What You Need to Know about Ellen’s Law
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The legislation to protect New Brunswick cyclists comes into effect this month and it has sparked thought-provoking dialogue around the province.
The province is the second in the Atlantic region after Nova Scotia to adopt some form of the one-metre law stating that motorists must give cyclists at least one meter of clearance when passing. New Brunswick’s legislation, introduced in early 2017, is known by many as Ellen’s Law – honouring the late Ellen Watters, an accomplished cyclist who died tragically in a collision with a motor vehicle in December 2016.
The legislation passed with remarkable speed, with the amendment coming into effect on June 1, 2017 – just in time for the cycling season. Though formal laws are an excellent starting point, the largest hurdles are yet to come. Enforcement, awareness, and public education are all factors that will make or break New Brunswickers’ buying in to the monumental law.
With 7,500 cyclists seriously injured each year, and 18 per cent of cyclists killed in motor vehicle collisions under age 16 (CAA) it is clear that public awareness levels are not where they should be nationally. New Brunswick is being presented with a unique opportunity to position itself as a leader in public safety education.
Thirty-three percent of New Brunswickers are hopping on the bike, according to Statistics Canada. Although this number lies below the national average of 41 percent, it represents a significant number of individuals who are running the roads on something other than a vehicle. This should be at top of mind for both advocacy and government organizations across the province as it underlines the importance of all road users sharing the road.
In the distracted, fast-paced world we live in, here are some tips to help us all Share The Road.
FOR MOTORISTS
SEE Check mirrors, scan around parked vehicles, shoulder check, and see far and wide.
COMMUNICATE Signal in advance and make eye contact—don’t use your horn.
BE AWARE Pay attention to cyclist routes, playground and school zones, and in parking lots.
KEEP AWAY Follow at least three to four seconds behind and leave lots of room when passing.
FOR CYCLISTS
DO ✔ Be alert.
✔ Be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians.
✔ Use hand signals.
✔ Use horns.
✔ Ride with your head up.
✔ Use lights in dark conditions.
✔ Ride on the right side of the road.
✔ Check municipal bylaws before group riding.
✔ Ride single file.
DON’T
✘ Ride against traffic.
✘ Wear headphones.
✘ Carry more people than the bike was designed for.
✘ Multi-task while riding.
✘ Cycle with one hand, except when making hand signals.
At the end of the day, all road users want to make it home to their families. Help them do that by keeping the dialogue moving in your home and office.
Share the Road, it’s the law