Bike and Scooter Safety | Guelph Police Service

Bikes, e-bikes, scooters and e-scooters are popular ways to get around Guelph. Whether you ride for transportation, exercise or fun, a few simple safety steps can help protect you and others on the road.

Safety tips for all riders

No matter what you ride, always put safety first:

Follow traffic signs, signals and road markings.
Ride in the same direction as traffic.
Stay alert and watch for vehicles, pedestrians, opening car doors and road hazards.
Use lights, reflectors and bright or reflective clothing so others can see you.
Do not ride distracted. Put your phone away and avoid headphones or earbuds.
Never ride while impaired by alcohol, cannabis or drugs.
Check your equipment before you ride, including brakes, tires, chain, lights and bell.
Use hand signals before turning, changing lanes or stopping.
Give yourself enough space to avoid potholes, debris and parked vehicles.
Yield to pedestrians and slow down in busy areas.

A bicycle is considered a vehicle under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
Obey the rules of the road, including stop signs and traffic lights.
Ride on the right side of the road and use bike lanes where available.
Wear a helmet. Helmets are required by law for riders under 18 and strongly recommended for everyone.
Make sure your bike has a working bell or horn.
Use a white front light and a red rear light or reflector when riding in low light or darkness.
Walk your bike across the road if you are using a crosswalk.

An e-bike is a bicycle that can be powered by pedalling and an electric motor. In Ontario, e-bikes must meet specific safety requirements.

To ride an e-bike safely and legally:
You must be at least 16 years old.
You must wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet.
Your e-bike must have working pedals, steering handlebars and an electric motor of 500 watts or less.
Your e-bike must not be able to travel faster than 32 km/h using motor power.
Do not remove the pedals or modify the motor to increase speed or power.
Follow the same rules of the road as cyclists.
Only carry a passenger if the e-bike is designed for more than one rider and the passenger is at least 16.

Kick scooters and other non-motorized scooters can be useful for short trips, but riders still need to watch for people, vehicles and hazards.

Wear a properly fitted helmet.
Use a scooter that is the right size for you and in good working condition.
Keep both hands on the handlebars.
Slow down near driveways, intersections, crosswalks and crowded areas.
Yield to pedestrians and give others space.
Be visible. Wear bright clothing and use lights or reflectors when needed.
Non-motorized scooters are allowed on City sidewalks except in certain areas identified in the by-law.

E-scooters are motorized scooters designed for one standing rider. The City of Guelph is participating in the Ontario Ministry of Transportation e-scooter pilot. Learn more about Guelph’s e-scooter rules on the City’s website.

To ride an e-scooter safely:

You must be at least 16 years old.
Wear a helmet. Helmets are required for riders under 18 and are recommended for all riders.
Stand while riding and keep both hands on the handlebars.
Do not carry passengers.
Do not carry cargo that affects your balance or control.
Use a bell or horn to alert others when needed.
Use a white front light and red rear light when riding in low light or darkness.
Ride slowly around pedestrians and never assume drivers can see you.
Do not ride on sidewalks, trails, non-designated multi-use paths, in parks or any City owned properties including parking lots.
In Guelph, e-scooters can only be used on city roadways (including bike lanes) and designated multi-use trails.

Ice cream tickets

Our summer ice cream ticket program is back! Each summer, our officers watch for children wearing their helmets. If spotted, officers will present them with a 'ticket' which can be traded for a Dairy Queen Blizzard! Children will also be entered for a chance to win a new bike from Vettor Cycle!

Prevent theft

Bikes, e-bikes, scooters and e-scooters can be targets for theft. A few simple steps can reduce your risk.

Use a strong lock, such as a hardened steel U-lock or heavy chain.
Lock the frame and wheels to a secure, fixed object.
Park in well-lit, visible areas whenever possible.
Do not leave bags, phones, wallets or other valuables with your bike or scooter.
Record the serial number and take photos of your bike, e-bike, scooter or e-scooter.
Store your ride indoors or in a secure area when not in use.

If your bike, e-bike, scooter or e-scooter is stolen, report it to police and provide the serial number, photos and any other identifying information.