Posted:
In their continued effort to enhance road safety and educate citizens on the rules of the road, members of the Halifax Regional Police/RCMP Integrated Traffic Unit are focusing on motorcycle and bicycle safety awareness during the month of May.
With the weather expected to warm up next week, motorcyclists and cyclists alike will be hitting the roads and trails for another season. Officers in the Traffic Unit remind all two-wheeling enthusiasts to ensure their bike is in good working order and to adhere to the rules of the road and always wear a helmet. Whether riding a bike or motorcycle, wearing a helmet is mandatory. Failing to wear a helmet or failing to wear a helmet with the chin strap properly fastened carries a fine of $147.70 for a first offence and increases for subsequent offences. Partners in Policing ask that motorcyclists and bicyclist alike drive safely.
In April, the unit focussed on crosswalk safety. Officers completed over 302 special checks in and around crosswalks this month issuing 33 tickets for crosswalk violations and another 67 for other violations. These additional violations related to crosswalk safety for infractions such as distracted driving due to cell phone use, speeding, unlicensed or suspended driving as well as tickets issued to pedestrians for not crossing properly.