Bike Lanes

Question:

Is there a law that requires a bicyclist to use a marked and signed bicycle lane?  Are there any exceptions?

Answer:

There is no statute that specifically states that a bicyclist must use a bicycle (bike) lane.  There is also no statutory definition of the term “bicycle lane”.  Bicycle lanes are described as “preferential and exclusive use” as opposed to “mandatory” such as a stop sign.  The physical presence of a bicyclist in a bike lane though, is made mandatory in some cases by the provisions in the bicycle regulations that require cyclists to keep right under certain circumstances.  Lacking any of the exceptions to the “keep right” rules, keeping right would mean staying in the bike lane.  There are many exceptions though, and the fact that the bicycle lane is present does not, in itself, mean that the cyclist must always stay in the bike lane.  The laws allow the cyclist to accomplish everything they practically need to do in safety.