Calgary’s Approach to Tackling Bike Accidents – Is the City Doing Enough?

Recent statistics reveal a troubling trend: crashes involving vulnerable road users, including bicyclists, have reached a five-year high. This spike in accidents is highlighted by alarming incidents such as the collision between a vehicle and a cyclist in Southeast Calgary, where the cyclist was sent to Foothills Medical Centre. 

As these incidents become increasingly frequent, the pressing question arises—how effectively is Calgary addressing the rising number of bicycle accidents?

Today, we’ll look into Calgary’s current strategies for mitigating bike accidents and evaluate whether the city’s efforts are sufficient. For those affected by such motor vehicle accidents, guidance from a bicycle accidents attorney may be necessary to navigate the complex legal process and get a fair settlement. 

Bike Incident Statistics

Here’s a data summary from the Injury Facts report about bike-related accidents. 

• Preventable bicycle deaths increased by 10% from the previous year, totalling 1,360—up 47%.
• Preventable nonfatal injuries dropped by 32%, from 493,884 to 337,738.
• In 2022, bicycle-related deaths are highest in the summer, peaking in August with 156 deaths and lowest in January with 73 deaths.
• Of the 1,360 bicyclist deaths, 928 were in motor-vehicle crashes, and 432 were in other incidents. Men made up 87% of these deaths, which is more than eight times the number of fatalities among women.

In 2022, 1,105 bicyclists were killed in motor-vehicle crashes, a 13% increase from 2021. Bicyclist deaths made up 2.6% of all traffic fatalities. – (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

There were 405,411 bicycle-related injuries treated in emergency departments, which includes both preventable and intentional injuries. – (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

Understanding Calgary’s Bike Traffic Laws

Cycling Laws

Wear a Helmet

According to the helmet laws, if you’re under 18 and biking, you must wear a helmet. eBikers of all ages also need to wear helmets for safety. A safety helmet must:

• Be certified
• Have a hard, smooth outer shell that absorbs impact
• Be securely fastened with a chin strap
• Be undamaged and unmodified

The Essentials

Bikes, whether pedal or electric, must have the proper equipment:

• At least one working brake
• A bell or horn
• A white front light, a red rear light, and a red rear reflector for riding in low light

Rules of the Road

Use hand signals and check your shoulder before turning or changing lanes. Clear communication helps prevent accidents happen.

Pathway Bylaws

Speed Limitation	Stay within 20 km/h unless signs say otherwise. Avoid going faster, as your eBike is not for stunts. Save higher speeds for open roads
Pathway Approach	Use only designated pathways and trails. Don’t cycle with a leashed dog on the pathway. Respect shared spaces
Signal Light	Use a white front light and a red rear reflector when riding from sunset to sunrise to stay visible and safe
Pass Carefully	Signal with your bell when passing others on the pathway to avoid accidents

Safety Tips to Avoid an Alberta Bicycle Accident

• Ride single file
• Move to the right when stopping
• Avoid using handheld tech while riding
• Keep headset volume low
• Watch for slippery spots
• Look ahead
• Stay to the right, except when passing
• Yield to users on the right at intersections
• Signal when passing or approaching blind spots like corners or hills

Roadway Bylaws

As a cyclist in Calgary, you must:

• Follow all traffic signs and signals.
• Ride on all roadways except Deerfoot Trail. Use the full lane if needed for safety, but stay close to the curb when possible.

For Your Safety

• Watch for cars entering and exiting alleys and driveways.
• Be alert for car-dooring accidents.
• Ride as far right as possible, except when turning left or if it’s safer to use the whole lane.
• Avoid using cell phones or other handheld devices while riding.
• Keep the headset volume low to hear your surroundings.
• Look ahead for obstacles.
• Watch for slippery spots like ice, gravel, or silt.
• Plan your route in advance to avoid sudden changes and distractions. Note that winter routes might differ from those in warmer seasons.

Calgary’s Initiative for Bikers – Laws Governing Bike-Related Incidents  

Traffic Safety Act	Sets out general rules for road safety and vehicle operation.
Vehicle Equipment Regulation	Details the required equipment and safety standards for bicycles.
Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation	Provides specific rules for how cyclists should use the road.
City of Calgary Traffic Bylaw	Contains local traffic rules, including those specific to cyclists.
City of Calgary Parks and Pathways Bylaw	Governs bicycle use on city pathways and in parks.

What to Do After a Bike Accident 

After a Car Collision 

Here’s a collision guide from Bike Calgary in case of a bicycle accident with a car: 

1. Stop and Assess: Always stop at the scene. Check yourself and others for injuries, including serious ones like head injuries or spinal injuries.
2. Call for Help: Call 9-1-1 if anyone needs medical attention. For non-emergencies, contact the Police Department at 403-266-1234.
3. Exchange Information: Share and collect details with the driver, such as names, insurance information, and contact details.
4. Report the Accident: Report to the Calgary Police Department if there are injuries or if damage exceeds $2,000. Although drivers must report, you should file one, too, if needed.
5. Document the Scene: Take images of the incident, your injuries, and any damage. Gather witness statements if available. This evidence is crucial for your bicycle accident case.
6. Consult a Lawyer: Contact a bicycle accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer Calgary to help with your case. Get help securing fair compensation for your lost wages and serious injuries.

Insurance Coverage 

In Alberta, you are entitled to health insurance coverage, no matter who is responsible for the collision.

• Get Medical Care: In Alberta, you’re covered for health expenses, no matter who is at fault. If injured, see a doctor quickly, even for minor injuries, to document them.
• Insurance Company Coverage: As a cyclist, you can claim expenses and compensation for death or disability from the driver’s car insurance policy with the help of Alberta bicycle accident lawyers.
• File a Personal Injury Claim: You have ten days to file a claim for minor injuries like sprains or whiplash and 30 days for other medical expenses.
• Hit-and-Run or Uninsured Driver: If the driver fled or is uninsured, you may recover costs through the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims (MVAC) program.

Know the Traffic Laws to Avoid Bicycle Accident Cases 

With a troubling increase in motor-vehicle crashes involving cyclists, it’s clear that understanding and adhering to traffic laws and safety guidelines is important. Cyclists must navigate various regulations, including helmet requirements, equipment standards, and specific bylaws governing road and pathway use.

To tackle the rising number of bicycle accidents, it’s important to conduct a thorough investigation into each incident, particularly when it involves personal injury cases. Determining liability can be complex, and understanding the legal intricacies is vital.

If you’re involved in a bike mishap, consulting with a bicycle accident attorney helps you seek compensation and address the legal complexities of your case. Contact Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Calgary to assist in navigating the legal recourse and ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers Calgary are dedicated to helping you get the justice and recovery you need.

Frequently Asked Questions