Traffic rules for cyclists

When you cycle on Québec roads, most of the traffic rules that apply to road vehicles also apply to bicycles. However, some rules apply specifically to cyclists, whether you use an electric bicycle or a regular one.

When riding a bicycle on a public road (such as a road 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). A maximum of 15 cyclists are allowed to ride together on a public road.

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 shoulder of the roadway, considering the condition of the roadway and the risk of being hit by 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 bicycle route

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

When riding your bicycle on a shoulder, follow the flow 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 (benches, tables, trash cans, etc.)
• 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.

Bicycles are not allowed to ride everywhere.

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.

Certain vehicles that resemble mopeds, scooters or motorcycles and are sold as electric bicycles are not allowed on public roads, bikeways or sidewalks. They do not bear a certification mark indicating that they comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). This restriction does not apply to e-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.

To find out more about electric bicycles authorized for use on public roads in Québec, visit the SAAQ’s On an electric bike page.