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Edmonton’s Safe Passing Bylaw: Pass Safe, Leave space

When we support active transportation like biking and walking, we reduce vehicles and traffic congestion on our streets and support physical activity. This makes Edmonton better for everyone.

Currently, some Edmontonians don’t feel safe when biking, walking, and rolling around Edmonton. The City of Edmonton wants to help Edmontonians travel safely together. 

Edmonton’s Safe Passing Distance Bylaw provides clear guidance for how much room people driving need to leave to safely pass people biking on the street. Passing at a safe distance helps make sure everyone gets to their destination incident-free.  

Four things to keep in mind when passing people cycling and scooting on the street: 

  • Pass safe, leave space. Leave 1 metre between you and the person biking where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less, and 1.5 metres where the speed limit is greater than 60 km/h
  • You may cross the solid yellow line, when safe, to give the required space. 
  • People biking or scooting on the street may be riding in the middle of the lane to avoid obstacles and debris close to the curb. 
  • Wait until it’s safe to pass. It won’t add much time to your trip! 

Let’s make Edmonton better for everyone, no matter how they move.

Get involved and learn more using the following resources: 

  • Watch and share this video to raise awareness of how to pass cyclists safely on the street
  • Read and share this booklet which sets clear expectations to keep everyone safe on our roads
  • Follow along with the hashtag #YEGstreets 
  • Learn more at edmonton.ca/SidebySide