Niagara Police crack down on sidewalk riders

In St. Catharines, Ont., last Thursday, uniformed members of the Niagara Regional Police – Special Enforcement Unit were out on the sidewalks, targeting cyclists and e-bike riders who were doing the same. Or, more specifically, those riders who were actively riding on the same sidewalks.

The operation, called “sidewalk sweep,” is a response by local police to a number of complaints received from businesses in the St. Paul Street area, all concerning the safety of their patrons when leaving their stores. Around this time of year, spring’s return swells the pavement with both bikes and e-bikes, and too often, that pavement doesn’t just belong to the road. It’s a common sight to see a pair of wheels roll down the sidewalk, but it’s dangerous. As reported by Niagara This Week, Niagara police said it’s not unusual to see pedestrians struck and injured by sidewalk-riding bikes — something that probably shouldn’t come as a surprise.

During the May 7 operation, 15 provincial offences notices were issued, while others were educated on proper safety equipment and safe riding. It’s not clear from reports what circumstances dictated either response, but it’s safe to assume that everyone, whether ticketed or not, was given a good talking-to.

“Niagara Police would like to remind the public that when cycling to use the roadway and not the sidewalk when riding,” police said in a news release. “Cyclists are subject to the same rules and penalties as that of a motorist.”