Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Cyclist/Motorist Safety

With the great spring weather upon us, an early bicycle season has commenced. The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Police wishes to remind drivers and cyclists to be extra cautious and diligent when travelling about on our roadways. Here are a few safety tips for bicycle season that we should all keep in mind when operating a vehicle or a bicycle.

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 cyclists to keep to the right, and move to the right when overcome by a motor vehicle.
• 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.
• 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. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
• 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.

Two Males To Appear in Bail Court on Drug Related Charges

On the 30th of March at approximately 4:15 pm, members of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Street Team, Emergency Services Unit and Canine Unit executed a search warrant at 609 Shafer Avenue. During the course of the search, officers located 41.4 grams of crack cocaine, 10.3 grams of cocaine, 22.2 grams of cannabis marijuana and trace amounts of cannabis resin. In addition, officers located a digital scale and packaging materials. As a result, officers arrested and charged 45 year-old Michael Deresti of 609 Shafer Avenue and 39 year-old Ronald Robert of 640 Whitman Dam Road in Searchmont with three counts each of possession of a controlled drug or substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of a controlled drug or substance. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $5,600.00.

Female Shoplifter Arrested

42 year-old Lore-Lei Gabow of #214-100 James Street arrested on the 30th of March at 5:21 pm at Zellers in the Station Mall and charged with one count of theft under $5,000.00 after she allegedly attended at the store around 4:40 pm yesterday and stole several cosmetic items. She is to appear in court on the 26th of April.

Property Crime

A vehicle parked in the rear lot of a business in the 400 block of Queen Street East was broken into last evening around 6 pm. A purse left inside the vehicle was stolen.