Police Get Tough on Cyclists in Tallinn
Police in Tallinn say they will soon launch a series of actions targeted at bicycle riders to enforce the laws on reflectors and bells.
Like stops of pedestrians in winter to check whether they were wearing the required reflectors, offenders will not be fined. Yet in this case, they will not be let go easily with a warning - they will be given 14 days to comply, bringing their bike in to a police station for an inspection.
The new Traffic Act that has now been in force for a year as of July 1 requires cyclists to have at least four reflectors on their bicycle, as well as a bell. Those under 16 must wear a helmet.
"When the person shows up, we will give the bicycle an inspection, make sure that everything is in order and if it is, we will generally close the proceedings," said Valdo Põder, head of the regional police work division at the Northern prefecture's law enforcement office.
Cyclists' behavior in traffic will also be under heightened attention. Those who run red lights or otherwise break the law can similarly have the case dismissed by passing a traffic test consisting of 15 questions.
Kristopher Rikken