Modes of Transportation

Sharing the Road with Heavy Vehicles

As a cyclist, you must familiarize yourself with the limitations related to driving a heavy vehicle to better understand its manoeuvres and adopt safe cycling behaviours.

In the presence of a heavy vehicle

• Make visual contact with the driver. Otherwise, assume that the driver has not seen you.
• Avoid being in any of a heavy vehicle's blind spots.
• Pay attention to vehicles' turn signal lights and never pass a heavy vehicle on the right near an intersection.
• Never stop on the left or right side of a truck, bus or other heavy vehicle; rather, stop as far as possible in front of or behind the vehicle.
• Be visible (bright clothing, reflective strips, etc.).
• Do not rely on a bell, horn or your voice to warn the driver of your presence, because he or she will not hear you.
• A passing heavy vehicle can create enough turbulence to make you lose your balance. If a heavy vehicle is approaching, stop pedaling and hold firmly onto your handlebars.

Turning heavy vehicles: encroaching on neighbouring lanes

When turning right, a heavy vehicle may have to drift to the left to have enough room to perform the manoeuvre. Always remain far ahead or behind a heavy vehicle, never next to it, because you might lose the space you need if the heavy vehicle begins turning.

Blind spots

If you are in any one of a heavy vehicle's blind spots, the driver cannot see you.

Seeing a driver's eyes is important

If you cannot see the driver's eyes in a rearview mirror or through a window, you should assume that the driver cannot see you.

Be cautious near buses!

School buses

For your safety and the safety of others, you are required to stop at least 5 metres away from a school bus or minibus whose flashing lights are activated or whose stop arm is deployed. You are not required to stop when you are approaching a school bus or minibus that is in another lane that is separated by a median.

City buses

For your safety and the safety of others, it is recommended that you stop at least 5 metres away from the rear of a bus. Just like for other vehicles, never pass a bus on the right.

Last update: May 30, 2022