It's that time of year when everybody who wants to get around fast but doesn't want to walk, gets on their trusty bicycle instead. 

Sharing some tips for bicycle safety is CAA Saskatchewan's, Christine Niemczyk. 

“You always, always want to wear a helmet,” she said. “It's for your own protection and your safety.” 

“You want to be seen, be heard and be ready, but read up on some bike safety tips on the CAA web site, read up on the hand signals, and it's the same thing as when we're motorists, use our signals in the car to communicate, and it's the same thing with a cyclist, communicate your intentions to other road users.” 

“Remember to yield to pedestrians, stop for stop signs and travel with the flow of traffic,” said Niemczyk. 

For cyclists of all ages, including adults, children, and even drivers, when you're riding a bike on the street, you're considered by law a vehicle on the road. 

“If you are riding a bicycle, you are considered by law a vehicle on the road. If you're the cyclist on the bike, you would have to observe the same laws as a motorist,” she explained. 

“If you dismount and walk alongside your bike, you are considered a pedestrian and have the same rights as a pedestrian. When you're riding your bike on our streets and roads, we want you to always follow the rules of the road. Same thing as when you're behind the wheel of a vehicle. Plan your ride as a cyclist; avoid dangerous routes.” 

Niemczyk also noted that when purchasing a bicycle, choose the best bike for you, taking into consideration size, frame and seat height, as well as the type of trails or roads for which you need it. 

With school out for the summer, the playground zones and school zones, however, are still there for the safety of the kids who might still be playing in the area.

Summer may, in fact, be an even busier time for these areas. 

“Just an important reminder again everyone to watch your area, watch for kids. They're excited, they want to play,” said Christine Niemczyk with CAA Saskatchewan. “Some of those kids may be accompanied by seniors or people who may have a little bit of a challenge crossing the street, so let's slow down, stop for them as well and make sure that everyone gets to cross the street safely to where they need to be.” 

She said although the schools may be empty throughout summer, the surrounding playgrounds may still be a happening place for children. 

“Observe the posted speed limit and regulated days and hours that some areas may still be designated for lower speed limits during the summer months,” she said. “Even though that school building may not look like there's anybody there right now. There could be a park; there could be a school ground nearby, there could be soccer games going on, kids could be playing, families could be out there.” 

“For kids, make sure you look both ways before you cross the street, even try to get the attention of the driver,” said Niemczyk. “When you see the kids, watch out for them. They may have families with them.” 

She added it's also important for kids on bicycles to be aware they are considered traffic unless they are off and safely walking their bikes across the street.