from Bike Baltimore by Nate Evans
At last night’s Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee (MBAC) meeting, we were joined by Major Tony Brown of the Baltimore Police Department. This is the second meeting that local cyclists have had with the police department as Baltimore moves to promote a safer cycling environment.
Major Brown shared important information all cyclists should know:
- Accident reports are not always taken, even with vehicular accidents. If personal injury occurs, then an accident report will be taken.
- The Baltimore Police Department will not tolerate aggressive driving against cyclists. While accidents do happen, if the accident is intentional, it is classified as an “assault” and should be reported.
- The police department is developing a cyclist informational video to be shown at roll call and during the department’s on-going annual training. MBAC needs to provide a script and actors for the video (Any volunteers?)
- All cyclists must obey the rules of the road! As most officers’ exposure to cycling is by observing the practices of bike messengers, this has not helped encourage a positive image. Please stop at red lights, stop signs and yield to pedestrians.
- If you are planning a large bike ride, please contact the shift commander at the local precinct just to let them know.
- DOT’s Parking Control should be contacted to cite cars illegally parking in bike lanes.
By the next meeting (Tuesday, March 15th), the Major would like a list of :
- locations where cyclists are routinely harassed by motorists and
- locations where bike theft is a common occurrence
The police department will increase patrols where the harassment occurs and set up a ‘sting’ operation where bike theft occurs. Please post these locations below! or email me.
These are the first steps in helping promote a positive relationship and understanding between the Baltimore Police Department and area cyclists. We thank Major Brown for his time and efforts!
https://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BikeBaltimore/~3/7oUY6lGrDD8/oldId.20110217141017481