Montreal police are asking for amendments to Quebec's Highway Safety Code in order to crack down on impaired cyclists.
Right now, it's illegal for a cyclist to drink while riding but there's no specific offence for riding while impaired.
With the government looking at ways to improve the code, police say it's the perfect opportunity to make the change. Riding on Montreal’s streets is hazardous enough, police say – adding alcohol to the mix is just asking for trouble.
Right now, the only provision about cycling and drinking is under section 489, which states no person may drink alcoholic beverages while riding a bicycle.
“The only tool we have is a municipal bylaw in Montreal which is the same one that we use when people are inebriated when they come out of bars, so we’d like something specific because you know riding a bicycle requires your attention,” said Insp. André Durocher of the Montreal police.
But Velo Quebec says the police department may be looking for a problem where there isn't one.
Suzanne Lareau, president of Velo Quebec, says there should be priorities other than impaired riding, such as dooring. Cyclists have been killed by drivers opening their doors without looking first and the penalty is a $56 fine. Velo Quebec says the only victim of a drunk cyclist is the cyclist.
Police say their priority is road safety, and they aren't the only ones who want the change.
Last September, the city came out with 20 recommendations to improve bike safety, including cracking down on impaired riding.
“Someone who's inebriated while riding a bicycle represents a hazard for themselves and for others. This is why we're concerned,” Durocher said.
