Cyclist speeding ticket sparks social media debate

A speeding ticket issued to a cyclist who allegedly flew through a Saanich school zone has sparked debate on social media this week.

Todd Litman, a bicycle advocate and the executive director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, said it's reasonable.

"It's unusual, but it does occur," he told Gregor Craigie, the host of On The Island. "Bicycles are vehicles. They are not motor vehicles, but they are vehicles, and most traffic laws apply."

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But bikes do pose less of a risk to others than vehicles, so an argument could be made that fines for breaking traffic laws should be lower for cyclists, Litman said.

There are also some situations where he would like to see cyclists given a break on the rules of the road, such as when children or inexperienced cyclists ride their bikes slowly on uncrowded sidewalks.

The cyclist in Saanich was handed a speeding ticket in a school zone Wednesday morning. The officer who issued the ticket warned all cyclists via social media to watch their speeds after nabbing the free-wheeler.

Litman said he is not surprised the move prompted plenty of debate.

"People get very emotional about these issues," he said.

To hear the full interview, click the audio labelled: Should cyclists receive speeding tickets?

-with files from On The Island