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▶ Cycling Safety

We often hear the phrase "Safety is a Shared Responsibility" when it comes to Road Safety and the interaction of pedestrians, people on bikes, and drivers.  The responsibility cannot be equal of course, because of the severe harm to Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) that can be caused by heavy motorized vehicles.  Vision Zero policies, when fully implemented, can provide some protection to VRUs, but until then, and even if then, people on bikes must always look out for their own safety.  This includes operating the bicycle according to the municipality's rules, being properly equipped and using discretion about where it is safe enough to ride until at least a Minimum Grid is completed.   ▶ See also: Bike Maps & Handbooks; Workshops & Repair Hubs  ▶ See also from: Road Safety


Sidewalk Riding

[Updated: October 10, 2025]  ▶ See also from: Traffic Speeds

Sidewalk riding is not usually the focus of a dedicated article, but two were published in 2018.  Sidewalk riding is becoming even more of an issue with the 3-year Pilot Project: Shared e-Scooters (and e-bikes) initiated in June 2024, but the same reason applies: riders do not feel safe on the road without separation and protection from traffic going at high speeds.

Toronto Star article (August 1, 2018): Mississauga residents are frustrated with sidewalk-riding cyclists.

Mississauga News article (August 1, 2018): Mississauga residents concerned with cyclists packing sidewalks — but are unsafe roads driving them up there?

Excerpt:  Residents in Mississauga are becoming increasingly frustrated with an old problem — cyclists on sidewalks, but a member of the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee says the fault is not entirely on the cyclists themselves but rather on the lack — or nonexistent in Mississauga’s case — of protected bike lanes available for safe cycling on main roads ... compared to other jurisdictions "we are lagging behind".

CONTEXT: The 2010 Cycling Master Plan did not deliver anywhere near the planned 30 km a year (for 20 years) of cycling infrastructure.  From 2010 to 2016 (7 years), 80 km of cycling infrastructure in total was constructed in Mississauga, including 12 km of sharrows (which is not infrastructure).  The target number for 2018 was only 9.5 km.  Implementation of the 2018 Cycling Master Plan Update was to take an additional 27 years with the approved annual funding level and subject to annual continuation by future Councils.  The pace of implementation since then put completion at the century (100 years) mark.  This is a long time to wait for a completed cycling network, especially since it is dependent on opportunity i.e. other scheduled road work, rather than priority-driven.

With the 2025 Cycling Master Plan Update underway, and a stated goal of a rapid (5 year) Minimum Grid build of a safe and connected network, perhaps the issue of sidewalk riding will fade away.

CITY BY-LAW: The City of Mississauga Traffic (Parking) By-law 0555-2000 prohibits bicycle riding on the sidewalk with the exception of bicycles with all wheels 50 centimetres (20 inches) or less in diameter.  The intent of this by-law is to allow children to cycle on the sidewalk.  The set fine for riding on the sidewalk is $35 although it is understood that where road conditions are unsafe, riders must use the sidewalk for self-preservation.



Bike Helmets

[Posted: October 18, 2025]

Under provincial law, all minors (i.e. under 18 years old) are required to wear an approved bicycle helmet when cycling on any public road.  For a child under 16, it is the duty of the parent or guardian to ensure that the helmet is worn.  For youths 16 or 17, it is their own personal responsibility to wear a helmet.

All City-sponsored cycling events in Mississauga require helmets, as do all other volunteer Group Rides programs.

The Region of Peel Walk + Roll program has an informative webpage Cycling safely and comfortably which includes instructions for fitting a bike helmet.

To be effective, a bike helmet must be properly fitted and positioned on the head: How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet

How does a bicycle helmet work?



Bike Bells

[Posted: October 19, 2025]

A working bike bell is legally required by the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA).  There is a set fine of $110 for a bell found broken or missing.

Bicycles and e-bikes are quiet and may not be heard by other users on Multi-Use or Park Trails.  If a predestrian or cyclist ahead of you on a shared trail doesn't seem to hear your bell (or mild horn), call out "passing on the left". Gently re-ring the bell as a warning and S-L-O-W your speed when passing.  Do not come up suddenly on other trail users and startle them just as you are about to pass!

Canadian Cycling Magazine article (July 15, 2023): A tiny bell can be a great boon for a rider: An essential piece of equipment for commuter bikes... by Dave Shellnutt.

Excerpt:  But that little ringer allows you to do your part in the battle for safe streets.  Being vigilant to the concerns of pedestrians, yielding to them and warning of your approach is your duty and goes a long way in pushing back against the narrative of the lawless scofflaw cyclist that is used to vilify our community and block the creation of more safe infrastructure.



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