The Sidney North Saanich RCMP is reminding Saanich Peninsula cyclists that the rules of the road apply to all vehicles on the road.
“[Cyclists] must obey the rules of the road, specifically, the rules and regulations set out in the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act,” said Corporal Erin Fraser.
“A person operating a bicycle on a highway has the same rights and duties as a driver of a vehicle,” she said.
Currently, the Ministry of Transportation allows cyclists on all highways except designated freeways.
Cyclists must obey all traffic control devices (including coming to a complete stop at all stop signs), ride as near as practicable to the right side of the highway and they must not ride abreast of another person operating a cycle on the roadway.
“It is common to see large groups of cyclists on the Saanich Peninsula riding several abreast and completely disregarding stop signs and other traffic control devices,” said Fraser.
“This is a dangerous practice that has serious implications for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers of vehicles alike.”
Fraser continued to say that in the month of June alone, the Sidney North Saanich RCMP attended two serious collisions involving cyclists who were severely injured.
To prevent similar accidents and attempt to educate and change the behaviour of cyclists, police will be monitoring cyclists and issuing tickets where infractions are observed, she added.
— With files from the Sidney North Saanich RCMP
reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com