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2002 Knoxville Regional Bicycle Plan
Enforcement
Enforcement is necessary to enhance safety and promote proper observance of traffic laws. It is important for all road users to follow the rules—however, bicyclists are more vulnerable than motorists and are the ones usually hurt in a crash. A significant percentage of motor vehicle-bicycle crashes occur because the motorist failed to yield to a bicyclist at an intersection. Often, the motorist is not paying adequate attention, or does not realize that bicycles have the same rights as motor vehicles. Bicyclists who flagrantly disobey traffic laws give a bad name to cyclists in general, as well as endanger themselves and others.
The speed of motor vehicles can be a barrier to safe bicycling, so enforcement of speed limits should be encouraged. Enforcement of the laws relating to bicycle lanes is also important. Depending on the location of the bike lane, illegal parking may be an issue.
Action Steps:
- Establish a policy clarifying law enforcement agency’s procedures regarding enforcement of laws concerning bicycles, including motorist behavior.
- Increase traffic law enforcement efforts focusing on those violations most likely to lead to bicycle-motor vehicle crashes.
- Issue a press release clarifying the traffic laws with respect to bicyclists and motorists.
- Educate and train law enforcement personnel in bicycle enforcement through recruit training, roll call training and/or in-service refresher courses.
- Keep up-to-date on code/ordinance modifications that could affect bicyclists.
Bike Patrols |
| The recent “police on bicycles” movement began in Seattle, WA, where the police department started using bicycles because of congested downtown streets. The League of American Bicyclists sponsored a Police on Bikes Conference in 1991, and the International Police Mountain Bike Association was later formed. Currently, more than 10,000 police officers from 45 states have completed the IPMBA Police Cyclist training. |
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Bike patrols are cost effective—10 to 15 officers can be fully outfitted for the cost of one patrol car. Officers on bicycles can travel faster and farther than foot officers, and are able to patrol and pursue in areas inaccessible by car. Bicycles are quiet, allowing officers to ride up to the crime scene before being noticed. This has increased arrest rates in street crime. Police on bikes are much more approachable than officers in cars, resulting in improved public relations. Departments have also cited lower health care costs due to more healthy officers.
In addition to the benefits for the police department, bike patrols have significant benefits for the cycling community. Bicyclists are most easily recognized as legitimate road users when people see police on bikes. Other police personnel are exposed to the bicycle issues, and enforcement of traffic laws for all road users becomes more consistent. Bike officers can initiate requests for road improvements where necessary for safe bicycle use.
Most jurisdictions within the TPO boundary have bicycle patrols. Some utilize the patrols primarily for special events rather than as a regular patrol unit.
Action Steps:
- Continue to train officers for bike patrols.
- Increase the use of bike patrols for standard duty, rather than concentrating on special events.
- Encourage bicycle patrol officers to continue to report road hazards to maintenance departments.
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