Bicycle Route
The bicycle route sign indicates those streets that form a part of the Bicycle Route Network. These streets are shown on the Ottawa Cycling Map.
Bicycle with Arrow
Indicates that the direction of a bicycle route is changing.
Bicycle Lane
Bicycle lanes are marked with a solid white line, typically 1.5 to 2.0 metres from the curb or edge of road. Bicycle symbols are painted at regular intervals to indicate that these lanes are for use by cyclists.
Reserved Bicycle Lane
Reserved lane signs indicate that lanes are reserved for bicycles.
Special Vehicle Lane
Reserved for specific vehicles (buses, carpools, bicycles). In Ottawa, cyclists may ride in these marked or signed reserved lanes.
Shared Pathway
Indicates an off-street pathway shared by pedestrians and cyclists. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians.
Bicycle Detour
Bicycle detour signs indicate an alternate route for bicycles where construction activities require closure of the usual bicycle route.
Three Yellow Dots
These three dots are painted at intersections and indicate the most responsive part of a metal-detecting loop embedded in the pavement. This loop senses when a vehicle, including a bicycle, is stopped and changes the signal from red to green.
Two Stage Left-Turn Bike Box
These bike boxes will be provided at all intersections along Laurier Avenue West in the north-south directions to help facilitate two-stage left turns for cyclists. Cyclists turning left will be expected to first proceed straight through an intersection and then wait in the designated left-turn bike box for the green signal on the cross street to complete their left turn movement.
Bike Box
A bike box is used at intersections to designate a space for cyclists to wait in front of cars at a red light, and to proceed through the intersection first when the light turns green, followed by drivers. Look for Ottawa's first bike box at the Bay St. and Wellington St intersection.
Sharrows
Sharrows are road markings showing a bicycle with two chevrons. The purpose of a sharrow is to remind residents to share the road when driving or cycling in Ottawa.
Vehicles yield to bikes
- A new traffic sign instructs motorists to remember to yield to cyclists and pedestrians when making right turns.
- A straight arrow signal followed by a green ball will allow pedestrians and cyclists to move through intersections ahead of turning motorists. When the traffic signal turns green:
- Cyclists proceed through the intersection first, followed by drivers.
- Drivers should remember to check for cyclists to their right before turning right.