Friday, April 9, 2010

To the Cyclist

• Bet sure to obey the rules of the road. Cyclists often assume that traffic laws and rules of the road don’t apply to them; sometimes with tragic results. Bicycles are required to stop at all red lights, amber lights and stop signs and must signal for turns. Cyclists face the same penalties as motorists under the Highway Traffic Act.
• Road laws also require that any vehicle, including a bicycle, travelling upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at that time and place shall, where practicable, be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway.
• Every person in charge of a vehicle on a highway who is overtaken by a vehicle travelling at a greater speed shall turn out to the right and allow the overtaking vehicle to pass.
• Bicycles cannot be seen as clearly as a car, therefore, "visibility” is the key. Wearing bright, reflective clothing is important so that motorists can see you from a distance, especially at night.
• Keep yourself out of harm's way and anticipate movement of cars. Be aware that the motorist may not see you.
• All riders should familiarize themselves with hand signals. Check over your shoulder when turning. Signal well before you intend to turn and make eye contact with drivers around you.
• Never pass on the right as you approach an intersection, especially if the vehicle ahead of you is turning right
• Ride single file when riding with others.
• Equipment is also key. The cost of bicycle safety is relatively inexpensive. A front and rear light is great for visibility. Mirrors, a tire pump, LED flashers and a small tool kit are great add-ons.
• An approved bicycle helmet is a must! Always wear a helmet. The law requires all cyclists under age 18 to wear an approved bicycle helmet. A properly-fitted helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injuries by 85 per cent. Parents must ensure their children are equipped and wearing their helmets every time they ride a bicycle.
• Cyclist over 10 years of age shall not operate a bicycle on the sidewalk.

To the Motorist

• Motorists are required to share the road with cyclists they come upon. Every person in charge of a vehicle on a highway meeting a person travelling on a bicycle shall allow the cyclist sufficient room on the roadway to pass.
• The driver of the vehicle overtaking another vehicle shall turn out to the left so far as necessary to avoid a collision with the vehicle overtaken, and the person overtaken is not required to leave more than one-half of the roadway free.
• When passing a cyclist, and you plan on making a right turn ahead, be sure to anticipate the upcoming cyclist at all intersections.
• Cyclists are faster moving than pedestrians. Be aware of their anticipated path of travel.
• Drivers must be extra cautious in residential areas where children may be riding on sidewalks and crossing streets.

Both Cyclists and Motorists are asked to keep a watchful eye for each other. Following basic safety tips can improve safety for cyclists significantly. A little extra caution can go along way to making our community safer.

Disqualified Driver Arrested

38 year-old Gary Barkley of 31A Algoma Avenue was arrested this morning at 12:42 am on Wellington Street East and charged with one count of operate motor vehicle while disqualified. It is alleged that on the 9th of April at approximately 12:42 am officers on patrol stopped and checked a vehicle on Wellington Street East and when they ran a check on the driver they discovered he was prohibited from driving from a previous impaired driving conviction. He is to appear in court on the 10th of May.

Shoplifters Arrested

28 year-old Courtnie Schapiro of no fixed address was arrested on the 8th of April at 12:28 pm at Zellers on Bay Street and charged with one count of theft under $5,000.00. It is alleged that the accused attended at the store and stole some items. She was apprehended by security and held for police. She is to appear in court on the 3rd of May.

37 year-old Dianna Brown of #221-345 St. Georges Avenue East was arrested on the 8th of April at 1”47 pm at Rome’s Independent Grocers on Great Northern Road and charged with one count of theft under $5,000.00 after she allegedly attended at the store and stole some items. She is to appear in court on the 3rd of May.

Male Youth Charged after Taking Vehicle from Owner without Permission

A 17 year-old male youth was arrested on the 8th of April at 9:09 pm and charged with one count of take motor vehicle without consent and one count of operate motor vehicle while disqualified. It is alleged that on the 8th of April at 9 pm the accused was at a west end residence and took a vehicle from a person known to him without their permission. At the time of the offence the accused was disqualified from driving.

City Police Respond to Several Motor Vehicle Collisions Yesterday

City police responded to 11 motor vehicle collisions yesterday. Most of the collisions involved vehicles losing control on slushy/icy roads. Two of the accidents involved minor injuries. Emergency vehicles, including police, fire, and ambulance that responding to some of the collisions had some difficulties while responding due to motorists not pulling over or yielding the right-of-way. Every day, police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency vehicles respond to urgent calls. Time lost getting to their destination could mean the difference between life and death. Seconds can save a life.

Reminder to Motorists Regarding Emergency Vehicles

• It’s the law for any motorist who sees and hears an emergency vehicle approaching from either direction to pull to the right and stop, AND / OR yield the right-of-way when you see the flashing lights or hear the siren of one of these vehicles.
• Drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated are required to reduce speed, and, when possible to do so safely, move to the next adjacent lane.

Drivers in contravention of these laws are subject to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $2,000.

Break and Enter and Thefts

• A shed on Centre Street was broken into sometime overnight on the 8th of April. Drills and a mountain bike were reported stolen.
• Two large rubber commercial grad floor mats were reported stolen over the long weekend from the foyer ATM area of the Royal Bank on Wellington Street West.
• Three vehicles on Elmwood Avenue, Third Line West and Malabar were broken into.