It's definitely spring time and almost summer time weather in the area which means more and more people will be using alternate modes of transportation in communities.

Plenty of cyclists have made their way onto streets and sidewalks lately and Okotoks Municipal Enforcement wants to remind both those riding and those not some bike safety FAQ's.

Municipal Enforcement Manager Tim Stobbs says you don't necessarily need to be on roadways with your pedal bike as the sidewalk is an option when riding but when you're passing someone walking you need to notify them when you're getting close and passing.

"When you're overtaking people, you have to warn them that you are," he says. "We also say you shouldn't travel overly fast when you're passing them. If you are travelling on the road because your a more serious bike enthusiast we recommend you stay to right, you are riding in single file and are abiding all the rules of the road and are wearing a helmet."

Stobbs says bicycles are technically vehicles when on roadways and not sidewalks so traffic laws apply to them to ensure safety measures are being followed to protect themselves and others on the road.

"If they want to be protected as a pedestrian they have to dismount their bike and walk their bike across the crosswalk. If they travel in the crosswalk riding their bicycle they are in fact a vehicle and have no protection and if hit by a vehicle they could be liable for entering the highway if unsafe if they interfere with another vehicle."

When it comes to youth riding their bikes in communities they do have to abide by provincial laws when riding their bikes.

"Kids 17 years and younger are required by legislation to wear a helmet. They cannot ride a bicycle anywhere in the province of Alberta without having a helmet on their head."

Stobbs reminds those behind the wheel to keep their eyes open when children are riding their bikes just in case they accidentally swerve onto the street in a split second creating a potentially dangerous situation.

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