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From: ketterer@macbeth.UUCP (Lance Ketterer)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: bicycle patrol
Message-ID: <125@macbeth.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 23-Jul-85 20:06:04 EDT
Article-I.D.: macbeth.125
Posted: Tue Jul 23 20:06:04 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 25-Jul-85 08:15:24 EDT
References: <1016@noscvax.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: Princeton University, Engineering Management Systems
Lines: 40

> The statistics on bicycle accidents show that the bicyclist is his own
> worst enemy.  Bicyclists are constantly violating traffic
> regulations.  If bicyclists can ever expect to be treated by the law
> and the motorist as simply another slow moving vehicle, they must, as
> a group, act like any other slow moving vehicle (i.e., they must obey
> the law).  What I'm wondering is whether anyone knows of any cities
> where there are volunteer bicycle patrols.  These patrols would
> probably be trained by the police and have the authority to ticket
> other bicyclists for traffic violations.  The ticket would essentially
> be the same now administered to any other vehicle using the roadway.
> At present, most cities have laws already in place which stipulate
> that the police have the authority for such action.  However, such
> actions are almost never taken.  I am not a total stickler when it
> comes to enforcement.  The bicycle is not, at present, given the same
> treatment as cars by loop detectors and road design; consequently,
> sometimes a bicyclist has to take actions which would be strictly
> illegal.  No, what I'm concerned about are riders who simply ignore
> traffic lights (seemingly reagardless of the danger and expecting
> everyone to watch out for them), ride the wrong way (kidds are
> particularly prone to this form of suicide), etc.
> What I would actually like to see is for many of these violators not
> to be given fines but being compelled to attend a class on biclycle safety.
> The advantage of this method (for the not flagrant violator) is that
> it serves to promulgate (spelling?) bicycle awareness amongst both 
> bicyclists and motorists, i.e., the bicycle and the bicyclist become a
> more noticeble part of the community.
> 
> Anyway, any ideas?
> Bill Powers

There is a town near my hometown that has a very good bicycle safety
program (including a bicycle patrol) which is administrated by the local
police department.  They employ patrol members on a volunteer basis (or for
a small remuneration) who are given the authority to give warnings and
tickets to those violating bicycling laws.  I believe that part of the 
penalty requires attendance at bicycle safety classes.

If you want more information write to the bicycle safety division of the
Dayton Police Department, Dayton, MN (I'm sorry but you'll have to find the 
zip code for yourself).  I hope this is of some help.