Bike Blitz Bags 400!

It seems that the Toronto Police were going after some low hanging fruit this week, in a bid to write more tickets, and “raise awareness” for regulations that govern Cycling and Pedestrians on our streets. Since the Media would not likely be interested in a straight informational press release on such things, the added interest of cops going on a “zero-tolerance” blitz, was enough to get this issue into the papers where it belongs. Unfortunately some papers took this as another opportunity to stir up abit more rancor between Motorists and Cyclists…

So…If we leave Motorists out of the equation for now….It’s still too bad that there are so many irresponsible Cyclists who give the rest a bad name, but at least there’s finally some attention being given to hapless Pedestrians as well, since road safety is an issue that should be shared equally by all!

Based on the numbers below, it’s good to see that those Sidewalk Sissies are finally getting some much needed ‘attention’ from the law, but at the same time abit dismaying to see how much effort still goes into enforcing the largely ineffective need for bells on bikes…even though at $106 per fine, writing those tickets is still like shooting fish in a barrel.

Anyhow…

Here’s breakdown of infractions recorded during the Police Blitz:

( Here’s the official Press Release from the TPS )

• Improper bicycle lighting: 32

• Improper brakes on bicycle: 4

• No horn: 84

• Cyclist riding in pedestrian area of intersection: 1

• Cyclist failing to stop for police: 7

• Cyclist failing to keep both hands on handlebars: 1

• Bicycle with 62 centimetre wheels riding on sidewalk: 27

• Cyclist disobeying red light and stop sign: 211

• Pedestrian failing to use crosswalk: 28

• Pedestrian disobeying red light: 8

• Pedestrian disobeying “don’t walk” signal: 12

BTW:

Here’s a source article that perfectly illustrates how some factions in the local Media (and even a front-runner in the Mayoral Race!) are more than happy to stir up controversy and acrimony between Cyclists and Motorists…Some people would do anything to sell more AdSpace