New Cycling Facilities - Signs and Symbols

Bicycle Route

The bicycle route sign indicates those streets that form a part of the Bicycle Route Network. These streets are shown on the Ottawa Cycling Map.

Bicycle with Arrow

Indicates that the direction of a bicycle route is changing.

Bicycle Lane

Bicycle lanes are marked with a solid white line, typically 1.5 to 2.0 metres from the curb or edge of road. Bicycle symbols are painted at regular intervals to indicate that these lanes are for use by cyclists.

Reserved Bicycle Lane

Reserved lane signs indicate that lanes are reserved for bicycles.

Special Vehicle Lane

Reserved for specific vehicles (buses, carpools, bicycles). In Ottawa, cyclists may ride in these marked or signed reserved lanes.

Shared Pathway

Indicates an off-street pathway shared by pedestrians and cyclists. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians.

Bicycle Detour

Bicycle detour signs indicate an alternate route for bicycles where construction activities require closure of the usual bicycle route.

Three Yellow Dots

These three dots are painted at intersections and indicate the most responsive part of a metal-detecting loop embedded in the pavement. This loop senses when a vehicle, including a bicycle, is stopped and changes the signal from red to green.

Two Stage Left-Turn Bike Box

These bike boxes will be provided at all intersections along Laurier Avenue West in the north-south directions to help facilitate two-stage left turns for cyclists. Cyclists turning left will be expected to first proceed straight through an intersection and then wait in the designated left-turn bike box for the green signal on the cross street to complete their left turn movement.

Bike Box

A bike box is used at intersections to designate a space for cyclists to wait in front of cars at a red light, and to proceed through the intersection first when the light turns green, followed by drivers. Look for Ottawa's first bike box at the Bay St. and Wellington St intersection.

Sharrows

Sharrows are road markings showing a bicycle with two chevrons. The purpose of a sharrow is to remind residents to share the road when driving or cycling in Ottawa.

Ride Safely: Follow the Rules of the Road

Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. The Ontario Highway Traffic Act and City by-laws apply to cyclists too.

Remember:

• Obey all traffic regulations and speed limits
• Yield to pedestrians and watch for school children crossing the routes
• Walk your bicycle on a sidewalk or when in a crosswalk and yield to a bus when it is leaving a stop
• Watch out for doors of parked cars - they can open at anytime
• Signal before turning
• You must use front and rear lights on your bicycle after dark
• All bicycles must have a warning bell
• Helmets are required if you are under 18, safety vests or reflective clothing are recommended
• Wearing headphones that cover both ears is NOT recommended while cycling