As Canada hits peak cycling season, the Canadian Automobile Association has launched a new national public education campaign encouraging drivers and cyclists to share the road safely. Drivers and cyclists are sometimes seen at odds, but all road users are at their best when following the rules of the road.

“With this campaign, we wanted to improve road safety in a way that felt authentic,” says Ian Jack, vice president of Public Affairs at CAA. “Cyclists and drivers sometimes get cranky with each other. That’s OK. We don’t need a kumbaya moment – but we do want to keep each other safe.”

As part of the campaign, CAA urges drivers and cyclists to keep the following tips in mind on the roads this summer, and always:

1. Leave at least one metre of space. A cyclist may need to avoid an obstacle, like a pothole, on the side of the road. Leaving space allows everyone to remain safe.
2. Be alert and remain focused at all times. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of collisions in Canada.
3. Drivers: check your mirrors and blind spots before turning, changing lanes, passing or merging.
4. Be predictable and use your turn signals or hands to show your intentions, and always obey traffic signals and signs. Two-way communications between a driver and a cyclist can save lives.
5. Stay aware of your surroundings when opening doors or biking by parked cars to avoid collisions. When your vehicle is parked on the street, open your door with your opposite hand, a technique called the “Dutch Reach”. Learn more at dutchreach.org.

The CAA Cycling social media campaign will be featured on CAA Saskatchewan’s Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram throughout July and August.

“The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute has partnered with CAA Saskatchewan to further promote bike safety this summer. We’re excited to work with them to help with bike safety education and awareness,” said Vanora Gagnier, Senior Communications Specialist, CAA Saskatchewan.

Cyclists of all ages can find valuable tips and information on safe cycling, such as:

• Complete an ABC Bike check before you take a ride with your bike.
• Wear a properly fitted bike helmet that does not obstruct your vision or hearing. It’s important to be seen, be heard, and be ready.
• Use hand signals to communicate your intentions to stop or turn, with other cyclists and motorists.
• Always obey the traffic laws while riding your bike on city streets and rural roads. Plan your ride and avoid dangerous routes.
• Ride in single file, wear proper footwear, and keep both hands on the handlebars except when using hand signals.

Learn more at caask.ca/bikesafety.

About CAA

CAA is a non-profit federation of eight Clubs providing over six million Members with exceptional emergency roadside service, complete automotive and travel services, member savings and comprehensive insurance services. CAA also advocates on issues of concern to its members, including road safety, the environment, mobility, infrastructure and consumer protection. In 2021 CAA was named for the second consecutive year Canada’s most trusted brand by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.

For further comment, or to book an interview with CAA National, please contact:

Glenna Tapper
Manager, Public Affairs, CAA National
(613) 898-0891
gtapper@national.caa.ca

For further comment, or to book an interview with CAA Saskatchewan, please contact:

Vanora Gagnier
Senior Communications Specialist, CAA Saskatchewan
(306) 779-6635 ext. 0984
vanora.gagnier@caask.ca