Here is an example of why couriers have an image problem. This reporterlables the messengers as "reckless". Why? What is the most commoninfraction? - Not displaying their license, which is apparently $75 moreserious than riding on the sidewalk.
Notice she doesn't break out the numbers between no license and ridingon the sidewalk. I suspect it's because they are severely slanted in favourof no license.
"21 tickets to companies!" What traffic law were they breaking?And where are the comments from the couriers and their companies? Is thisresponsible journalism?
By looking closer at the facts reported and what was not reported, itis clear that this was a crackdown on messengers for not displaying a license.Is that reckless?
This had nothing to do with traffic laws.
Check out "A Ticket For What?", fromTubular Times for a more responsible approach to reporting on apolice crackdown.
Flurry of Complaints
by Rebecca Eckler
Calgary Herald July 6, 1996
City police have slammed the brakes on reckless bike couriers downtown.
"We were constantly dealing with complaints from motorists andcitizens," said Const. Bob Ritchie, who helped create and run a selectivetraffic enforcement program to educate couriers on bike laws.
During a two-week period last month, 59 summonses were handed out toindividual couriers and 21 to companies. Common infractions include ridingwith no license and riding on sidewalks. Of the 80 summonses issued, 48were issued in the first two days.
"Obviously, it was having an impact," said Ritchie. Courierscan be fined $100 for not having a licence, and $25 for riding on a sidewalk.
Bicycles are governed by the same rules and regulations as motor vehicles.Police sent letters to courier companies across the city with lists ofcourier by-laws, the Highway Traffic Act, and infractions which are frequentlycommitted by bike couriers.
Enforcing courier by-laws is often difficult because police in vehiclesor on foot can't catch up with couriers - especially if they are headedin the opposite direction, Ritchie said.
"Some guys wouldn't even go after the couriers because they knewthey would just take off."
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at messvilleto@yahoo.com