Community Peace Officers and RCMP members promoting bike safety at the annual Bike Rodeo

Strathcona County offers a variety of cycling experiences, from recreational rides on paved trails to road cycling on urban streets and rural roadways. Whether you're cycling for fun, fitness or transportation, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities to help keep yourself and others safe.

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Bike safety tips

  • Cyclists under 18 years old are legally required to wear a helmet.

  • Wearing a helmet is strongly encouraged for adults.

  • When cycling at night, wear bright reflective clothing. Ensure your bike has a white headlight, red taillight and red rear reflector.

  • Obey all traffic signs and signals.

  • When cycling on the road, never ride against traffic. Stay out of right turn lanes when continuing straight and make left turns from the proper lane.

  • Ride predictably and use the proper hand signals to indicate turns.

  • When in a group, travel single file. Only travel beside another bicycle when passing.

Hand signals

  • Turn left: Extend your left arm straight out.

  • Turn right: Extend your left arm straight out and bend it upward at the elbow.

  • Stop: Extend your left arm straight out and bend it downward at the elbow.

Community Peace Officer and Safety Bear showing hand signals

Rules and regulations

Cycling in Strathcona County is regulated by Alberta's Traffic Safety Act and Vehicle Equipment Regulation.

  • 1. Bicycles

     Permanent link to Bicycles
    Bicycles
    • Cyclists and passengers under 18 years old are legally required to wear a helmet.
    • All bicycles must be equipped with a bell/horn, a brake and a reflector.
    • When passing pedestrians on trails, you must sound the horn or bell on your bike.
    •  If cycling at night or when visibility is low (less than 150 metres) a white headlight, a red taillight and red rear reflector are required.
    • Only pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. When traveling on sidewalks or trails, you must dismount and walk your bike across the street. If you are riding on the road, you are considered a motor vehicle and should continue in the lane you are riding in.  
    • Cyclists must travel single file.
    • Distracted driving rules also apply to cyclist. Using your phone while riding your bike can result in a $300 fine.
    • Impaired driving fines do not apply to cyclists. However, you could still face charges for being intoxicated in a public place or for operating a bicycle carelessly. Know your limitations and if you are impaired, arrange a safe alternative way home.

  • 2. E-bikes

     Permanent link to E-bikes
    E-bikes

    In addition to the rules and regulations that apply to traditional bicycles, e-bikes are also subject to the following:

    • Riders must be at least 12 years old.
    • Passengers are only allowed if the driver is over the age of 16.
    • To be classified as a power bicycle, the e-bike must have a max speed of 32 km/hr and working pedals. If the speed exceeds 32 km/hr or there are no pedals, the bike would be considered an off-highway vehicle.
    • E-bike don’t require a license, insurance or registration but still must follow rules of the road.

Positive Tickets

The Positive Tickets program recognizes everyday heroes for actions such as crossing safely at a pedestrian crosswalk, wearing a bike helmet, helping someone cross the street or being a good neighbour. When officers see a resident following the law or doing a good deed, they issue a “positive ticket.” These tickets are tokens of appreciation for positive behaviour. Along with a ticket, recipients may receive a voucher for ice cream, a drop-in recreation pass or County swag.

Resources

Further information:

RCMP and Enforcement Services
780-467-7741
911 Bison Way Sherwood Park, Alberta T8H 1S9

Related pages

Bike theft prevention

Protect your bike

 Events hosted by the RCMP, Victim Services or Enforcement Services

Safety events

 Police cars parked outside the RCMP station

Traffic Safety and Enforcement

Related topics

Walking and cycling trails

Bike Skills and Skate Parks

Lithium-ion battery safety

Off-highway vehicles

Sidewalk and trail construction

Pedestrian and bicyclist safety initiatives

Last updated: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Page ID: 39139