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8 Acton/Georgetown, Friday, July 4, 2008 With the arrival of the warm, dry weather, we think it is timely to write a reminder to bicy- clists and motor- ists reminding each of the rules of road. We want everybody to be safe this summer. According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act a bicycle is a vehicle. This means that as a bicycle operator you have the same rights and responsibilities to obey traffic laws as other road users. You MUST stop at red lights as well as stop signs. As you are operating a vehicle that is traveling slower than normal traffic you are required to drive as close as practicable to the right edge of the roadway, except when preparing to turn left or when passing another vehicle. This means you may ride far enough out from a curb, or shoulder to maintain a straight line, clear of hazards such as sewers, potholes, debris and parked car doors, but no further. Before you turn or change lanes, check over your shoulder for other vehicles and use arm signals. You MUST stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, and WALK your bike in the crosswalks if you are riding on a sidewalk. However, some Town bylaws may prohibit bicycle use on a sidewalk. Many bicycle enthusiasts enjoy riding in our vast rural com- munity. This privilege goes along with other responsibilities that include not disposing of your garbage along the roadway, no side by side riding, and obeying rules of the road which Ive described above. It seems that every year we have at least one tragedy to serve as a reminder that unsafe bicycle riding, or motoring around bicyclists, can have a serious or fatal outcome. Motor vehicle operators also have a responsibility to safely overtake bicyclists and to share the roadway with cyclists. There are also bicycle specific laws such as equipment requirements, front light, rear red light or reflectors, a bell and at least one brake. As community members, motorists, and cyclists, we can all do our part to promote safety on our roads, and enjoy an acci- dent free summer. Halton Regional Police Constable Chris Borak is the Acton village constable Const. Chris Borak Bicycles, you, and the law At the Mayors Tournament at Blue Springs Golf Course, Mayor Rick Bonnette hammed it up with his volun- teers as they prepared to tee off. Volunteers included (from left) Colin Ash, Ron McKnight, Bill Sanford, Loraine Bellizzi-Hoare, Tracy Marsh, Mary Shier, Bonnette, Daniel le Edwards, Doug Penrice, Amy Tawes, Marsha Bachelor, and Kathy Sanford. The tournament raised more than $40,000 to benefit heritage properties in Halton Hills. Photo by Ted Brown Golf tourney earns $40K for local heritage Please recycle this newspaper