BRAUN: Cyclists need to smarten up when they’re on Toronto’s streets

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When you’re out on your bike without a helmet, weaving in and out of traffic and running red lights, do you every worry about the police?

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They worry about you.

In fact, Toronto Police have a whole wish list for cyclists, starting with the wish that you get home safe and sound every day.

After that, the wish list includes mandatory helmets, proper lights, an education in the rules of the road and freedom from e-bikes.

Some days, Toronto seems fully engaged in a war between cars and bikes, but as police will attest, it’s a one-sided battle.

“On a bike, you have to be the better person, more switched on and aware, because you are more vulnerable,” said Const. Sean Shapiro, whose focus is traffic safety education through social (@VoiceoverCop) and traditional media.

“The least risk is to car drivers, who are protected by the big steel cage they drive around in.

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“People say, ‘right of way’ but really, it’s more like ‘right of weight’ — on a bike you have to be cognizant of everything around you, including the person who is not paying attention.”

Over the last three years, Toronto Police have issued 1,076 tickets to bike riders for many types of infractions. For sheer numbers, the biggies are helmets, lights and brakes infractions, running red lights, riding in the crosswalk and failure to stop at stop signs.

According to data collected by the Ministry of the Attorney General, cyclists also got tickets for failure to identify themselves, passing a streetcar improperly and speeding.

The lion’s share of tickets handed out were for improper bicycle lighting, with 347 tickets issued last year.

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No horn was likewise frowned upon, with 308 tickets written in 2021.

Some people think there should be far more tickets handed out to cyclists, but it’s a matter of resources. If a bicycle and an SUV run through a red light, according to police, the focus will always be on the car — because they can do the most damage.

The City of Toronto, meanwhile, is doing its best to promote biking and protect cyclists. There are many kilometers of new bike lanes, for example, and ongoing plans for more.

“We’re making efforts through Vision Zero to protect vulnerable road users,” said Shapiro.

“We’re trying to create safe spaces for cyclists, but there still has to be cooperation.

“In terms of safety, the main concern is riders who put themselves in jeopardy. Certainly, there are vehicle drivers who are not safe around cyclists, but many cyclists don’t understand the rules of the road in general.”

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If the police stop you for doing something wrong in traffic while riding a bike, you are subject to the same laws under the Highway Traffic Act as anyone driving a car.

Any officer in the city can issue a ticket to a bike rider, but again, it’s a matter of resources.

If there are neighborhood complaints — cyclists constantly speeding, ignoring four-way stops, or similar — police will sometimes focus on that area.

“If you choose not to follow the rules, the biggest issue is the potential for harm,” said Shapiro.

Cyclists are vulnerable road users, compared to cars, “and though responsible if they run a red light, for example, they are generally the ones who get hurt when things go wrong. We want everyone to follow the rules of the road and go home, safe and sound.”

Shapiro said he wishes everyone would read the online Ministry of Transportation driver’s handbook and learn the rules of the road.

“We’d like to see more cooperation from cyclists. For them to be more responsible. You really do have to stop at stop signs. There’s a joint responsibility.

“Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility.”