Riders be wary – PG RCMP focusing on bike and motorcycle safety

The sun is out and so are the riders.

The Prince George RCMP’s Municipal Traffic Services Unit is focusing on motorcyclists and bike riders as the spring thaw releases our roads from the grips of winter.

Frontline officers have begun by targeting cyclists, riders and drivers that fail to obey the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA).  They are offering the following advice to road users:

Drivers

• Do not park in designated bike lanes marked with No Stopping signs. This is a violation and puts cyclists at extra risk;
• Do not use a bike lane as a turning lane.  Under the Motor Vehicle Act, a driver cannot drive in a designated bike lane prior to the turn itself;
• Do not engage in negative driving behaviour that directly impacts cyclists and/or motorcyclists.  This includes distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, follow too closely and other violations;
•  Always check mirrors and over shoulders to minimize blind spots.

Cyclists

• Always wear a helmet.  Failing to wear a helmet is a violation under the MVA.  A helmet is designed to protect your head in a collision or crash;
• Do not ride on sidewalks.  Sidewalks are for pedestrians including those that choose to walk their bike on sidewalks. If you choose to ride your bike, ride it on the road and obey traffic laws;
• Do not run through stop signs.  MVA laws apply to cyclists too.
• Ride in a designated bike lane and on designated bike routes in the same direction as vehicles.  Where there are no designated bike lanes, ride as far right as possible without putting your safety at risk;
• Always use high visibility clothing when riding in traffic.

Motorcyclists

• Always use high visibility clothing when riding;
• Do not ride in blind spots;
• Be predictable.  Quick movements can cause drivers to react suddenly, putting all road uses at risk.

“Our officers will be out on bikes and in vehicles targeting those persons that make bicycling and motorcycling unsafe in our community,” says Sgt. Matthew LaBelle, in charge of the Municipal Traffic Services Unit. “Let’s all do our part to keep all road users safe throughout the riding season.”