Crime & Safety

Somerville Police Crack Down on Bicycle-Riding Traffic Scofflaws

Police began "increasing enforcement of bicycle traffic regulations" in Union Square Wednesday, according to Somerville's police chief and the city's ResiStat blog.

Somerville police initiated a "bicycle enforcement" operation Wednesday, according to Somerville Police Chief Thomas Pasquarello, who spoke to seniors at the Wednesday.

Somerville's ResiStat blog has also announced the initiative.

In a statement on the blog, Pasquarello said, "Bicyclists have a right to share the road and they should command respect from other drivers … At the same time, they need to show respect for the rights of pedestrians and vehicle drivers."

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Pasquarello explained Wednesday that a new change in law makes it a requirement that bicyclists, if stopped by a police officer for violating a traffic law, must provide their name and address.

If they don't, explains the ResiStat blog, they could be arrested and fined $50. 

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One doesn't need a license or registration to ride a bike, and before the change in law, errant bicyclists could easily tell officers their name is "John Doe" and ride away, Pasquarello said. 

Police officer Maryann Manfra, also speaking to seniors Wednesday, said the initiative, in its first day, focused in Union Square.

Did anyone in Union Square see a biker get pulled over today? Or did anyone get pulled over? 


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