Traffic wardens move against reckless cyclists
In an effort to avoid more of those tragedies in the future, authorities in Belize City have turned their attention to the problem of two wheeled vehicles. Ann-Marie Williams has more.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
In wake of Steven Bent’s death, the Department of Traffic wasted no time to suddenly brakes all cyclists committing traffic offences.
Traffic officer Regino Pook says he’s been on the beat since 8:00 a.m. and by noon had ticketed seven riders.
Regino Pook, Traffic Officer
“Once they are going contrary to traffic, it is a violation. They should have bells on, good brakes and their two hands on the handles at all times. If they have one hand on the handle, it’s also a violation. The only time they are allowed to take one hand off is when they are changing direction. If you are going to your right, you will signal with your hand. Otherwise, they should have their hands on.”
And if they fail to abide by the traffic laws, they are given a twenty-five dollar ticket.
Regino Pook
“You have seven clear calendar days to either put in writing if you are not satisfied with the ticket issuing, otherwise, they have fifteen calendar days to clear the ticket. After a thirty days lapse, a summons will be prepared and sent to them.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“If they are not satisfied, what is their recourse?”
Regino Pook
“In the reverse of a ticket, we have step four that they could ask for a court hearing where they could get justice.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Has it ever crossed your mind that the ticket might be more expensive than some of the bicycles these people ride? And if they can’t afford to buy a better bicycle, how can they pay for a ticket?”
Regino Pook
“I cannot determine that because I do not know what kind type of work do they do. It is left to them to fix their bicycles in the proper manner to suit the traffic.”
Pook says if cyclists comply with traffic rules it increases their own safety.
Regino Pook
“The traffic is going on the opposite side, you cannot say when they will have a accident with somebody and they will dash directly in front of a vehicle causing the driver to be blamed otherwise.”
Ann-Marie Williams
How about riding somebody on the bike along with the flow of traffic, how dangerous is that?”
Regino Pook
“It is very dangerous, for the public to know because while carrying a person on the bicycle, you are not in full control. That person could also turn your handle causing you a mishap, or cost you your life or the rider’s life.”
A child under seven years old can be transported on a bicycle provided the child sits in a carrier on the back of the bike.
Jack Ranguy was also on the beat on Dolphins Street this afternoon.
Jack Ranguy, Traffic Officer
“We warn students and the other people we ticket. We’ve ticketed about ten adults, or some of them turn back when they see us.”
Like this guy did, even though Ranguy tried to pursue him. Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
