November 06, 2012 (Calgary, AB) – Two months ago, Bike Calgary submitted a letter to Minister of Transportation Ric McIver in which we pointed out that the Winter 2011 edition of the Alberta Driver’s Guide suggests that cyclists must always hug the right curb by leaving out the all-important “as practicable” in “ride as close to the curb as practicable,” i.e., as close to the right curb as is safe and legal.  The new edition of the Driver’s Guide puts this important qualification back in and deletes another “cyclists must ride close to the curb”. It also includes clear wording indicating that:

– Cyclists must turn from the proper lane (i.e., the inside lane when turning left), and that motorists should give them extra consideration
– Cyclists have the same rights as motorists to proceed at intersections
– Motorists should change lanes when passing a bicycle
– Motorists should shoulder-check

• before making a right turn, to avoid “right hooks”
• check before opening car doors
• before pulling away from the curb

– Motorists should not tail-gate cyclists

Many thanks to the Alberta Ministry of Transportation and Minister McIver for being mindful of the importance of safe and accurate information regarding cyclists and other vulnerable road users in Alberta driver training.

Read the letter Bike Calgary submitted to the Minister of Transportation HERE.