Sustained bicycle enforcement program

Posted: October 13, 2009 12:45:07 PM PDT

This is the time of year that brings about many changes, for example, the weather typically changes from warm and clear to cool and rainy. The amount of daylight begins to fade as the days grow shorter and the nights longer. Schools are back in session and with the economy, more people are choosing to ride bikes than ever before. This is a time when a cyclists becomes more vulnerable.

The Bellingham Police along with Western Washington University Police want to remind our cyclists to take steps now to prevent accidents and inevitable injuries as they take to the streets. The Washington StateTraffic Safety Commission offers a free brochure covering laws that apply to cyclists. Please visit their web site at http://www.wtsc.wa.gov/.

Beginning in October, Bellingham Police Officers will be looking for opportunities to promote cyclist safety. University Police will also be promoting this effort on the campus of Western Washington University during the same time. Along with promoting cyclist safety, officers will have the option of issuing warnings or citations. Officers will especially look for lighting violations, riding on the sidewalk in the Bellingham central business district area, stop light and stop sign violations.

Here are a few safety tips to review.

Cyclists should wear reflective or bright clothing during hours of diminished light or darkness.
Cyclists should wear a helmet. Bike helmets are not required by law, however, it is highly recommended. Most bike shops will teach you how to secure a proper fit.
During the hours of darkness cyclists must use a front white light attached to the bike visible to 500 feet and a red reflector on the back visible from 100 to 600 feet. Many cyclists prefer to use a helmet mounted lighting system. This is only legal when used in addition to the front mounted white light.
Use a rear mounted red light. The law only requires a red reflector to the rear however adding a red flashing light will enhance your visibility to motorist.
Remember your A B C’s: check the Air in your tires, your Brakes and your Chain before you ride.
Bikes are considered vehicles; they have all the rights and responsibility as any other vehicle on the road. A complete list of rules of the road can be found on the web site above. A Cyclist in violation can be fined up to $103.00.

For more information concerning this please contact Bellingham Police Sergeant David Richards at 360-778-8627 or Western Washington University Police Sergeant David Garcia at 360-650-4141.

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Media Contact:
Mark Young
Public Information Officer
Bellingham Police Department
(360)778-8618
myoung@cob.org