Monna-Leigh McElveny, Safety and Education Advisor
Click here for a PDF version of the KNBC Safety Handbook which contains all the information below.
Ontario roads can be a hazardous place for bicyclists - with or without vehicles.
When you witness an accident involving a cyclist:
Note: CAA offers Emergency Roadside Assistance to cyclists year round as part of their CAA membership. https://www.caa.ca/bike/
While aero bars can be a great asset for improved speed when racing or when riding on your own, they should not be used when riding in a club group ride. When riding in a group you may be required to react quickly to any given situation. The reaction time (i.e. to manoeuvre or brake suddenly) is impeded by the increased time required to reach your brakes from the aero bars. Additionally, you do not have the same level of control that you would have, with your hands in the normal position on your handlebars. Even in the front or back of the group, safety can be compromised when there is a need to stop or react suddenly. The safety of the entire group should be the concern of every rider. It is not necessary to remove them from your bikes but to simply just not use them. Exceptions will be made if a rider uses aerobars for medical reasons (i.e. neck arthritis), however; individuals involved must emphasize and practice the need for allowing extra space around them to manoeuvre and/or brake suddenly. Please review the club policy here.
To report poor road surface conditions to the City of Ottawa, call or e-mail your councillor. The two maps below show who and where they are. This Councillor Contacts link will take you to the City of Ottawa web site with all their contact information.
Also, copy Robin Bennet at robin.bennett@ottawa.ca (Project Manager, Cycling Program, Transportation Planning, Planning and Growth Management Branch, Infrastructure Services and Community Sustainability, City of Ottawa) and 311@ottawa.ca.