Philadelphia police officers biked through Center City on a mission today: to make bicyclists more aware of their surroundings, their fellow travelers on the streets, and most important, the laws they're supposed to follow.The targeted enforcement was aimed at ticketing cyclists while educating them on what constitutes good behavior (stopping at red lights, signaling to turn) and what's punishable by a fine (biking on the sidewalk, riding against traffic).
"We think this is a good way to get the message out," said Philadelphia Capt. Dennis Wilson of the Ninth Police District, who helped coordinate the officers fanning out from Rittenhouse Square across Center City. "We're not trying to make things harder for bikers, we're trying to make things safer."
Bicycle safety has gained attention in the past week, after The Inquirer reported that two pedestrians died last month after being struck by bicycles, and that untold numbers of people suffer serious injuries from rogue cyclists who break traffic laws.
Cyclists are subject to many of the same laws as drivers, but those laws are rarely enforced. The police department handed out just 14 tickets to cyclists last year. Read more
Related Stories
Councilmen to propose license plates for bicycles
City cyclists could face new rules
City cyclists cheer one bill, boo others
comments
0 Responses to "Bike enforcement push launched in Center City"Post a Comment