2,333 cyclists warned, 133 fined in a week

The police issued warnings to 2,333 cyclists and fined 133 others on various charges during an extensive drive last week, said the National Police Board in a press release on Monday.

“The police issued warnings and fined 40 euro for absence of light partly or entirely on the bicycle, riding on the pavement, and violating red traffic light, among other things,” said Inspector Heikko Kallio of the National Police Board in a statement, adding that some police stations also gave lights to cyclists who didn’t have lights on their bicycles.

The law-enforcing agency operated the drive under the new traffic laws that came into force in June with a view to remind cyclists about the new law.

“The target of the surveillance was to remind the road users about the importance of visibility in the dark. One new issue related to the previous law is that cyclists must also use a rear red light when riding in the dark or at dusk, or when visibility has deteriorated due to weather conditions or other reasons,” said Kallio.

According to the new traffic law, cyclists and passengers should generally wear helmet while riding. One positive observation during the operation was that many people wore helmets, said the Inspector.

The police also urged the bicycle-riders to use a cycle helmet, although not using helmet is not a punishable offence.

Residents of urban areas were also advised to use reflectors.