As Whistler's trails once again fill up with bikes, local police say they are planning a "no-tolerance approach" to helmetless riders this summer.
According to a release from the Whistler RCMP, the local detachment typically receives an increase in complaints related to cyclists riding without helmets at this time of year.
"It is the law in B.C. that helmets must be worn when operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle, and it is the law that a parent cannot allow a child under 16 to operate a bicycle without a helmet," said Whistler RCMP Cpl. John Pellegrino in the release. “The penalties for these offences are not high, but a dollar value cannot be placed on the physical and emotional impact of an injury or death as a result of not wearing a helmet."
With that in mind, local police will conduct "bicycle helmet compliance reminders" in the weeks ahead, in the hopes of hammering home the safety message.
"Commencing July 1, the Whistler RCMP will be taking a no-tolerance approach to bicycle riders and passengers who are not wearing helmets, issuing violation tickets to those who are not in compliance," the release said.
"While this is a very serious topic, there is good news! The Whistler RCMP has connected with a number of Whistler’s community businesses who wish to partner with the RCMP in the initiative to keep our local cyclers safe. If you are the unlucky recipient of a violation ticket for not wearing a helmet, you can take your violation ticket to a number of local shops and receive a discount on the purchase of a bicycle helmet."
The participating partners include:
- Surefoot Whistler located at 102-4154 Village Green
- Gateway Bikes / Whistler Sports Rentals Ltd located at 4205 Village Square/Gateway Drive
- Arbutus Routes located at 4557 Blackcomb Way
- Premium Mountain Rentals located in Crystal Lodge next to the Old Spaghetti Factory
- Fanatik Co located at 6-4433 Sundial Place
- Comor Whistler located at 4338 Main Street
- Evolution Whistler located at 8-4122 Village Green
Whistler businesses who would like to partner with the Whistler RCMP on the initiative can contact Pellegrino at the Whistler RCMP Detachment at (604) 932-3044.
"The Sea to Sky Whistler RCMP encourages all parents and youth operating bicycles in the municipality to ensure they are safe on the roadways and bike trails and networks around town," the release said.
