Newton Gets In On The Targeted Enforcement Game

Much like Boston, and Cambridge, and Somerville, before it, Newton is doing a bit of the old targeted enforcement.

After 20 bicycle-related accidents this year, Newton police will increase patrols this week to enforce traffic laws and educate cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians about sharing the road.

During the weeklong effort, police will monitor many of the heavily cycled roads around Newton and ticket both cyclists and motorists who violate the rules of the road.

“There’s definitely an issue where awareness needs to improve for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, too,” said Captain Howard Mintz, head of the Police Department’s traffic bureau. “It’s been very difficult.”

With an increase in cyclists and the city trying to add more bike lanes, Mintz said police thought it was critical to ensure that everybody obey traffic laws.

A cyclist died in Newton in 2010 after he crashed into a car that was stopped at an intersection, according to police. Last year, Newton experienced 31 bike-related crashes and incidents, and police issued eight tickets to motorists involved, Mintz said.

I know people cry bloody murder about this stuff, somehow trying to make the argument that they either don’t need to follow the law, or that it would be more useful to target other law breaking groups. But I think its a great idea. Newton also seems to be taking a very “everyone on the road” approach to enforcement targeting cyclists, and motorists. Read the rest of the article here. Thanks Ron for the tip.

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New Signs Encouraging People To Use Lights On South West Corridor

I have gotten multiple reports that there are big signs urging people to use lights at night (as well as reminding them its the law) on the southwest corridor. This is for sure the time of year when you need some good lights on your bike, be sure to have a white front light, and a red back light, and make sure they are bright!

Its things like this that don’t cost the city much money or effort that are going to be important in changing the culture of Boston. Little things do matter, thanks City of Boston!

EDIT: now with video! Thanks William!

He says:

Looks like the Boston police are enforcing light laws on the SW corridor bike path. I passed a flashing traffic sign that said, “Be Bright, Bike With Lights At Night, Massachusetts State Law”. Here’s a short video I took of the sign: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JxiN_pA6QE

The next time I passed through, there was a police car with lights flashing at the intersection. At Lamartine and Atherton, I think. A helmetless, lightless biker passed me on the path, and was flagged down, lectured, and probably ticketed by the cop.

Thought you’d like to know and maybe pass that on to your readers. Looks like the Boston police are serious about enforcing at least some cycling laws.

I doubt they were given tickets (I could be wrong) but they most likely were given a talking to, which is totally fine in my opinion.

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