Update – Operation Pedro results are in
Figures have been released from Operation Pedro that ran on Tuesday this week. Once again there has been a high level of compliance by bike riders.
160 infringement notices were issued to people riding bikes during the operation, a decrease from the last time it was run in July when 201 tickets were given.
It continues a downward trend in fines handed out during Operation Pedro over the last two years.
Bicycle Network NSW spokesperson Bastien Wallace said it shows bike riders do obey rules, but that there are improvements that could be made to further decrease the amount of infringements.
“Most people riding bikes are obeying the law, but there’s a lot more that can be done to improve bike riding in NSW," said Ms Wallace.
"When people make infringements like running a red light or riding on the footpath it is usually because they are looking for the safest and most efficient riding route."
"Separated bike lanes, speed limit revisions and increasing the age for footpath riding are all things that would further reduce infringements and also get more people riding."
Infringement notices were also given to pedestrians and motorists during the operation.
Summary of infringement notices from Operation Pedro on Tuesday 5 December 2017.
Cyclists disobey traffic control lights – 59
Cyclists ride on footpath – 34
Cyclists not wear helmet – 56
Cyclists other offences – 11
Pedestrian offences – 70
Other traffic offences – 208
Operation Pedro to run again
NSW Police will be out in force tomorrow as part of Operation Pedro, their periodical single-day blitz that focuses on pedestrian and bike rider safety.
Through NSW Police’s own admission, the operation targets non-compliance by riders and walkers.
It’s the second time the program has run this year, the first held in July. The results from earlier in the year showed a high level of compliance by people who ride bikes when compared with previous years.
In July, 201 fines were dished out to bike riders for disobeying traffic lights, riding on the footpath, not wearing a helmet and for other offences. 31 fines were handed to pedestrians and 154 to motorists for unlisted traffic offences.
In response to the July operation, Bicycle Network Chief Executive Officer was reported as saying that the good behaviour by the majority will help dispel the myth that bike riders don’t abide by the law.
“This should help squash the rubbish that all bike riders are law breakers”, said Mr Richards.
“We always ask that bike riders ensure they aren’t’ breaking the law, for the safety of themselves and all other road users and pedestrians and this shows that most do.”
As always, Bicycle Network hopes that the program is implemented as intended, to raise awareness of road safety for all road users. We should always protect our most vulnerable road users, rather than punish them.
Bicycle Network's NSW spokesperson, Ms Bastien Wallace said that she hopes that people who ride bikes won't be intentionally scrutinized more than others.
"We'd like to remind all people who ride bikes across the state to look after themselves and obey the road rules," Ms Wallace said.
“But we hope that NSW Police aren’t being heavy handed with bike riders. We all need to be held to account —people who drive and walk as well as people who get around by bike."
For a refresher on the NSW road rules for cyclists, check out the Transport for NSW website.