By Emily Keller

enforcement services

Motorcycle and bicycle safety the focuses of May’s STEP and BEEP initiatives

Apr 30, 2020 | 12:47 PM

City Enforcement Services will be focusing on motorcycle safety for May’s Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), and bicycle safety for their Bylaw Enforcement Education Program (BEEP).

Sergeant Ross Gear with Enforcement Services, says motorcycle safety involves everyone on the road.

“We have to share the road with motorcycles. A motorcyclist doesn’t have a bunch of steel around them to protect them, they’re fairly vulnerable if they get in a collision. So, we want all motorists just to be aware to give them room, allow them room to maneuver.”

Gear says that motorcyclists cannot be riding side-by-side, and that they should wear reflective clothing when they are riding at night.

Motorcycles can also stop faster, and it is important to leave space between vehicles and motorcycles to prevent collisions.

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For the month of May’s BEEP initiative, Gear says they are reminding people of the importance of helmets, especially for young riders. He says those under 18 are required to wear a helmet when they are cycling.

Gear adds that cyclists need to obey the rules wherever they ride.

“A bicycle on a sidewalk, they’re a pedestrian, and they follow the rules (as a) pedestrian, just like any other pedestrian. A cyclist can be out on the road, and if you’re out on the road then you’re considered a vehicle, and you have to follow all the rules of the roads like any other vehicle.”

Cyclists are also asked to wear reflective clothing and have a mandatory light when cycling at night.

Gear says residents of Grande Prairie can also register their bicycles with Enforcement Services for free, to increase the likelihood of them being returned if they are stolen.