Philadelphia Smug Alert

 

In a recent article in the Daily Inquirer about how the Philadelphia Police Department was stepping up the enforcement side of the “Give Respect, Get Respect”. It stated that 590 cyclists had been issued warnings for violating traffic laws. This has brought on a severe case of smugness from two cycling advocacy groups.

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia; in a recent post on their blog took issue that the Philadelphia police had a disproportionate response of cars to bicyclists:

• Bicyclists - 590 warnings issued, 3 moving violations and 7 Code Violation Notices (CVNs) for riding on the sidewalk
• Motorists - 116 warning issued, 37 moving violations and 50 CVS for distracted driving
  

If the BCGP had actually taken the time to read the brochures that were part of the campaign, they would have noticed that the Driver Guide is designed to teach drivers about being alert for bicyclists and pedestrians. Automobile drivers already know what will happen if they run red lights and stop signs. The Bicycle Guide teaches cyclists that they have to follow the same traffic laws as cars and riding on sidewalks or against traffic is illegal.

 

The other case of smugness comes from the soon to be former Executive Director of Neighborhood Bike Works Catherine "Kitty" Heite. Who posted on Monday, July 18 on their Facebook page a response of: “interesting... Glad to know NBW already focuses on teaching the youth what their responsibilities as cyclists are”, to the article in the Daily Inquirer. While ignoring a fundraiser held for NBW, The Works Volume 1, on May 14, 2011. An Alley Cat with prizes based on speed and how many points you accrue on the course. How do you complete an Alley Cat race quickly? By running red lights, stops signs, and breaking any traffic law that comes to mind. This is an oxymoron, raising money by breaking traffic laws to teach children to ride safely. Its moments like this when you understand why Neighborhood Bike Works is looking for a new Executive Director.

 

The Philadelphia Police Department has shown admirable restraint in educating cyclists about traffic laws and how it applies to them. 590 warnings is more than ample and if some cyclists still don’t understand then I am sure a $120.00 ticket will.

All I'm asking for is some respect

Aretha Franklin sang it best when it came to respect and that appears to be what the city of Philadelphia is doing with its campaign, Give respect, get respect, when it comes to addressing the laws and safety issues that pedestrians, cyclists and drivers must face. The campaign is being implemented in an effective manner, a team of police officers on bicycles and a patrol car will be handing out these brochures to educate their rights and responsibilities. They will alsowrite tickets to cyclists and drivers who endanger others.

This was clearly a well thought out and researched to create maximum effect with minimal disruption, while at the same time giving police the ability to say, “don't say we didn't warn you” when drivers and cyclists get ticketed in the future.

This campaign could have been a lot worse, New York City also kicked off an an educational campaign of its own last week. Unfortunately this was proceeded by the police departments Operation Safe Cycle. In theory the NYPD was going to start ticketing cyclist for some of the more egregious traffic violations, in reality they went after easy targets to make their data look good. This included ticketing cyclists in Central Park for running red lights when the park is closed to cars and having a tote bag on their handle bars. But the worst was when the NYPD created a speed trap in Central Park based on outdated information that the speed limit for cyclists was 15 miles per hour when it is actually 25mph. Requiring the NYPD to send police officers to 9 ticketed cyclists to apologize for ticketing them.

Then to add insult to injury New York City kicked off its educational campaign by calling cyclists who break the laws jerks. Lets face it folks no matter how cute the videos might be or how famous the stars are you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Philadelphia has found a much more effective method by educating everyone instead of targeting one group. The people who created the Give Respect, Get Respect program should be commended for creating a rational plan that educates everyone without name calling.