Rules of the Road

The health and safety of residents is a key priority for the City of Brantford and the primary objective of implementation of the City's Vision Zero initiative that focuses on safety, education and the wellbeing of all citizens and visitors. Establishing and communicating the rules of our roads and trails is an important step in preventing accidents and injuries.

Rules of the road

All users of the road must follow these rules:

• People using assisted motorized devices, such as mobility scooters and wheelchairs must follow the same rules as pedestrians and should slow down and remain on sidewalks where sidewalks are in place.
• Those with mobility devices should use the sidewalk when available and avoid traveling on roadways or in bike lanes.
• E-bikes and bicycles are treated as vehicles under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and must obey the rules of the road like all vehicles do. Bike lanes should be used when available.
• When a bike lane is not available, cyclists should keep to one side of the road if safe to do so but may also occupy the full lane as required to avoid conflicts such as parked cars or while in narrow lanes.
• Cars passing a cyclist should only do so when safe and must keep at least a one-metre separation from cyclists.
• Skateboards and motorized skateboards are only permitted on sidewalks. However, skateboarding is prohibited within the downtown core, which is bounded by Nelson Street, Alfred Street, Colborne Street, Icomm Drive, Brant Avenue and West Street.
• Drivers are reminded to obey speed limits and parking regulations, especially near schools.
• At the intersection of North Park Street and Memorial Drive, a bike box is provided for cyclists to facilitate a safe, prioritized left turn movement. Cyclists are to queue ahead of vehicle traffic during the red signal, and will proceed ahead of motor vehicles on the green signal.

Rules on trails

Respecting rules and etiquette on trails will help avoid conflicts or injuries so everyone can enjoy trails equally and safely.

• Bicycles are allowed on multi-use trails unless otherwise noted.
• ATV's, motorcycles, e-bikes, motorized bikes, or snowmobiles not permitted on trails.
• Motorized wheelchairs and scooters used for accessibility are allowed.
• Call out or use a bell before passing someone on the trail on your bike.
• Pedestrians should move to one side (preferably the right hand side) to allow cyclists to pass.
• Use a light and wear bright clothes at night.
• Wear a helmet while biking.
• Camping, hunting and fires are not allowed.
• Always be prepared to stop if a trail is damaged or blocked.
• Respect all posted signs and laws.
• Stay on the trail.
• Keep your pet on a leash and pick up after them.
• Use the trash cans for your garbage.

Signage

Wayfinding Signs

On-road Active Transportation wayfinding signs

The City of Brantford has designed a new system of wayfinding signs that will be installed throughout the City on the on-road active transportation routes. These signs highlight safe routes for both cyclists and pedestrians and provide information about nearby destinations. 

Creating a cohesive cycling network

Wayfinding signs will create a greater level of legibility and understanding of the on-road active transportation network and will assist both residents and visitors in easily navigating their way to major points of destinations in the City. Some of these destinations include City-owned facilities, community centers, parks, schools, Brantford Hospital, Brant Conservation Area, Lynden Park Mall, and other cycling- and pedestrian-friendly routes. 

These signs will initially be implemented on the following seven  core active transportation corridors in the City:

• North Park Street/Memorial Drive Corridor
• Erie Avenue Corridor
• Veterans Memorial Parkway Trail System
• Shellard Lane Corridor
• Wayne Gretzky Parkway Multi-Use Path
• Garden Avenue Corridor
• Brantwood Park Road Corridor

Be sure to look for the new signs when cycling and walking around the City.