Cycling in Waterloo Region

[danbrotherston]

I've appreciated the discussion here, perhaps it was pessimistic to say this is unenforceable. But if it really is no different than other laws, why were there only 19 charges laid in a year? My own experience and what I'm hearing from others suggests it's a rather common occurrence.

There are many possible reasons.  It's a new law, police aren't yet trained, or comfortable in applying it.  Police may prefer to give warnings for new laws which are now in place in the interests of "fairness" to motorists who don't know about the law.  More cynically, many (most?) police officers aren't cyclists, many of them may not even notice, or wish to apply the law.

And since this law applies to interactions with bicycles, there will be fewer tickets issued anyway, because there are fewer cyclist to pass to closely too, than there are, say, red lights to run.  And keep in mind the timing, the time period included mostly the introduction period, and the winter when there are fewer cyclists.

And further, you must actually compare with numbers on other types of tickets issued, obviously speeding, red light running, and cell phone use generate high numbers of tickets, but I suspect there are equally low numbers for other infractions.  Running a yellow light is probably a good example.  Technically illegal, but rarely enforced.  (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h08#s144s31p2).  As "missing bell" infraction for cyclists might also be a good example of an infrequently enforced law.

I don't know which, if any, of the reasons I suggest actually apply, I'm just speculating.  I would like to see an increase in enforcement--or rather, I'd like to see a decrease in the prevalence of violations of the law--as I would for most frequent traffic violations I see.