Cyclists rack up more than 250 citations in Cambridge as cops crack down

September 21, 2011|By Brock Parker, Town Correspondent, Globe Staff

By Brock Parker, Town Correspondent

Cambridge Police have issued more than 250 tickets to bicyclists since Monday in a coordinated enforcement program across the city.

Cyclists are being issued city ordinance violations for everything from running red lights, to failing to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk and riding a bicycle at night without a light, said Cambridge Police Spokesman Dan Riviello.

Central Square has been a major focus of the enforcement effort with a large police presence in the area, but Riviello said police have been stepping up enforcement across the city.

Not including citations issued today, which are still being processed, Riviello said the city has also issued approximately 65 warnings and citations to motorists as part of the police department’s enforcement efforts.

Cyclists, pedestrians and motorists who have been cited since Monday have also been receiving roadway safety pamphlets from police. Riviello said the city used grant money from the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to print the pamphlets.

“Commuting in an urban environment can be dangerous,” said Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert Haas, in a press release this week about the enforcement efforts. “That is why we are committed to enforcing all applicable laws and educating the public about best safety practices to ensure that everyone who travels in Cambridge can feel confident about their safety.”

Cambridge Police have also produced a public service announcement on pedestrian, bicyclist and motorist safety that can be viewed at www.youtube.com/CambridgePolice.

The roadway safety pamphlet is also available online at http://www2.cambridgema.gov/CityOfCambridge_Content/documents/Pamphlet_PedBikeMopedSafety_FINAL.pdf.