Bracebridge OPP says a young cyclist was involved in a collision in Gravenhurst after a senior opened his car door and interfered with the biker's path.
OPP says the incident happened Monday, July 11, on Muskoka Road in the early afternoon.
According to officers, the youth was fortunately wearing his helmet, however, suffered minor injuries when he fell.
An 85-year-old from Peterborough was charged with opening his vehicle door improperly.
As summer is underway and people are enjoying the communities on bicycles, OPP would like to offer some reminders to motorists and cyclists about their responsibilities while sharing the roadway.
- Cyclists must follow the rules of the road, cycle on the right side of the road and respect traffic signals and signs.
- Motorists must respect that cyclists are entitled to adequate space while operating, 1 metre of space in fact.
- Communication is important and cyclists must use appropriate hand signals to indicate their intention to change lanes or direction and are to be allowed the road space to complete those manoeuvres.
- Safety is very important and everyone under the age of 18 must wear a properly fitting helmet or face a fine.
- The parent of a person under the age of 16 shall ensure that their youth is wearing a properly fitted helmet or face a fine.
- Mandatory equipment on a bicycle includes a noise maker such as a bell or horn, a light that must be on anytime after dusk and a reflector.
The OPP has a great partnership with Mac's (Circle K) Convenience Stores in support of a positive ticketing program.
OPP officers provide coupons (positive tickets) to youth when they are observed exhibiting positive behaviour such as wearing their bike helmets and following the safety rules.
The coupons bearing the OPP logo are redeemable for a free cold ('Froster') beverage during 'Operation Freeze' in the summer and a warm beverage (hot chocolate) during 'Operation Heat' in the winter months at Mac's (Circle K).
Feature image - file photo - Barrie 360
