As summer approaches and cyclists take to the street in bigger numbers, North Vancouver RCMP says officers will ensure cyclists are following the rules, wearing helmets, and are equipped with the proper lights at night.
“Patrol and traffic officers will be out in force day and night, looking to enforce bicycle helmet laws and ensure cyclists are visible, following the rules and staying safe,” North Vancouver RCMP said.
North Vancouver RCMP reminds that the operators of cycles have the same rights and duties as a driver of a motor vehicle, and that includes stopping at stop signs and crosswalks, obeying traffic lights, and staying on the right hand portion of the road way.
Cyclists can get a red light ticket as well, and the fine is the same as it is for drivers: $167.
“Failing to stop at stop signs, failing to yield to pedestrians, and disobeying traffic control devices are all ticketable offences, whether you’re behind the wheel or astride the saddle,” reminds North Van RCMP.
Wearing an approved helmet is also mandatory, unless you have an exemption. For those who fail to wear a helmet, the fine is $29 for riders 16 years and older. Those riding at night must also have the following on their bikes: White headlight (solid or flashing) at front, Red light (solid or flashing) or red reflector at rear.
North Vancouver RCMP reminds the fine for riding without proper lights or a reflector is $109.
Most cyclist know this. You may want to put a reminder out for motorist as well. Its not good to run cyclist off the road or pass them within inches. How about reminding motorist of the 1 meter rule. If you are just trying to intimidate people about the law rather than keep people safe on the roads you failed miserably.
Todd Hansen
Todd.. 99% of cyclists ride like idiots and cyclists should be paying way more… you apparently lack street sense … If something is bigger, heavier, faster than me…. I pay extra attention not to get hit by it.. duh, get out of the way and keep your pieholes shut.
Knowing it and obeying it are very different things. And as a driver I shouldn’t have to drive in oncoming traffic to allow you your 1 metre of space if you are riding on the fogline or very edge of the bike path.
If it’s not safe to overtake a cyclist then you should do the law abiding thing wait. A cyclist is permitted to ride on the roadway. It’s your job as a motorist to operate it safely.