Following the rules is the wheel deal for safer roads.

Foothills County Enforcement Services is reminding cyclists that bicycles are considered vehicles under Alberta law and riders must follow traffic rules on rural roads.

Cyclists should obey signs and signals, ride as close to the right side of the roadway as safely practicable, travel single file and behave predictably. Riders must use hand signals when turning or stopping.

For night riding, bicycles require a front light, rear red light, rear red reflector and brakes. A horn or bell is also required. Approved helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 and strongly recommended for everyone.

The county advises cyclists not to stop or park in travel lanes, on narrow shoulders, in ditches or at field access points. Riders should also avoid locations with limited sightlines or where farm equipment may enter the road.

Cyclists are subject to traffic laws and enforcement just like motorists. Provincial fines include $405 for failing to stop at a stop sign, $810 for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, $300 for distracted cycling, $162 for missing reflectors and $81 for riding without lights in the dark. Foothills County also lists an $81 fine for cyclists riding other than single file and a $162 fine for improper roadside parking.

Only pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. Cyclists must dismount and walk their bicycles across a crosswalk to be considered pedestrians.

The county recommends riders be visible, use audible signals, wear helmets and travel with the flow of traffic to help reduce collisions.