The Sudbury Cyclists Union is holding a number of Pool Noodle Rides in 2017 to raise awareness of the one-metre passing law that was passed in 2015. Cyclists will attach pool noodles to their bicycles to visually demonstrate the one-metre that drivers must give to a bicycle when they pass.

The rides will held in various areas of the City of Greater Sudbury, mainly on major roads where traffic is heavy and the risk of passing too closely is high.

Experienced cyclists will be leading the rides and ensuring that all rules of the road are followed by the cyclists who participate.

The safe passing law requires that while passing a cyclist, a motor vehicle driver must leave a minimum one-metre passing distance between the bicycle and the motor vehicle. The one-metre distance is measured between the outmost part of the bicycle (for example the end of the handlebars or its mirror), and the outmost part of the motor vehicle (for example the vehicle’s mirror). The penalty is a $110 fine. Drivers who contest their ticket by going to court may face a fine of up to $500 if found guilty. Upon conviction, two demerit points will also be assigned against the individual’s driver record.

A motorist may, if done safely, and in compliance with the rules of the road, cross the centre line of a roadway in order to pass a cyclist. If this cannot be done, he or she must wait behind the cyclist until it is safe to pass.

The Sudbury Cyclists Union reminds all road users to follow the rules of the road and to drive safely.

Additional information on bicycle safety and sharing the road with cyclists can be found at the Ministry of Transportation’s web page http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/bicycle-safety.shtml