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to the Editor, Saskatoon Star-Phoenix June 4, 1996 Dear Sir: I'd be the first to admit there's no accounting for the stupidity of some cyclists, such as the one Art Robinson encountered (SP, June 3, p. A3). But, talk about irony. Worried about rising incidences of dangerous behaviour by and toward cyclists, the Saskatchewan Cycling Association wrote to law enforcement agencies throughout the province in March, asking them to initiate selective traffic enforcement programs directed at cyclists and motor vehicle drivers. Local and provincial representatives of the RCMP expressed interest in cycling education as a means of improving compliance with traffic laws. So far, however, no agency here operates any enforcement program. The City of Toronto operates SPACE (Safety Prevention Awareness Courtesy Enforcement), a selective enforcement program for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. The program targets behaviours that are known to cause crashes and combines enforcement with education to change these behaviours. Police and volunteers work together to educate the public and draw media attention to the problem. Police conduct spot enforcement. The program has been so successful that the Ontario solicitor general is considering expanding the program to the entire province. Canadian Cycling Association CAN-BIKE courses teach skills for safe and cooperative cycling. Several RCMP officers in Saskatchewan are CAN-BIKE cyclists and instructors, as are members of Saskatoon's police and university bicycle patrols. These cyclists provide a good example to others and are better prepared for promoting bicycle safety in the community. But not everyone gets the message. For those who think the rules don't apply to them (cyclists or motorists), the threat of enforcement is needed to encourage them to act responsibly Yours sincerely, Darrell Noakes |
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