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Old 06-26-06 | 07:35 PM
  #66  
sgtsmile
Speed Demon *roll eyes*
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 982
Likes: 0
From: Waterloo, Ontario

Bikes: 1998 specialized s-works mtn bike / 2005 Kona Jake the Snake

Well. A couple of things to point out here....

1: running the red is not good, but that has been said. So everyone in Ontario knows, you are required to stop for an amber light IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. You cannot be ticketed for going through on a yellow if you would be in a collision if you stopped. Entering on the red, though, is an offence.

2: regarding lights: Motor assisted bicycles, bicycles and tricycles, lights on, etc.

(17) When on a highway at any time from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 150 metres or less, every motor assisted bicycle, bicycle or tricycle shall carry on the front thereof a lighted lamp displaying a white or amber light and on the rear thereof a lighted lamp displaying a red light or a reflector approved by the Ministry, and in addition there shall be placed on the front forks thereof white reflective material, and on the rear thereof red reflective material covering a surface of not less than 250 millimetres in length and 25 millimetres in width. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 62 (17).

In other words, if it is day, and nice out, you dont need it. If it is cloudy, raining, and you dont have one, you be screwed. In reality, you can get away with just the lights. I have NEVER until now heard of someone getting nailed in ontario for lack of reflective tape and have NEVER seen a bike sold in that condition in a bike store here. Reflectors yes, but tape? not a chance. And there is no way in hell I would tape up a nice road bike either (blinkies/lights in a tool bag for if I get caught out yes, but tape up an italian race bike, yah right ;p)

3: regarding horns: Alarm bell to be sounded

(5) Every motor vehicle, motor assisted bicycle and bicycle shall be equipped with an alarm bell, gong or horn, which shall be kept in good working order and sounded whenever it is reasonably necessary to notify pedestrians or others of its approach. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 75 (5).

You do not need a horn. If the cop specifically stated that, and you had a bell/gong on the bike at the time, fight it cause he is dead wrong and you will win. I always equip my bikes with a gong - they are smaller than bells, and just as useless for warning anyone but a pedestrian but are a great way to avoid a fine. In fact, I refer to it as my "anti-fine" device.

4: ID and showing it: you need to identify yourself, but you do not need ID.

5: Someone mentioned the ticket showing you on a bike vs a car: double check that. If it says car, and you were on a bike, you win. It will be tossed out.

Another tip I have for you is to make sure that the cop in question followed the rules him or herself. If the cop was picking a fight with you (argumentative), broke several laws to pull you over (I have seen this done) or in anyway endangered the public, feel free to launch a formal complaint. The police have no right to pull someone over in a dangerous manner, and can be brought up for internal discipline if they do so. Say nothing to the cop, talk to his or her boss (that is, the chief - and do not stop until you get there - a buddy of mine just about caved in the back of a cruiser in Waterloo once when a cop pulled over someone on a blind curve - we were not speeding and were being totally reasonable - and when a complaint was issued, the cop received an official reprimand.)

Good luck
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