Cycling

Fredericton is connected by 45 km of bike lanes and 39 km of bike routes. From getting to work to exploring the trails, cycling is an adventurous way to discover the city.

Bike Lanes

These were recommended as part of the Bikeway Master Plan (PDF) completed in 2007. Bike lanes feature signage as well as lines and symbols painted on the street. Located on the travelled portion of the street, bike lanes are designed for one-way cyclist traffic. White lines, with an outline of a bicycle painted within the lane, help to separate the bike lane from the roadway. A diamond in the lane means that the lane is reserved for bicycles only—vehicle parking is not permitted. If there is no diamond painted in the lane, vehicle parking is permitted and cyclists should expect parked cars.

Image of a bike lane painted on a road. There is a white line dividing the bike lane from the car traffic. There is also a stencilled bicycle on the bike lane.

Image of a bike lane painted on a road. There is a white line dividing the bike lane from the car traffic. There is also a stencilled bicycle and a yield diamond on the bike lane.

Of course, in addition to bike routes and lanes, cyclists are as entitled to travel along all city streets as drivers are. Motorists and cyclists are reminded to be on the lookout for each other and for pedestrians. All road users must obey the rules of road and share it safely.

Bike Routes

Different road signage indicating bicycle transiting.

Bike routes (PDF)—watch for the “Bicycle Route” and “Share the Road” signs—are identified by signage only. They’re typically installed along arterial and major collector streets, which have high motorized traffic volumes or where the existing cross section cannot accommodate bike lanes. There are also bike routes on residential streets where the road is too narrow to allow for a bike lane.

Bicycle Safety Tips

Helmets

The New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act requires that all individuals operating a bicycle wear a helmet that complies with the regulations set out by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and safety. Ensure that your helmet fits you properly, and look for certification stickers like CSA, EN, ASTM, CPSC, or Snell B90/B95 to ensure a helmet is thoroughly tested for safety. Below are some tips for fitting a helmet properly.

Fit the helmet snugly on the head. It should not rock or twist.
Make sure it sits low on the forehead (only 1 to 2 finger widths above the eyebrows).
Centre the chinstrap buckle under the chin.
Adjust the straps to form a V-shape underneath and slightly forward of the ears.
Tighten the chinstrap. Only 1-2 fingers should fit under the chin.

Avoiding Accidents

There are important precautions you can take to prevent an accident on your bike.

Ride a bike that fits you—if it’s too big, it’s harder to control the bike.
Perform a quick safety check before heading out on your ride- remember ABC- check the Air in the tires, Brakes and brake pads, and ensure the Chain is tight, clean, well-lubricated, and rust-free.
Wear equipment to protect you and make you more visible to others, like a bike helmet, bright clothing (during the day), reflective gear, and a white front light and red rear light and reflectors on your bike (at night, or when visibility is poor).
Ride with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn.
Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike.
Tuck and tie your shoelaces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain.
Plan your route—if driving as a vehicle on the road, choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path.

Drive Defensively

Be focused and alert to the road and all traffic around you; anticipate what others may do, before they do it. The quicker you notice a potential conflict, the quicker you can act to avoid a potential crash.

Drive with the flow, in the same direction as traffic.
Obey street signs, signals, and road markings, just like a car.
Look ahead for hazards or situations to avoid that may cause you to fall, like pebbles, potholes, grates, train tracks.
No texting, listening to music or using anything that distracts you by taking your eyes, ears, or your mind off the road and traffic.

Be Predictable

Cycling Infrastructure

In order to further encourage the choice of cycling in the City of Fredericton, the city provides bike rack and Fixit stations for cyclists at various locations in the city.

Bike Lockers

Bike Racks

The Fixit

The City of Fredericton has installed four bicycle repair stations along its trail network. You'll find stations:

On the North Riverfront Trail near Picaroons
On the South Riverfront Trail near the Lighthouse
Along the Crosstown Trail near the outdoor gym on Beaverbrook Street
At the Lincoln Trail crossing near the Experimental Farm.

These stations have all the tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat tire to adjusting brakes and derailleurs. The tools and air pump are securely attached to the stand with stainless steel cables and tamper-proof fasteners. Hanging the bike from the hanger arms allows the pedals and wheels to spin freely while making adjustments.