The RCMP’s 2016 Crime Reduction Unit has been selected and is up and running.
Bikes, boots and tires are hitting the streets in a concerted effort to curb street-level crime and enforce the Motor Vehicle Act for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.
Bicycle safety will be one of North Cowichan/Duncan detachment’s priorities this summer, and in anticipation of more cyclists sharing the road with motorists, people can expect to see an increased police presence on bicycles.
Recently, three local RCMP officers attended a rigorous mountain bike course in Nanaimo and received training in a wide array of police bike-patrol enforcement tactics relating to cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians alike.
They will be joined by RCMP members from other units who will also be patrolling off-road areas such as the Trans Canada Trail, local river walks, parks, and other green spaces.
Curbing criminal behaviour and promoting traffic safety will be priorities for the group.
In light of several recent collisions involving cyclists, particular emphasis will be placed on bike helmet compliance.
Fines for unsafe bike practices range from $29 to $109.