The City's network of cycling routes and bikeways is designed to encourage cyclists to be a part of the local transportation system. Providing new transportation opportunities increase mobility options, improves accessibility to major centres and residential areas, reduces traffic congestion, lessens pollution and improves air quality, and enhances the liveability and quality of life for residents.
The City has developed a
Cycle Network Plan based on input from the public as well as from City staff and the Ministry of Transportation and Highways.
City Bikeways and Bike Lanes
The Bikeways and Bike Lanes Map plots the City of Prince George's bike lanes in a printout that folds up into a pocket guide. It includes all route and sign information needed to travel safely as a cyclist or motorist.
The pocket-sized map can be picked up at the Service Centre at City Hall or at local bike stops. A copy may also be downloaded:
Download the City of Prince George Bikeways and Bike Lanes Map [PDF]
City Trails
The City of Prince George also offers a large number of multi-use trails for recreation and transportation. Many on-road bikeways connect to off-road bike lane trails.
Learn more about Trails in the City of Prince George
Non-City Biking Trails
Cyclist Trail Symbols and Signs
When biking on the many City trails, please remember to share the trail with other users including pedestrians, joggers, equestrians, and people with mobility devices. The right sign indicates a multi-use trail and the left sign indicates a trail is a shared-pathway. Yield to walkers when on an off-street pathway shared by people walking and cycling.
Road Rules
Both cyclists and drivers have rights and responsibilities and should respect each other's right to share the road. The Motor Vehicle Act and City by-laws apply to cyclists too.
Cyclists are required to:
- Wear approved bicycle helmets.
- Have a front white light and rear red light, if riding after sunset or before sunrise.
- Ride on the right, in the same direction as traffic.
- NOT ride abreast of another cyclist.
- NOT pass on the right, unless in a bike lane or passing a vehicle turning left.
- NOT ride on sidewalks.
- NOT ride on crosswalks.
- Yield when transit buses signal their intention to pull out into traffic.
Cyclists should:
- Put reflective materials on their bicycle and clothing.
- Use a bell to alert others.
- Ride one metre from the edge of the road or parked cars.
- Choose to take up the whole lane when the curb lane is narrow.
- Ride in a straight lane.
- Use hand signals.
- NOT make a left turn from the right side of the road.
- NOT wear headphones.
Hand Signals
Always make hand signals well in advance of any turn and not just when you think signals needed. First shoulder check, then hand signal, and then - with both hands on the handlebars - shoulder check again before making the turn or the stop.
For everybody's safety, please use the following hand signals when cycling on roads or trails.
A cyclist showing the proper hand signal for a left turn.
A cyclist showing the proper hand signal for a right turn.
A cyclist using the alternative hand signal for a right turn.
Stopping
On a bicycle with hand brakes, the front brake accounts for up to 80 per cent of the stopping power during abrupt braking because forward momentum puts most weight over the front wheel. For optimum stopping power, shift weight towards the rear and try to keep the centre of gravity low and towards the rear wheel. This, in addition to using both brakes, will reduce the tendency for the rear wheel to skid and will increase stability.
It is also important to understand proper lane positioning of cyclists when turning and sharing the road.
When approaching an intersection with several lanes, choose the lane with the arrow pointing in the desired direction. Cyclists may get cut off by turning cars if not in the appropriate lane. If it is not possible to make it across traffic to position in the correct lane, there is the choice to dismount and walk in the crosswalk instead. It is illegal to cycle in a crosswalk.
Cyclists are allowed on all highways except designated freeways. Cyclists may also have certain restrictions on bridges or Schedule 1 highways. Events that take place on a Provincial Highway like triathlons, parades, rallies, relay races, bicycle races and fundraising events require special permission.
Learn more about BC Cycling Regulations, Restrictions, and Rules of the Road
Street Signs and Symbols to Know
The City posts different signs and painted pavement markings to let cyclists know where to ride safely. These signs and symbols are also useful to ensure a safe environment for both drivers and cyclists. The sign standards for cycling are governed by the Government of British Columbia through the BC Provincial Sign Program.
Get to know these signs and symbols:
Bike Route sign
Tells riders they are entering a designated bicycle route.
Diamond-and-Bicycle-Symbol (for Dedicated Bicycle Lanes)
Motor vehicles, buses, and motorcycles are not permitted to travel or stop in dedicated bicycle lanes unless making a right turn onto a crossing street. Transit buses may stop at designated stops indicated along the dedicated bicycles lanes.
To locate a dedicated bicycle lane, look for this sign or symbol.
Sign located on the right of road
For dedicated bike lanes, look for this sign on the right side of the road.
Symbol located on the roadway
For dedicated bike lanes, look for this symbol located on the road. Please do not drive or park in this dedicated bike lane.
Shared Roadways
Motorised vehicle drivers: Position vehicles according to the sign on the right side of the road. See related signs and symbols below.
Cyclists: Rider and bicycle must position along the pavement symbol below (in the middle of the double-arrow sharrow) to safely share the road with other vehicles. See related signs and symbols below.
Symbol located on the roadway
For shared lanes, look for this symbol located on the road. Cyclists should ride in-between parked vehicles and vehicles on the road.
Sign located on the right of road
For shared roadways of motorised vehicle drivers and cyclists, look for this sign on the right side of the road. Drivers and cyclists would ride next to each other as indicated in the symbol.
Symbol located on the roadway
For shared use lanes, look for this sharrow double-arrow symbol located on the road. Cyclists and motor vehicle drivers should ride single file (one behind the other) on the road. Passing is not allowed by drivers or cyclists.
Sign located on the right of road
For shared use roadways, look for this sign on the right side of the road. Drivers and cyclists would ride single file (one behind the other) as indicated in the symbol. Passing is not allowed by drivers or cyclists.
Cyclists Yield to Traffic Symbols
In designated areas, cyclists must yield to traffic, including buses and other motorized vehicles.
Cyclists: Yield to other traffic when sign is seen.
Transition symbols
In some cases roadways change from having a designated bike lane to sharing the lane with cyclists and motorised vehicle drivers. In this scenario, the roadway will transition to a shared lane and the corresponding signs and symbols below will be displayed.
Symbol located on the roadway
Dedicated bicycle lanes may transition to shared lanes, when there is insufficient width on a roadway. The diamond-and-bicycle symbol with the word "ends" means a dedicated bicycle lane will end and transition into a shared lane with motorised vehicles. Cyclists and drivers: please prepare to share the road when this transition sign is seen.
Sign located on the right of road
Sign indicating a dedicated bicycle lane ends, and a share the road lane begins. Cyclists and drivers: prepare to transition and share the road.
Download the Government of BC's Bicycle Signs Guide [PDF]
Programs and Services for Cyclists
Public Transit
The entire City of Prince George Transit bus fleet is equipped with bicycle racks and can carry up to two bikes at a time. Bicycles can be loaded onto the bus racks any time of the day.
Downtown Bicycle Parking
Free public bicycle racks are available throughout the downtown and at City civic facilities. There are many other private bicycle racks located throughout the City as well.
Bike to Work Week
The City and other businesses encourage residents and employees to bike to work. Cycling is great for providing fitness opportunities, reducing traffic congestion, and improving air quality and quality of life.
Learn more about Bike to Work Week
Cyclist Training
Consider registration in an approved cycling course taught by licensed cycling instructors such as CANBIKE I and II to improve skills, knowledge, and confidence on the road.