RCMP were cracking down on cyclists and e-scooters riders who were found rolling on Richmond sidewalks.
This resulted in 17 tickets for riding on a sidewalk and five tickets for not wearing a helmet during a two-day blitz on April 12 and 13.
Operating a bike or e-scooter on a sidewalk can net a fine of $109.
Richmond RCMP are reminding the public that it’s illegal to ride on a sidewalk after hearing concerns from Richmond residents, particularly in City Centre and Steveston where they say foot traffic and “micromobility” are increasing.
“Sidewalks are for pedestrians. Riding e-scooters and bikes on sidewalks is illegal and puts vulnerable members of our community, including children and seniors, at risk of serious injury,” said Const. Frank Tarape with the Richmond RCMP’s Road Safety Unit.
“Our goal is for everyone to feel safe in public spaces in Richmond. We are asking riders to do their part by using dedicated bike lanes and cycling routes where available, and for both drivers and riders to exercise due caution on shared roadways.”
During the April 12 and 13 roadside crackdown, Richmond RCMP also gave out seven tickets to drivers including for using an electronic device, for not wearing a seatbelt and for having two unrestrained children in the car.
Furthermore, police spotted a “known prohibited driver,” and arrested them without incident. The driver faces three charges including driving while prohibited.
E-scooter and bike safety campaign
Richmond RCMP is increasing education and targeted enforcement efforts in high-risk areas this spring, particularly during peak commuting hours.
Riders are reminded to always wear a helmet when riding a e-scooter or bike of any kind.
Provincial rules governing e-scooter operation include:
- Minimum 16 years of age
- Approved cycle helmet
- Single use only: you must not carry or tow any passengers or devices.
- An e-scooter must be operated in a standing position
- Use turn signals
- It is illegal to operate an e-scooter while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or while using an electronic device.
- Slow down around pedestrians: you must not travel at a faster speed than pedestrians if you are on a walkway or path, except to pass, which requires sounding a bell or horn.
Failing to follow the rules can result in penalties and fines up to $2,000.
In the City of Richmond, e-scooters are permitted on streets with designated cycling facilities, local streets defined as a street without lane lines or a directional dividing line with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less, streets with a directional dividing line and a maximum speed of 30 km/h, and off-street paved pathways next to the roadway or in parks that are signed or marked for shared use.
E-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks or on unpaved trails. Maximum speeds are 20 km/h on roadways and 15 km/h on paved pathways designated and signed for shared cycle use with pedestrians.
Fines for bylaw infractions in Richmond range from $95 to $175. Municipal bylaws for e-scooters may vary between jurisdictions.
Safety clinic on June 14
Richmond RCMP will be partnering with the City of Richmond and ICBC for a Skills and Safety Clinic on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lansdowne Centre northwest parking lot.
The clinic is designed to offer hands-on learning experiences for e-scooter enthusiasts and newcomers alike, focusing on skill development, safe riding practices and legal requirements.
For more details about upcoming community safety events in Richmond, download the City of Richmond’s Community Safety app.
To report unsafe riding behaviour, call the Richmond RCMP non-emergency telephone number at 604-278-1212, or via online crime reporting.
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