Monthly traffic safety message – Motorcycle safety tips
Staying safe means being visible. Since motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles, they can be difficult to see on roadways and in parking lots. Make yourself visible on a motorcycle by following these 5 steps.
- Wear reflective tape - place reflective tape around your wheel rims and on any part of your motorcycle that is closest to a light source. At night, reflective tape will make your motorcycle look like a bigger vehicle.
- Wear bright safety gear - you are just as visible as your bike when you're on the road. Wearing high visibility jackets and helmets like orange, yellow and white will instantly draw other motorists' eyes to you.
- Ride a bright bike - a brightly-coloured motorcycle increases your chance of being noticed by other motorists. Riding a black or darkly coloured bike makes it harder for drivers to see you.
- Avoid blind spots - whether you are driving on the highway or parking, always position yourself where other drivers can see you. Motorcycles can be difficult for drivers to see in their rear-view mirrors. Find a lane position where you can be seen by all cars on the road.
- Use your brakes - if another vehicle is following you too closely or you are concerned that they are not slowing down fast enough behind you, tap your brakes. By doing so, your brakes will act like a giant blinker light warning other motorists of your location and distance from theirs. Cochrane's Municipal Enforcement commits to the safety of all residents and visitors who use our roads, sidewalks and pathways.
Community Peace Officers enforce the Traffic Safety Act and other provincial traffic regulations, prioritizing school and playground zones, high-complaint areas, and high-infraction areas. Officers work with the RCMP on the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), which improves public safety and patrol highways 1A and 22 within Cochrane limits.
Safety reminders
- Stop for school buses
- Stop for pedestrians
- Always use seat belts and car seats for children
- Do not go over the speed limit
- Never drive distracted
- Slow down and obey speed limit in construction zones
RV & trailer parking
You can park your RV or trailer on your driveway from May 1-October 31. After October 31, all RVs and all types of trailers must be removed. A resident in violation of this bylaw will receive a fine of at least $250.
Recreational vehicle (RV) and trailer laws in Cochrane are outlined in Land Use Bylaw No. 01/2022 and Traffic Bylaw No. 02/2005.
Speed limits
- Cochrane has a speed limit of 50 km/hour unless otherwise posted
- Residential area speed reduces to 30 km/hour
- School zone's speed is 30 km/hour between the hours of 7am-9pm on school days
- Alleyways speed reduces to 20 km/hour
School bus safety
- When amber lights are flashing, slow down and proceed with caution
- When red lights are flashing and the stop sign is out, you must come to a complete stop until the lights stop flashing
Bike safety
- Give pedestrians the right of way on pathways at all times
- Slow down and give plenty of audible warning when passing (bells, horns)
- Ride in single file