Committed to safer roads for everyone
We believe safety is more than just technology and we continue to work tirelessly to support riders, drivers, and people on bicycles. In partnership with Share the Road Cycling Coalition, these are tips for riders and drivers to help raise awareness of bike safety in Canada.
Safe pickups and dropoffs
If you’re dropping off or picking up a rider near a bike lane, remember that it’s illegal in many cities to stop in or block the bike lane. People on bikes appreciate a clear bike lane and a safe space to travel. Stopping in a bike lane creates a safety hazard to people on bikes, who must then merge with moving vehicle traffic to go around cars. Instead, you may wish to carefully pull to the side of the travel lane, into a parking lane, or a street without a bike lane.
Here are a few safety tips when driving with Uber:
Sharing the road
On the road, people on bikes have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Driving courteously and with tolerance recognizes that we’re all sharing the same space.
Shoulder check
Checking over your shoulder can help you locate people or other vehicles in your blind spot.
Extra space
Maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and the person in front of you—whether that’s another vehicle or a person on a bike—helps keep everyone safe.
Yield to people
If you yield to people in and entering crosswalks, and remember to be patient and pass people on bikes only if it’s safe to do so, you’ll respect everyone on the road.
Whether you’re riding in a car or on a bike, we want you to stay safe
When exiting a vehicle, remember to keep an eye out for people on bicycles and get in the habit of using the Dutch Reach.
By piloting new in-app safety features, we’re working to do more with technology to help everyone on the road stay safe. In Toronto, anytime you’re on a ride that’s scheduled to drop off near a bike lane, your app will now alert you with a reminder to exit the car carefully.
The Dutch Reach: how to exit your ride carefully
The Dutch Reach is a simple technique that can encourage you to look over your shoulder when getting out of a car.
Step 1: When your trip is over, use your hand furthest from the door to reach for the handle
Step 2: With the movement, let your head twist toward the window
Step 3: Take this opportunity to look over your shoulder for people on bikes and scooters
Step 4: When the coast is clear, safely exit your ride
Here are a few tips when riding with Uber:
Requesting a pickup location
When requesting a ride, pick a street that doesn’t require your driver to pull up into a bike lane. Not only is it illegal for vehicles to stop in a bike lane, you’ll also help keep people on bikes safe.
Look both ways
When your driver arrives, look both ways to make sure the coast is clear before you meet your driver.
Open curb space
If your dropoff location is near a bike lane, ask your driver to look for open curb space or offer to be dropped off on an adjacent side street.
Dutch Reach
Practise the Dutch Reach. Use your hand furthest from the door to reach for the handle and look back before opening the door.
