(Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

Bicycle Bylaw

Putting a brake on bike theft, boost safety as new bylaw approved

Jun 22, 2021 | 12:00 PM

In an effort to stop bicycle thefts and make riding in Prince Albert safer, city council has approved a new bicycle bylaw.

The move was approved in an 8-1 vote at Monday’s meeting with only Coun. Terra Lennox-Zepp disapproving. The bylaw will come into effect in the weeks to come.

The new bylaw will make it so that no bicycle can be operated unless it is equipped with a horn or bell capable of emitting sound that is audible under normal conditions for a distance of up to 35 metres.

“It’s probably time,” Coun. Ted Zurakowski said. “Especially with the completion of the Rotary Trail.”

Exercising a pet while on a bike is also a part of the new bylaw – operating a bicycle with a leashed animal will no longer be permitted.

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“That’s one of the most dangerous things. The dog could get tangled up in your bike or go in a different direction,” Mayor, Greg Dionne said at the meeting.

Bicycle serial numbers

The bylaw also hopes to curb thefts in the city by adding serial numbers.

The question came up in council, what happens if a serial number is simply scratched off?

“We are looking into that, where we can get a machine that can stamp [the bike], Dionne answered. “We will also encourage people to record their serial numbers.”

The Board of Police Commissioners will be collaborating with the city to establish a webpage where people can record these numbers. The webpage will also include information regarding bicycle theft prevention and tips on identifying lost or stolen bikes.

To locate stolen bikes and hopefully put an end to the theft in the city, the hope is police will enforce the bylaw. If the problem continues, more laws could be in place.

“I think it’s essential that our police are out at night [and] start to stop bike riders, and check these numbers,” Coun. Blake Edwards said. “The theft is out of hand. If you’re riding a bike after midnight, you’re likely causing some issues.

“We either utilize this bylaw or we ban bikes after midnight, period. Hopefully, this is utilized, and we don’t have to get there.”

If the bicycle has a serial number that is altered in any way, the bike is subject to be seized and impounded by Prince Albert Police Service.

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Dawson.thompson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: dawsonthompson8