Use Your Bell
The real legal requirement is that you signal by voice, bell, or horn when passing. It could prevent a pedestrian or other cyclist from an unexpected turn in front of you.
Ride Single File
That’s an Alberta Traffic Safety Act requirement and also practical advice so that we give each rider room to dodge debris, pot holes, and other surprises.
Use Lights & Reflectors
At least one reflector on the rear and one light on the front, it’s for your safety and is the law. Also, lights must be used one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise or if conditions are such to obscure objects at 150m. Though Ninjas are cool, it’s dangerous to be a Ninja cyclist.
Ride Predictably
Riding predictably is the best way to ensure your safety. Don’t weave between cars, signal your intent, stop at stop signs and red lights, don’t cycle between cars, don’t cycle between a car and a curb… Bicycles are considered vehicles under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act; if a car can’t do it, neither can you on your bike.
Sidewalks Are For Walkers
If you need to travel on the sidewalk, get off and walk your bike. You’ll impress more people, and it’s the law unless you’re under the age of 14.
You Have No More Priority Than Any Other User
Take your place on the road with the vehicles and earn the respect of fellow users. If the road is just one car wide, act like a vehicle. Never put yourself in danger and ride between moving or stopped cars, and never cycle between a car and the curb.
Signal!
Another one of those being predictable things, and signal like you mean it, not trying to knock something off your finger. Take an Urban Cycling Skills or CAN BIKE II course for the full lesson (check behind, signal, check behind, move)
Stop!
Stop means stop, just like we expect cars and trucks to stop. Seriously. (See Ride predictably). Ask Laura about the cyclist that plowed into her while she was stopped at a stop sign, the impact sheared Laura’s molars off.