Can you cycle defensively by taking the lane? Depends on which police force you ask

When are cyclists allowed to take up the lane? 

Most agree, Ontario's Highway Traffic Act leaves some room for interpretation. Section 147(1) reads:

Any vehicle travelling upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at any time and place shall, where practicable, be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

Some cyclists, such as Joy Cameron of London, Ont., will tell you the word 'practicable' isn't clear. Cameron rides her bike religiously around the city, and when she's not feeling safe, she rides in the middle of the lane so cars can only pass her using the opposing lane of traffic.

Last month, that decision seemed to upset a driver who was laying on the horn while following Cameron down Wortley Ave., for a number of blocks. A bystander called the police, and the attending officer handed out warnings to both the driver for excessive honking and to Cameron for not sharing the road.

• When can cyclists take the lane? Police and city offer conflicting advice

In subsequent correspondence with the London Police, Cst. Sandasha Bough said, "We support safe cycling, and acknowledge the vulnerability that may result from cycling on roadways where designated bike lanes do not exist."

Bough did not list defensive cycling as a reason for taking the lane; instead, naming road conditions such as potholes, construction and parked cars.

Here's what Ottawa Police say about taking the lane

In an email to CBC News, a spokesperson agreed that enforcement is up to individual officers, but said pointed to its bike safety page that states, "You may occupy any part of a lane when your safety warrants it. Never compromise your safety just for the convenience of others."

That page also encourages cyclists to ride 'predictably and defensively.'

In 2016, Ottawa Police released this video warning drivers to give cyclists space:

What about Toronto Police?

"The cyclist can take the lane," said Sgt. Jason Kraft of the Toronto Police's Traffic Services.

"At the end of the day, it's about sharing the road and being responsible and ensuring that you're safe as a vulnerable road user," said Kraft. Officers are given discretion and must consider all the facts when enforcing the Highway Traffic Act, he said.

"The cyclist can determine what is safe for them and move away from that right side if they deem it to be unsafe for them to travel in," said Kraft.

"I'd rather be safe as a cyclist than right," said Kraft.