Cycling in Cochrane

The Town of Cochrane is committed to making cycling a safe and attractive transportation choice for people of all ages and abilities, for both commuting and recreational purposes. Multi-modal options can promote healthy transportation options and can also take vehicles off the road and reduce traffic volumes. 

Required cycling equipment 

• Helmet (youth under 18) - Cyclists and passengers under 18 must wear a properly fitting safety helmet that meets an approved standard.
• Brake - Your bike must have at least one working brake.
• Bell or horn - Your bike must be equipped with a bell or horn.
• Lamps and reflectors (after dark) - If you ride at night, your bike must have a front headlamp, a red rear tail lamp, and a red rear reflector.

Rules of the road

In Cochrane, cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as drivers, as well as the Town of Cochrane Traffic Bylaw.

Cyclists must:

• obey all traffic signs, signals and road markings.
• ride in the same direction as traffic.
• yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and on shared-use pathways.
• use designated bike lanes where provided.
• signal before turning or changing lanes.
• not carry more passengers than the bicycle is designed for.
• Not attach themselves to another moving vehicle.

Where bike lanes are not available, cyclists should ride as close as safely practicable to the right-hand side of the road, except when turning left or avoiding hazards.

Cochrane has different types of bike lanes designed to improve safety and support active transportation. Understanding how each type works helps cyclists and drivers share the road responsibly.