Summer driving: tips for sharing the road with bicycles this summer
5 minute read Published on Jul 19, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
Sharing the road with cyclists is a year-round responsibility. But in the summertime, it becomes especially important. Whether it’s people commuting to work, children soaking up the sun, e-bikes or group cyclists, bikes are everywhere. That’s why drivers and cyclists need to understand how to anticipate each other’s next move and how to stay safe.
Why summer raises the stakes
Warmer weather means more cyclists on the roads. In fact, cycling to work and recreationally has grown significantly across Canada, with approximately 6% of commuters either biking or walking to work since 2021.
With more road users during the summer months, drivers can encounter a wide range of skill levels and unpredictable risk exposures. From summer events, patios and parked cars, to construction zones, these factors all become new points of conflict for motorists.
At the same time, visibility is also a challenge, especially in locations like downtown Toronto and Vancouver, where sun glare, heat haze and naturally busy environments make it harder to spot oncoming cyclists.
See more, sooner (glare, scanning, shoulder checks)
To stay alert and see more sooner, consider managing sun glare by cleaning your windshields. Opting for polarized sunglasses and proper visor angles can also help maintain optimal visibility levels.
When sharing the road with riders, you’ll also want to scan your surroundings. Look ahead, side-to-side and check your mirrors constantly. Shoulder check before turning or crossing into bike lanes, as you’re actively dealing with blind spots that could hide bicyclists.
And remember, look twice before turning right on red or green lights, bicyclists can appear out of nowhere, especially if riders are on e-bikes or are descending hills.
Rainy tip: Because the summer months in Canada also come with the occasional poor weather, make sure to reduce your speed in rainy conditions or during the evening, as wet surfaces can make cyclists less visible in low light conditions and reduce your braking distance.
Pass the right way (full-lane changes beat squeezes)
While you’re out driving this summer, make sure you are sharing the road safely with everyone, including cyclists. We compiled the following tips to help you better understand how to make the roads safer for anyone on a bicycle. Take a look:
Multi-lane urban streets
Urban streets can be unpredictable and busy. Here's what you should keep in mind:
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The safest way to pass a bicyclist is by making a full lane change, not by squeezing by them.
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Give at least one metre or more of clearance between you and riders.
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Avoid passing cyclists in intersections, near parked vehicles or in areas with a high pedestrian count.
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Never cut back into traffic too early. Wait until you can fully see the biker in your rearview mirror.
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In urban areas where cycling is more common, slow down slightly before passing. This gives you time to react if the rider needs to navigate potholes, open car doors or avoid other debris.
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Signal your intent to pass early and avoid accelerating until you have fully passed the cyclist.
Two-lane rural road and blind hills
While rural areas may not be as busy as the city, they still have their own risks. Here's how you can navigate them:
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Navigating rural roads means you often don’t have the luxury of a road shoulder. Therefore, you’ll need to slow down and wait for a clear passing zone as per your local rules of the road.
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Never pass a biker near a blind curve or on a hill. Cyclists can be hit from behind with nowhere to go, causing serious injuries.
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Remember that cyclists are vulnerable at high speeds. Communicate your intention early and avoid aggressive acceleration when passing.
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If you’re passing on a narrow rural road, maintain a lower speed until you’ve safely passed them.
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Flash your headlights lightly or signal early to alert cyclists if it’s safe and legal to do so in your area.
Intersections and turning safety tips
Every year, bike accidents claim the lives of 74 Canadians on average, with car crashes accounting for 73% of these fatalities. To navigate intersections and turn correctly:
Bike boxes and green paint
Keep the following in mind:
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Bike boxes and green-painted lanes help prevent collisions in areas where bicyclists are most vulnerable, like intersections and turning lanes.
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Always check your mirrors and scan your surroundings before moving.
Stop behind the green box and yield to oncoming cyclists.
General safety tips
You should always be cautious while driving. Ensure that you:
Watch for oncoming cyclists, especially at busy intersections.
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Scan pedestrian crosswalks, bike lanes and other pathways before entering the road.
Make eye contact with those cycling if possible.
Always shoulder check before turning right.
Lanes, sharrows & advisory bike lanes (what drivers do)
Here's what you should know:
Do not drive or stop in designated bike lanes at any time.
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On sharrows or shared travel lanes, keep a safe distance between you and bikers at all times.
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Be prepared to stop if a cyclist is changing lanes to avoid debris. Following too closely can lead to major collisions and injuries.
Doors and curbside etiquette
Bikes can travel fast and you never know when they might be approaching your car. Keep the following in mind:
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Opening doors while a cyclist is passing can cause severe injuries.
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Dutch reach technique: Use your right hand to open your door. This will force you to spin around and look for oncoming bikers.
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Don’t forget to check your mirrors and shoulder check accordingly.
E-bikes, cargo bikes and children
There are many different types of bikes:
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E-bikes can accelerate a lot quicker than traditional bikes. Make sure to account for these speeds while driving.
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Cargo bikes are wider, heavier and slower to move. Remember to give them space on the roadway.
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Kids can be highly unpredictable. Slow down, follow the rules of the road and give them more than enough space to travel safely in case they make sudden changes in their movements.
Group rides and trail crossings
It's important that you:
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Never weave through groups of cyclists. Treat groups like a single unit.
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Only pass groups when you can clearly see all bikers at the same time.
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At trail crossings, approach slowly and yield to bikers who may be entering at high speeds.
Be patient, cyclists have the same rights as you do.
Communication and courtesy
Remain respectful, patient, and clear with your actions while on the road:
Signal early.
Make eye contact when possible.
Avoid honking.
Be courteous to bikers to avoid road rage.
Summer checklist
Clean your windshield and mirrors.
Adjust your visor when dealing with glare.
Review road markings along your commute.
Review hand signals to improve road safety.
Plan your routes ahead and remain patient.
Increase the following distance around cyclists.
Contact BrokerLink today
Accidents can happen anytime and the damage it can cause might cost you – financially and emotionally. Aside from following safety precautions, it’s also a good idea to purchase an auto insurance plan that will cover liability and damages caused by accidents that happen on the road.
Professional advice from BrokerLink's experienced insurance brokers can help guide you through an accident. It’s easy to get in touch with a BrokerLink insurance advisor!