enter a bike lane just before an intersection in order to make a right turn.
Cycle Tracks
Cycle tracks are a type of bike lane that are physically separated from vehicle traffic. Barriers between the bike lane and the road help create a safer and more predictable space for cyclists.
These protected lanes also help reduce conflicts between people walking, cycling and driving.
You can learn more about Calgary’s cycle track pilot program through the City of Calgary’s Downtown Cycle Tracks information page.
Reporting Vehicles in Bike Lanes
Parking restrictions for bike lanes are usually clearly posted on nearby signs.
If you notice vehicles driving or parked in bike lanes, there are a couple of options:
- The Calgary Police Service often takes an educational approach when addressing these situations.
- You can also contact Calgary Parking to check whether parking restrictions are enforced in that area.
Police Bicycle Use on Sidewalks
While most cyclists over 14 must stay off sidewalks, police officers are exempt from this restriction when they are performing their duties.
More Crime Prevention Resources
Stay one step ahead: check out more tools, tips, and crime‑prevention resources.
