Police enforce bike safety campaign

Police enforce bike safety campaign
Sam Vanschie

As college students, we often hear about the importance of wearing protection. But this time we aren’t talking about sex education class; this message comes from Saanich police, who have their eyes out for cyclists riding without proper safety gear.

A crackdown on bike safety for the month of February is currently underway in the municipality of Saanich. Sergeant John Price, public information officer for the Saanich police, explains a month-long campaign is necessary to get the message across.

“The longer the campaign, the more people get talking about it and more enduring the effects,” says Price.

As of Feb. 13, 31 violation tickets have been written and 12 warning tickets have been handed out. The main violation is failure to wear a helmet (which means a $29 fine), though officers are also stopping people without headlights and reflectors.

Price reports it has “been quite awhile” since an enforcement campaign on bicycle safety has taken place in his municipality. Though the campaign is not a direct response to the tragic death 18-year-old cyclist Nicholas Mathers, according to Price, the accident got the community talking about bicycle safety.

Mathers was hit and killed by a motor vehicle on Richmond Road last month while riding without a
helmet.

Darren Marr, president of the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition, thinks it is unfortunate such a tragedy must occur before the police will take serious action. While he recognizes the police have “a lot on their plate,” Marr feels there should be more ongoing action to enforce traffic safety rules.

He would also like to see more education for all road users, as he feels safety is everybody’s responsibility.

“Cyclists are responsible for being conspicuous in accordance with the law,” says Marr. “They should wear a helmet, have lights [and] reflectors, and wear bright clothing or a reflective vest, especially
at night.”

“Equally,” he continues, “motorists must be vigilant of cyclists at all times. Be aware that we have much less protection. When you see us on the road, be careful.”

Price says road safety is the responsibility of both parties and encourages cyclists to report dangerous drivers, especially when there is proof to support their claim. Price also emphasizes the importance of helmets in preventing head injury and death.

“People think it’s never going to happen to me. Head injury affects the person, the family, and the community. Many people never recover. This campaign is good for the community,” says Price.

Several Saanich bike stores, including Riders Cycles on Cloverdale and Performance Bicycles on Quadra, are offering discounts on helmets for the month of February in support of the cyclist safety
campaign.