1. joe
   Admin
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   From InsideToronto:

   • Police from East York's 54 Division will target Danforth Avenue and O'Connor Drive during a three-week bicycle blitz that begins early September.

     As part of the initiative, police will hand out educational pamphlets to cyclists they see. But on the last day of the blitz, Sept. 30, between 5 and 9 p.m., a zero-tolerance approach will be taken.

     "People are not realizing the risk of not obeying the laws relevant to bicycles," said Sgt. Jack West of the 54 Division traffic unit. "In order to prevent someone from getting killed or injured, we want to step this up."

     West said cyclists must be seen and heard, which means "they must have a white light at the front and a bell or a horn." By law, the bell or horn must sound when a cyclist approaches a pedestrian who is about to walk onto the road.

     West said it has become common for cyclists to run stop signs and red lights and ride across pedestrian crossovers. "They're supposed to get off the bike and walk it across," he said of the crossovers.

     "When they ride their bike across, it's very intimidating to pedestrians."

     Cyclists not complying with law could face heavy fines: $85 for no horn; $85 for riding across a crossover; $85 for two people riding on one bike; $85 for running a red light; $85 for riding an adult bike on the sidewalk; $60 for not wearing a proper helmet (up to age 18); and $20 for improper bicycle lighting.

     West said the mounted unit will be brought in to help enforce bicycle laws on Sept. 30.

   Here's a map of the TPS's 54 Division for you. :)

   

2. Duncan
   Moderator
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   In New York City, they commission a helmet to be given out at special events.

   In Nanaimo, BC, the RCMP gives out free bicycle bells to encourage their use.

   In Toronto, we blitz on cyclists!

   Sure, a lot of people don't know the rules, so let's educate first. But of course, the public wants numbers, how many dollars can we squeeze out of cyclists? How many "intimidating" cyclists can we protect our streets from?

   And they are bringing in the horse police for this? I'll be avoiding East York in September, not because of the blitz, but because I don't need to be riding through horse crap.

   Duncan's City Ride - That's my blog about cycling in the city of Toronto, natch!

3. toddtyrtle
   Moderator
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   Don't forget the Copenhagen police who gave out helmets and hugs to folks not wearing helmets.

   I'd feel lots better if I heard this announced at the same time as comparable enforcement on drivers. How about a bike lane parking blitz to start?

4. Duncan
   Moderator
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   What it also comes down to for me is terminology. From etymonline.com:

   blitz:
   1940, shortening of Ger. Blitzkrieg (1939) "rapid attack," from Blitz "lightning" (from M.H.G. blicze, from bliczen "to flash") + Krieg "war" (see kriegspiel). The use in U.S. football is from 1963.

   A "flash war" is not a way of educating the public and fostering a respectful relationship between everyone who uses Toronto's roads.

   Duncan's City Ride - That's my blog about cycling in the city of Toronto, natch!

5. joe
   Admin
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   More on this from the Sun:

   • 
     Coming soon: a bicycle crackdown

     Following a three-week biking awareness campaign launched by a Toronto Police division yesterday, cops say they will be cracking the whip on everything from bikes without horns or bells to cyclists who think the rules of the road don't apply to them.

     "They have to have proper lighting, they have to abide by all the rules of the road, they have to stop at stop signs," Toronto Police Sgt. Jack West, of the 54 Division traffic unit, said yesterday after a morning of handing out information flyers to cyclists and drivers around the heavily cycled Danforth and Broadview Aves. "We haven't been really enforcing it for years."

     West admitted that even some police officers aren't aware of all the infractions cyclists can be ticketed for.

     "I've been thinking for the past two years that we have to have more control of cyclist behaviour, where they've got to start stopping at red lights," West said.
     

6. Steyrshrek
   Member
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   Thanks for the map I guess we should try to stay out of 54 Division.

7. Militant MTBer
   Member
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   Dunacan said:

   "In New York City, they commission a helmet to be given out at special events.

   In Nanaimo, BC, the RCMP gives out free bicycle bells to encourage their use."

   Toddtyrtle said:

   "Don't forget the Copenhagen police who gave out helmets and hugs to folks not wearing helmets."

   You're kidding? Amazing. Why is the mindset here, by our "officials", to always administer punishment/fines instead of promotion and education through community outreach as described above? Our guys will, instead, be giving out pamphlets filled with warnings. Pffft!

   I'll agree with Steyshrek's sentiment....stay out of 54 division should you be on a bike and don't want to be subject to their blitz(krieg). What I find most funny is how they tell us what area and what streets (to avoid).

   This can't be a sole decision by the police to do this. The city has to be behind it. It's broke, that's why.

   They tell me that I have ADD. They just don't underst...Hey look! A Chicken!!

8. toddtyrtle
   Moderator
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   I suspect it isn't just about money. It doesn't seem like nearly as much of a revenue stream as say, one day's take with a speed trap on the Bloor Viaduct. I read it as an opportunity to be able to both say "we're looking out for cyclists' safety" and to tell drivers concerned about 'scofflaws' that they're doing something about the problem. It's definitely a political move because really if it were about safety I suspect they'd be driving up and down College towing cars out of the bike lanes at the same time as they were ticketing folks blowing red lights.

9. Duncan
   Moderator
   Posted 3 years ago #
   

   The Toronto Police also inform us where they are taking other traffic initiatives. Do people just not listen to the news? I don't even drive and yet I know where traffic cops are...

   Has anyone been handed one of these pamphlets? Apparently they are for both cyclists and motorists... would do good to get a copy of available online.

   Duncan's City Ride - That's my blog about cycling in the city of Toronto, natch!

10. Angus
    Member
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    Can you get fined for not having a light in the daytime?
    Mine is easy to take off and put on again, I leave it at home or have it in my pocket if it isn't dark.

    I'm all for cracking down on red light runners, I hate feeling like an sucker when I'm stopped and a half dozen cyclists behind me just keep going.

11. joe
    Admin
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    I believe you're only supposed to have lights from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise.

    I generally keep mine on all the time (they too come off easily if need be), in case of rain or other inclement weather when I feel safer having them on.

    Great idea for a topic in the How-To Section.

12. ivanvector
    Member
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    Does the law say cyclists must have lights, or must have lights *on* when cars are required to? IIRC, HTA requires lights on cars when visibility is less than 150m (including darkness, weather, etc), except when there are streetlights and the speed limit is 50km/h or less. Common sense dictates the 30 minute rule. However, I think a driver can be fined for having a broken light even if it's not required to be on at the time.

    I tend to leave my lights at home too unless I'm carrying them in a pack, but I'd be interested in what the law actually says.

13. Duncan
    Moderator
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    It's not very clear on what all you need to have on your bike. Last year I remember hearing that you had to have reflective strips running down your front forks and along the seat stays... but there's been no mention of this since.

    This is from the City of Toronto web site:

    1. 

       Night riding

       To make cyclists visible to motorists at night, wear light-coloured clothing or reflective fabric that glows in the dark. Cyclists must use bicycle lights from a half-hour before sunset to a half-hour after sunrise. Use a white front light and a rear red light or reflector. Under the Highway Traffic Act 62, there is a $30 fine for improper bicycle lighting.

    Emphasis above is mine.

    I believe the law covers making yourself more visible, as opposed to making your route more visible to you.

    Small, inexpensive and easily portable lights like the one below satisfy the law and are available at most bike shops (this model is from Mountain Equipment Co-op and is just $4.50 CDN)

    

    Duncan's City Ride - That's my blog about cycling in the city of Toronto, natch!

14. Duncan
    Moderator
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    And, consulting the Highway Traffic Act you get this:

    1. Lights and reflectors on bicycles, etc.

       (17) When on a highway at any time from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 150 metres or less, every motor-assisted bicycle and bicycle (other than a unicycle) shall carry a lighted lamp displaying a white or amber light on its front and a lighted lamp displaying a red light or a reflector approved by the Ministry on its rear, and in addition white reflective material shall be placed on its front forks, and red reflective material covering a surface of not less than 250 millimetres in length and 25 millimetres in width shall be place on its rear. 2009, c. 5, s. 28 (1).

       Penalty

       (18) Every person who contravenes subsection (17) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $20. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 62 (18).

    Duncan's City Ride - That's my blog about cycling in the city of Toronto, natch!

15. toddtyrtle
    Moderator
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    Interesting that unicycles are specifically mentioned. I wonder what brought that about (aside from the fact that front/back are less useful terms.

    I'm very fond of being visible at night. I keep meaning to do a little something like this to really take it to the next level. It looks dorky but I'd rather have a driver say "Look at that dork!" than "Sorry, I didn't see him..."

16. ivanvector
    Member
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    Thanks for posting that section of the HTA, Duncan. I have those lights from MEC but I haven't tried them out at night yet except on the bike paths. I'm worried a single flashing LED won't be visible enough on the street. I never even thought of putting reflective tape on the forks but that's a good idea. I also like to be seen when I'm riding.

    Unfortunately I still see a lot of bikes on the road after dark with no lights or reflectors whatsoever, and I've almost had to say "sorry I didn't see you ..."

17. lOCk
    Member
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    How do I make my bike Retroreflective?
    [/url]
    [url=http://www.instructables.com/id/Bright_Bike/]

    tks
    LloK

18. Duncan
    Moderator
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    re: ivanvector

    I never really thought that tiny little blinking LEDs would help, but I often run both my front and rear lights during the day for when I pass along shady streets and under bridges. And I believe I get a little more room, or at least I can see that drivers do notice me and start their passing earlier.

    Of course, the blinking lights won't do much when a driver is completely distracted, but for the majority on the roads, simple small lights can certainly do alot.

    Duncan's City Ride - That's my blog about cycling in the city of Toronto, natch!

19. AnnieD
    Member
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    I think my MEC turtle lights help on dark side streets but the problem with commercial strips is there are just too many darned lights on them. Streetlight, traffic lights, store lights, neon lights it's a veritable Mardi-Gras of luminosity. Talk about your light pollution. Although I'm sure any lighting is better than no lighting, given the speed at which cars travel along these arteries, at best I think they only really see us when they're nearly on top of us.

    I"m borrowing my husband's bike right now because mine has a flat and this thread has made me realize that I'll be heading home tonight with only half my usual lighting. Drat. As an aside, his bike, despite being a $300 Cdn Tire bike bought on sale for $160, is waaaay better than mine, bought for more $ at a Bloor Street bike shop. I was flying up hills affortlessly on Saturday. I take comfort in the fact that my bike gives me a better workout, but still, I think I'll be shopping for a new one next spring and keeping this one for the winter only. :(

20. toddtyrtle
    Moderator
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    Not really related to lighting but I have to say I really like traveling with a trailer - especially one that, like mine, looks like a child's trailer. I get *much* more respect and space from drivers than I would were I without it. I'm tempted to always ride with it! ;-)

21. sandlynx
    Member
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    toddturtle: Me too. I've found that drivers seem much more careful and respectful. I'm guessing it's just the size increase which might make us more visible to them. They're looking for "big"--car size, trucks, etc. Part of it could be too that when using the enclosed trailers, many might be assuming that you have a kid in there. It's ok to run over a cyclist, but don't run over a kid. Using a trailer is related to lights because I have the back end of mine all lit up; not just reflectors, but two lights too. It does tempt you to run with a trailer all the time.

22. Duncan
    Moderator
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    And the numbers are in according to InsideToronto. I hope the guy photographed was being charged for crimes against fashion...

    1. Police bicycle blitz results in 188 tickets

       

       Police issued 188 tickets during the culmination of a month-long bicycle blitz in East York's 54 Division Wednesday, Sept. 30.

       Police said they handed out 49 tickets for having no bell or horn, 40 for having no lights and 38 for riding on the sidewalk.

       "A lot of cyclists were surprised," Sgt. Jack West said.

       "They were asking the police 'When did you start enforcing these rules?' One cyclist actually said to the officer 'What do you mean I can't ride against a red light?'"

       One cyclist was arrested after it was found that he breached his curfew.

       Four motorists were also ticketed for endangering cyclists.

       "The motorist who opens their door into traffic is a hazard for cyclists," West said.

       Officers tried to alert cyclists to the rules of the road by handing out safety pamphlets on Danforth Avenue and O'Connor Drive before Wednesday's zero-tolerance enforcement.

       "We're hoping that through education we're going to get more compliance and keep motorists, cyclists and pedestrians safe," said West.

       "Eventually when word gets out, we're going to get more compliance."

       LINK

    And don't think this was just about cyclists... I mean they did ticket FOUR drivers...

    Did anyone ever see one of these alleged pamphlets?

    Duncan's City Ride - That's my blog about cycling in the city of Toronto, natch!

23. joe
    Admin
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    Hahahah... "crimes against fashion".

    What do you have against clamdiggers, Duncan? :)

    I do wish the lighting-related tickets were explained more. Lights are only mandatory if it's less than 30 minutes before sunset or 30 minutes after sunrise, or "inclement weather" which is pretty subjective.

24. Duncan
    Moderator
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    Exactly, Joe. And unless they were handing out these tickets in the wee hours of the morning, or at night, then it seems pointless to me... a money grab really and a show for the bike-bashing masses.

    I'm more appalled by his "Canadian Tuxedo" and teenage girl's backpack... but that's just me. Actually, with that gold helmet he looks like a Canadian Evel Knievel on a budget.

    Poor guy, I shouldn't be roasting his bad fortune. And then I notice the chain wallet...

    Duncan's City Ride - That's my blog about cycling in the city of Toronto, natch!

25. joe
    Admin
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    I think the backpack is being worn by a guy. With droopy shorts on a BMX.

    I'm a little annoyed at people riding those small BMXs anywhere if they aren't doing tricks (that bike even looks like it has pegs on the rear hub).

26. Duncan
    Moderator
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    Wow, I just find endless humour in that photo.

    My brother came to Toronto with his BMX so we could go bike shopping. Even though he could he didn't ride on the sidewalk, wears a helmet and had this huge bell from Canadian Tire on it. I was amazed at how quick he was, a guy on a pretty light looking road bike even commented on his quickness as we passed a group of cyclists along Bloor.

    I think BMXers here are rarely seen in a good light (at any skatepark the beatup rust-bucket pick-up truck always belongs to a BMXer) and to me the bikes seem impractical as a means of transportation. But as my brother followed the laws and still sped along with everyone else, it was a sight to see.

    Duncan's City Ride - That's my blog about cycling in the city of Toronto, natch!

27. joe
    Admin
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    I can't pedal a BMX... legs are too long. :)

28. Duncan
    Moderator
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    My brother is 6'1" ... just sayin'... haha.

    Duncan's City Ride - That's my blog about cycling in the city of Toronto, natch!

29. joe
    Admin
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    Woah. impressive that he can ride it then. I'm 6'2".

30. joe
    Admin
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    Toronto Sun Article about the "blitz"... to which I say "come ON... lots of cyclists stop at red lights. Sure, some cyclists don't, but lots do..":

    • 
      Big bike blitz busts T.O. cyclists

      At 6 p.m. on a night earlier this week, a cyclist heading east on the Danforth slowed down at a red light at Playter Blvd. and came to a full and complete stop.

      Toronto Police Sgt. Jack West, driving a 54 Division minivan, couldn't help but notice the relative rarity of such a sight. In addition to the mere fact she actually stopped at the red, the cyclist seemed to be observing all the rules of the road.

31. toddtyrtle
    Moderator
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    *sigh* I'm getting tired of pointing out the "relative rarity" of car drivers coming to a complete stop at a stop sign as well.

32. joe
    Admin
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    I know what you mean Todd. I'd LOVE to see an article that where a reporter sits at an intersection and counts the cars who don't come to a "full and complete stop".

    It's the Sun, so I don't really expect more. It's what they do... cater to a certain demographic.

33. TAR
    Member
    Posted 3 years ago #
    

    Maybe they should do a bicycle blitz for motorists, were they stop car traffic to hand out Pamphlettes on how to respect cyclists and then have a day where they ticket the motorists for doing things like, a running stop at a four way sign and (like my experience today)having to deal with a lady putting on her make up while driving).
    I feel they are forgeting that the city needs infrastructure for cyclists before it should punnish them for trying to navigate this city safely in the face of ignorant motorists that think they own the road through their taxes.
    They think if they have a car and your on a bike that they have more money than you and therefore deserve more rights.
    I also think maybe anyone that recieves a ticket during this blitz should take it to court and even better yet we form a group that will take all tickets in on the same day to fight it.
    Any ideas out there, to how to set that up?

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