Traffic rules for cyclists

When riding a bicycle on Québec roads, you must follow most of the same traffic rules as motor vehicle drivers. However, some rules are specific to cyclists, whether you are riding a regular bike or an electric bike (also called e-bike or power-assisted bike).

When riding a bicycle on a public roadway (such as a street or bikeway):

• Be seated astride, which is to say, with one leg on each side of the seat.
• Keep hold of the handlebars.
• Don’t carry any animals or objects that obstruct your vision or interfere with your riding.

When riding with other people, ride in a single file (not side by side). 

Before making a turn, signal your intention over a sufficient distance, unless doing so endangers your safety.

To signal your intention of turning:

• left – stick out your left arm and point left.
• right – stick out your right arm and point right or hold your left forearm straight up.

You can ride your bicycle on the roadway, a shoulder, a bikeway, a shared street and, in some circumstances, a sidewalk.

On the roadway

On the roadway, ride your bicycle:

• in the same direction as traffic or in the direction indicated by a sign for cyclists
• as close as possible to the curb or right side of the roadway, taking into account the condition of the road and the risk of hitting the open door of a stopped vehicle
• to the left of a lane reserved for right turns if you wish to continue straight ahead

To make a left turn, however, you can use the part of the roadway that makes your manoeuvre easiest.

Visit the Obstacles and road surfaces page of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec’s website to learn more about how to handle obstacles and slippery road surfaces.

On a bike route

On bicycle routes, some rules change to facilitate cycling and to protect cyclists. For more information, visit the Bicycle route rules page.

Ride on the right-hand shoulder, in the direction of traffic.

When using the sidewalk, ride at a safe and reasonable speed and yield to pedestrians. There is no speed limit, because it depends on a number of factors, including:

• the presence of pedestrians
• the width of the sidewalk
• the presence of urban furniture
• other obstacles that may impede traffic flow or visibility

When approaching a pedestrian, slow down and make sure, if possible, that they have seen or heard you.

You may pass a pedestrian or cross their path only if there is enough space.

When riding on a shared street, the same traffic rules apply as on the rest of the road network. Pedestrians always have priority. To learn more, visit the Driving on a shared street page.

A bikeway is a lane designed to accommodate cyclists and promote safe, comfortable travel.

Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to ride on roads where the speed limit is greater than 50 km/h, unless one of the following conditions is met:

• The bikeway lane is separated from the roadway by a physical barrier.
• They are participating in an activity supervised by a person who is 18 years or older.

These rules also apply to self-service electric bikes (e.g., BIXI, àVélo).

Mandatory helmet

You must wear a helmet when riding an electric bike.

Wearing a helmet helps reduce the severity of head injuries in a crash or fall.

Minimum age

You must be aged 18 or older to ride an electric bike.

However, youth aged 14–17 who hold a moped or scooter licence are also authorized to ride an electric bike.

Impaired riding

Riding an electric bike while impaired by alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence under the Canadian Criminal Code.

Power and speed limits

To be able to travel on public roadways, the bike’s electric motor must have a maximum power rating of no more than 500 watts and must cease to generate power once the bicycle reaches a speed of no more than 32 km/h.

Treat others with respect and help keep the road safe for everyone.

Always yield to pedestrians, including:

• at crosswalks
• when they are crossing at intersections with the walk signal
• at bus stops where people cross bikeways
• on shared streets

Some vehicles that resemble mopeds, scooters or motorcycles and are sold as electric bikes are not allowed on public roads, bikeways or sidewalks.

These vehicles do not bear a certification mark indicating that they comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). This restriction does not apply to electric scooters or other motorized personal mobility devices.

These vehicles pose a safety risk to other road users because of their considerable weight and the speeds they can reach. They are already banned from sale in Québec and from being imported new to the province, because they don’t meet current safety standards.