Montreal and bike groups fume at increased fines for cyclists in new highway code
MONTREAL — Springtime in Montreal is synonymous with terrasses, flowers and cyclists, but this year bike lovers will be in for a nasty surprise when the updated Highway Safety Code comes into law.
Cyclist groups and the city’s new bike-friendly administration are criticizing a provincial bill that ups fines by over 400 per cent for seemingly mild violations such as not having enough reflectors on pedals.
“We are pretty disappointed in this bill,” said city councillor Marianne Giguere, who is heavily involved in Montreal’s cycling projects.
Cycling politics are big in Montreal and the city prides itself on its 850 kilometres of bike lanes, half of which are maintained in the winter.