Tinted Headlights ALLOWED!
![[1sL0CiviC] is offline](https://www.civicforumz.com/cfz/imagescfz/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
26-Sep-2002, 01:52 PM
#5
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: 43° 41' N 79° 38' W
Posts: 9,277
Suggested amendments to the Highway Traffic Act for your bike
Section 62(14) Lamps Required (Equipment)
No person shall use a lamp, other than the vehicular warning signal lamps commonly known as four way flashers, that produces intermittent flashes of red light.
The "spirit" of this section is to restrict motor vehicles from using lighting which may resemble emergency vehicles. The rear light commonly used by cyclists is a rapidly flashing red light which is highly visible, but technically in violation of the HTA.
Section 62 (17) Lamps Required (Equipment)
When on a highway at any time from one half-hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise every bicycleshall carry on the front thereof a light lamp displaying a white or amber light and on the rear thereof a lighted lamp displaying a red light or a reflector approved by the Ministry, and in addition there shall be placed on the front forks thereof white reflective material and on the rear thereof red reflective material covering a surface of not less than 250 millimeters in length and 25 millimeters in width.
It is not practical, (and in some cases impossible) for most modern bicycles to accommodate the amounts of tape now required by the H.T.A. Clothing with reflective tape or material could enhance cyclists' visibility when there is insufficient light. The intent of this section is that the cyclist and his or her vehicle should be visible. Some degree of flexibility in how this is to be achieved would be desirable.
Section 128 - Rate of Speed
This section applies only to motor vehicles and streetcars. Modern bicycles are commonly capable of exceeding speed limits on city thorough fares. Wording should be amended in this section to enforce the concept that bicycles are vehicles as well.
Section 130(2) Careless Driving
Maintaining an appropriate and safe distance between motor vehicles and bicycles need more emphasis in the HTA.
Suggested wording for consideration is as follows:
Upon passing a bicycle, drivers or operators of motor vehicles shall maintain a distance of least 1 meter beside. Upon traveling behind the bicycle, drivers or operators of motor vehicles shall maintain a distance of at least 3 meters behind. Where a traffic lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle, it is legal for a bicycle to take the whole lane by riding in the center of it.
The source for this recommendation is the Ontario Ministry of Transportation Cycling Skills (1985) publication. Motor vehicle operators must appreciate that a bicycle is a vehicle and is entitled to dominate a lane where it is appropriate to do so. This concept is widely taught in bicycle skill training courses.
Section 141(2)(5)(6) Turns:
Wording in this section should be reviewed to identify the rights of bicycles as vehicles occupying the roadway.
In urban centers, there is a concern about motorists turning right at an intersection at the same time that a cyclist is proceeding straight through the intersection. In situations where bicycle lanes exist, the problem is compounded even further as the motor vehicle is positioned further to the left in the curb lane.
Section 142(5) Right Turn Signal
The use of the left arm to indicate a right turn is ambiguous and leads to confusion. The use of the right arm is clearer and easier for children to comprehend, as they can be taught simply to point in the direction of their intended turn. The Official Driver's Handbook, published by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (1995) states on page 22 "when watching for signals made by others, remember that cyclists may signal right turns by holding their right arms straight out". The option of using this "alternate" right turn signal when visibility and safety allow should be included in the HTA.
Section 147(1) Slow Vehicles to Travel on Right Side
Any vehicle traveling upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at that time and place shall, where practicable, be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
A clear definition of "where practicable" is necessary. This section may be contradicted by Section 148(2) which may place the bicycle (vehicle) in an unsafe or dangerous location on the roadway. (See below)
Section 148(2) Vehicles or Equestrians Overtaken
Every person in charge of a vehicle or on horseback on a highway who is overtaken by a vehicle or equestrian traveling at a greater speed shall turn out to the right and allow the overtaking vehicle or equestrian to pass.
Suggested wording changes to be considered for this section are as follows:
"Every person...... traveling at a greater speed shall, when safe to do so, turn out to the right as close as practicable and allow......".
Section 148(5) Vehicles or Equestrians Overtaking Others
Every person in charge of a vehicle or on horseback on a highway who is overtaking another vehicle or equestrian shall turn out to the left so far as may be necessary to avoid a collision when the vehicle or equestrian being overtaken, and the person overtaken is not required to leave more than one-half of the roadway free.
Section 148(6) Bicycles Overtaken
Every person on a bicycle or a motor assisted bicycle who is overtaken by a vehicle or an equestrian traveling at a greater speed shall turn out to the right......
The theory of safe cycling proposes that every person who is in charge of a bicycle on a highway is a vehicle and should operate their vehicle as would the driver of a car, motorcycle or truck etc. CAN-BIKE Cyclist Training teaches cyclists to travel a straight line to be visible and predictable. This regulation re-enforces the negative idea that cyclists should "get out of the way". Section 148(6), should therefore be omitted from the Act as the contents of Section 148(5) appear to cover the issue.
Section 148(8) (Passing Meeting Vehicles)
No person in charge of a vehicle shall pass or attempt to pass another vehicle going in the same direction on a highway unless the roadway, (a) in front of and to the left of the vehicle to be passed is safely free from approaching traffic and (b) to the left of the vehicle passing or attempting to pass is safely free from overtaking traffic.
While the HTA is not specific on what constitutes sufficient room for overtaking, it would appear that the Ministry of Transportation driver examiners expect a driver to do a complete lane change while passing a cyclist. In low speed urban areas, it is preferable for the driver to pass a cyclist by straddling the center line, thereby allowing half a lane clearance for the cyclist. This maneuver creates a safer environment both for the cyclist and the motor vehicle operator.
Section 150(1) Passing to Right of Vehicle
The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only where such movement can be made in safety and, (a) the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn or its driver has signaled his or her intention to make a left turn; (b) is made on a highway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles in each direction; or (c) is made on a highway designated for the use of one-way traffic only.
This section should be amended to read vehicle and not just motor vehicle. A person who is operating a bicycle on a highway will at some time be required to pass another vehicle to the right, as would the driver of a motor vehicle. CAN-BIKE programs emphasize passing to the right of a motor vehicle "only where such movement can be made in safety."
Section 62(14) Lamps Required (Equipment)
No person shall use a lamp, other than the vehicular warning signal lamps commonly known as four way flashers, that produces intermittent flashes of red light.
The "spirit" of this section is to restrict motor vehicles from using lighting which may resemble emergency vehicles. The rear light commonly used by cyclists is a rapidly flashing red light which is highly visible, but technically in violation of the HTA.
Section 62 (17) Lamps Required (Equipment)
When on a highway at any time from one half-hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise every bicycleshall carry on the front thereof a light lamp displaying a white or amber light and on the rear thereof a lighted lamp displaying a red light or a reflector approved by the Ministry, and in addition there shall be placed on the front forks thereof white reflective material and on the rear thereof red reflective material covering a surface of not less than 250 millimeters in length and 25 millimeters in width.
It is not practical, (and in some cases impossible) for most modern bicycles to accommodate the amounts of tape now required by the H.T.A. Clothing with reflective tape or material could enhance cyclists' visibility when there is insufficient light. The intent of this section is that the cyclist and his or her vehicle should be visible. Some degree of flexibility in how this is to be achieved would be desirable.
Section 128 - Rate of Speed
This section applies only to motor vehicles and streetcars. Modern bicycles are commonly capable of exceeding speed limits on city thorough fares. Wording should be amended in this section to enforce the concept that bicycles are vehicles as well.
Section 130(2) Careless Driving
Maintaining an appropriate and safe distance between motor vehicles and bicycles need more emphasis in the HTA.
Suggested wording for consideration is as follows:
Upon passing a bicycle, drivers or operators of motor vehicles shall maintain a distance of least 1 meter beside. Upon traveling behind the bicycle, drivers or operators of motor vehicles shall maintain a distance of at least 3 meters behind. Where a traffic lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle, it is legal for a bicycle to take the whole lane by riding in the center of it.
The source for this recommendation is the Ontario Ministry of Transportation Cycling Skills (1985) publication. Motor vehicle operators must appreciate that a bicycle is a vehicle and is entitled to dominate a lane where it is appropriate to do so. This concept is widely taught in bicycle skill training courses.
Section 141(2)(5)(6) Turns:
Wording in this section should be reviewed to identify the rights of bicycles as vehicles occupying the roadway.
In urban centers, there is a concern about motorists turning right at an intersection at the same time that a cyclist is proceeding straight through the intersection. In situations where bicycle lanes exist, the problem is compounded even further as the motor vehicle is positioned further to the left in the curb lane.
Section 142(5) Right Turn Signal
The use of the left arm to indicate a right turn is ambiguous and leads to confusion. The use of the right arm is clearer and easier for children to comprehend, as they can be taught simply to point in the direction of their intended turn. The Official Driver's Handbook, published by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (1995) states on page 22 "when watching for signals made by others, remember that cyclists may signal right turns by holding their right arms straight out". The option of using this "alternate" right turn signal when visibility and safety allow should be included in the HTA.
Section 147(1) Slow Vehicles to Travel on Right Side
Any vehicle traveling upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at that time and place shall, where practicable, be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
A clear definition of "where practicable" is necessary. This section may be contradicted by Section 148(2) which may place the bicycle (vehicle) in an unsafe or dangerous location on the roadway. (See below)
Section 148(2) Vehicles or Equestrians Overtaken
Every person in charge of a vehicle or on horseback on a highway who is overtaken by a vehicle or equestrian traveling at a greater speed shall turn out to the right and allow the overtaking vehicle or equestrian to pass.
Suggested wording changes to be considered for this section are as follows:
"Every person...... traveling at a greater speed shall, when safe to do so, turn out to the right as close as practicable and allow......".
Section 148(5) Vehicles or Equestrians Overtaking Others
Every person in charge of a vehicle or on horseback on a highway who is overtaking another vehicle or equestrian shall turn out to the left so far as may be necessary to avoid a collision when the vehicle or equestrian being overtaken, and the person overtaken is not required to leave more than one-half of the roadway free.
Section 148(6) Bicycles Overtaken
Every person on a bicycle or a motor assisted bicycle who is overtaken by a vehicle or an equestrian traveling at a greater speed shall turn out to the right......
The theory of safe cycling proposes that every person who is in charge of a bicycle on a highway is a vehicle and should operate their vehicle as would the driver of a car, motorcycle or truck etc. CAN-BIKE Cyclist Training teaches cyclists to travel a straight line to be visible and predictable. This regulation re-enforces the negative idea that cyclists should "get out of the way". Section 148(6), should therefore be omitted from the Act as the contents of Section 148(5) appear to cover the issue.
Section 148(8) (Passing Meeting Vehicles)
No person in charge of a vehicle shall pass or attempt to pass another vehicle going in the same direction on a highway unless the roadway, (a) in front of and to the left of the vehicle to be passed is safely free from approaching traffic and (b) to the left of the vehicle passing or attempting to pass is safely free from overtaking traffic.
While the HTA is not specific on what constitutes sufficient room for overtaking, it would appear that the Ministry of Transportation driver examiners expect a driver to do a complete lane change while passing a cyclist. In low speed urban areas, it is preferable for the driver to pass a cyclist by straddling the center line, thereby allowing half a lane clearance for the cyclist. This maneuver creates a safer environment both for the cyclist and the motor vehicle operator.
Section 150(1) Passing to Right of Vehicle
The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only where such movement can be made in safety and, (a) the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn or its driver has signaled his or her intention to make a left turn; (b) is made on a highway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles in each direction; or (c) is made on a highway designated for the use of one-way traffic only.
This section should be amended to read vehicle and not just motor vehicle. A person who is operating a bicycle on a highway will at some time be required to pass another vehicle to the right, as would the driver of a motor vehicle. CAN-BIKE programs emphasize passing to the right of a motor vehicle "only where such movement can be made in safety."
30-Sep-2002, 12:23 PM
#9
Registered User
Thread Starter
![[1sL0CiviC]'s Avatar](https://www.civicforumz.com/customavatars/avatar12481_1.gif){kind=avatar}
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: J&F
Posts: 2,337
Originally posted by D-Type
I don't think those are a problem
I don't think those are a problem
dont quote me on this, i havent researched into it
OT: i love this smiley
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RealHatch
Honda Civic (+ other) Parts/Accessories for Sale or Trade
6
12-Dec-2005 01:24 AM
1ofAkind
Media - Non-Car Related
37
10-Aug-2005 11:39 AM
imported_TO23
Interior - Audio - Security
2
12-Feb-2005 11:30 PM
imported_Gino
Custom Honda Civic Exterior - Lighting
20
17-Jan-2003 10:36 PM
