Yes No Share to Facebook
Bicycle Brakes: Must Be Able to Make the Back Tire Skid on Pavement
Question: What are the braking requirements for bicycles on roadways in Ontario?
Answer: In Ontario, bicycles must be equipped with a braking system that can make the rear tire skid on dry, level, and clean pavement as per section 64(3) of the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8. Failing to comply can lead to fines ranging from $60 to $1,000, along with potential impacts on your driving record and insurance rates.
Understanding the Braking Requirements for Bicycles Operated Upon Roadways Including Potential Penalties
Many bicyclists may be surprised to learn that many traffic laws apply specific to bicyclists; including, among others, the requirement that a bicycle have a braking system capable of making the rear tire skid on dry, level, and clean pavement. If charged convicted, a bicyclist will have the charge applied to the driving record (Motor Vehicle Report) of the bicyclist.
The Law
The requirement that a bicycle must have a braking system capable of leaving a skid mark is prescribed per section 64(3) of the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8. The applicable penalty upon conviction for a violation is found at section 214(1) of the Highway Traffic Act as section 64(3) is silent about, meaning failing to state, the penalty details. Specifically, section 64(3) and section 214(1) of the Highway Traffic Act state:
Brakes on bicycle
64 (3) No person shall ride a bicycle on a highway unless it is equipped with at least one brake system acting on the rear wheel that will enable the rider to make the braked wheel skid on dry, level and clean pavement.
General penalty
214 (1) Every person who contravenes this Act or any regulation is guilty of an offence and on conviction, where a penalty for the contravention is not otherwise provided for herein, is liable to a fine of not less than $60 and not more than $1,000.
Accordingly, per the general penalty stated within section 214(1) as is shown above, the fine for operating a bicycle without a brake capable of causing the rear tire to skid on dry, level, and clean, pavement is in a range from sixty ($60) dollars to one thousand ($1,000) dollars. Additional penalties will include the statutory victim surcharge plus court cost. Furthermore, although such a charge involves operation of a bicycle, upon a conviction the bicyclist will have the conviction regarded as a driving offence which may result in consequences to automobile insurance rates.
Summary Comment
Operating a bicycle without a proper braking mechanism is risky to the bicyclist and others; and accordingly, the law forbids doing so and imposes a fine of up to one thousand ($1,000) dollars upon a finding of guilty when a bicyclist is charged and convicted.
