New cycling rules, safety tips highlighted

Ottawa police Const. Chuck Benoit is also a cycling instructor — and he sat down with Adrian Harewood on Our Ottawa this week to review some of the new road rules implemented this month along with general safety tips.

The "one-metre rule," for example, came into effect across Ontario on Sept. 1, requiring a minimum buffer zone between motorists and cyclists whenever possible. 

Motorists now face a fine of $110 and two demerit points for failing to do so.

"We're not out there to measure how far you're going to be. It's a visual thing," Benoit said. "If you're passing too close, you get into an accident."

Motorists also face a minimum fine of $365 and three demerit points for dooring a cyclist.

Cyclists now face a fine of $110, up from $20, for failing to use the required bicycle lights and reflectors.

Also on Our Ottawa this week

• Coin Contest: An Ottawa man is a finalist in a Royal Canadian Mint contest that could see his design on a new coin for Canada's 150th birthday.
• Back to School: The number of international students in Ontario high schools has been increasing.
• Friendship Bench: A bright yellow bench installed at Carleton University is a bereaved father's reminder to students to talk about depression.
• Deen Squad: Two young Muslims from Ottawa express their faith through hip hop music.
• CBC Rewind: We look back at 1953 for the Queen's Coronation for her 1973 visit to Canada as she becomes Britain's and Canada's longest-serving monarch.

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