Local residents gather at the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent for the second annual Chatham-Kent Cycling Festival, June 20, 2015. (Photo by the Blackburn Radio Summer Patrol)Local residents gather at the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent for the second annual Chatham-Kent Cycling Festival, June 20, 2015. (Photo by the Blackburn Radio Summer Patrol)
Chatham

Cyclists Deal With Passing Vehicles

Chatham-Kent Cyclists are hoping increased fines for driving near bicycles will deter motorists from following too close.

Effective September 1, driving will be fined $110 and given two demerit points if they don't leave a metre in between their vehicle and a bike when passing.

Chatham resident Wayne Stubbs says he now rides on the sidewalk because of multiple close calls. "My buddy and I have actually been forced into driveways and into curbs, with the vehicle driver laughing his head off."

John Sigurjonsson is with the group "CK Cycle." He says these instances are few and far between, and he personally very rarely comes close to vehicles. "Very seldom have I had any close scrapes. People give me lots of room as they pass me. They're patient with my slower speed as well."

Sigurjonsson adds the group would like to see more bike lanes pop up in the urban areas of CK. He believes the increased fines will serve as an education tool for the select few who break this law.

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