Rules for using a bikeway

A bikeway is a lane designed for the exclusive use of cyclists or for shared use with other means of travel.

Bicycle lanes

Bicycle lanes, demarcated with pavement markings or a different surface, are reserved for cyclists. They are generally located on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less to the right of other traffic lanes.

Cyclists have the right of way and usually must follow the direction of the traffic.

Sign indicating the presence of a bicycle lane reserved for cyclists during a specific period

Designated roadways

A designated roadway is a road shared by bicycles and vehicles. It uses a simplified signage and there is no dedicated bicycle lane. When riding your bicycle on a designated roadway, you must follow the same traffic rules as on the rest of the road network. Visit the Traffic rules for cyclists page for more information.

Sign indicating the presence of a designated roadway

Bicycle paths

Bicycle paths are reserved for the sole use of cyclists. They are physically separated from vehicle traffic.

Priority to other vehicles at crossings

When a bicycle path intersects with a roadway, cyclists don’t have priority. They must yield to vehicles before proceeding.

Multi-use trails

In addition to being accessible to cyclists, multi-use trails may be available to other users such as pedestrians, in-line skaters, users of non-motorized or low-speed vehicles. Multi-use trails usually have wider lanes so all kinds of users can share them.

Bicycle routes

A bicycle route is a public road, or part of one, on which cyclists are encouraged to ride. To learn more about this type of road, visit the Bicycle routes page.

Paved shoulders

A paved shoulder is a shoulder on which the pavement surface has been extended. The shoulder is separated from the roadway by pavement markings. Paved shoulders are intended to improve the safety of cyclists.

Signs indicating the presence of cyclists on the paved shoulder of a road

Route verte

Québec has a network of bicycle paths that is more than 5,000 km long, called the “Route verte”. It represents 42% of the approximately 12,000 km of bicycle paths in the province. Furthermore, throughout the network and its regional branches, there are more than 500 tourist accommodation establishments and campsites that are certified “Bienvenue cyclistes!” This means that they offer services and accommodations designed specifically for the needs of cyclists.

For more information about this network, visit the Route verte website.

Bicycles