There is no easy answer to this question! Cycling laws are both written and unwritten. It is your responsibility to understand the rules that apply when you are cycling. Unwritten laws include the common law rules of negligence. Everyone has a duty to take reasonable care not to harm others by their activities. If you do not take reasonable care and you cause harm, you could be sued for damages. Written laws are found in federal and provincial legislation and a town or city’s bylaws. Some written laws that affect cyclists are “laws of general application” which means they apply to everyone, including cyclists. For example, the Criminal Code sets out criminal laws that must be obeyed across Canada. If you intentionally run into a pedestrian with your bike, this could be considered assault under section 265 of the Criminal Code. This section does not contain the word “bicycle” but it still applies to cyclists. Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act contains laws that apply specifically to cyclists in Alberta, such as using bicycles on roads and safety equipment requirements. Each city or town may also have bylaws specific to cyclists. For more information about cycling in Calgary or in Edmonton, see the links at the bottom of this page. For a more detailed review of the laws for cyclists, follow the link at the bottom of the page to the LawNow article “Bicycle Law in Alberta.” Last Reviewed: June 2019