Cycling and Pedestrian Safety

Cyclists are treated the same as vehicles under the Yukon Motor Vehicles Act. This means that when riding on Yukon roadways, cyclists have the same rights, duties, and obligations as motorists. The City of Whitehorse also has a Bicycle Bylaw. Cyclists committing an infraction can be charged, fined, and have their bicycle seized.

Bike lanes are a portion of the road reserved for one-way travel by bicycle. Vehicles are not permitted to drive, park or block the lane, including at intersections.  Whitehorse is in the process of re-signing 4th Avenue to improve the visibility of bike lanes, especially in the spring when the lines are worn off the road way. Bike lanes will be repainted with a bicycle and a diamond - the diamond is the symbol accepted in Canada to signify that only the modes of transport listed are allowed to travel in the lane.

The City welcomes and encourages use of its cycling routes and trails. Here are a few reminders for safe cycling:

• Ensure your bike is in good working order and fits correctly. 
• Ensure your brakes work well and maintain them regularly. You should be able to fully engage the brakes without the levers touching the handlebars. 
• Shoulder check regularly, and use a mirror to monitor traffic. 
• Watch for doors opening on parked cars, pedestrians darting into your path, or other dangerous situations. 
• Use a white cycling light or headlamp in the front and a red rear light. Wear bright reflective clothing. 
• Carry tools and a cell phone. 
• Lock your bike when unattended. 
• Wear a helmet. Bicycle helmets are required under the Bicycle Bylaw. 
• Obey all traffic devices and signs. 
• Use proper hand signals. 
• Ride single file when riding with other cyclists. 
• When using multi-use trails, keep right. Before passing, ring your bell and say “passing on your left.” 
• Do not use the roadway on Two Mile Hill. Please use the multi-use trails on either side. 
• Except where bicycles are designed for more than one rider, it is illegal to carry more than one person on a bicycle. 
• Tell someone of your route and time of return, especially when using wilderness trails. Be bear aware.
• Check out this website for more information.