You Can Now Be Fined $400 For Biking Too Fast In Canada & The Internet Is Losing It

We’ve heard of some pretty over the top enforcements, but this one is the latest. The City of Calgary will now fine bikers $400 for speeding on pathways. Since finding out about this new rule, the Internet is doing what it does best and roasting the city officials and the new regulation. 

According to CBC, the City of Calgary’s annual pathway patrol is currently underway. This year, bylaw officers are cracking down on sidewalk speeders by implementing new and heavy fines. 

Previously, people going more than 10 km/h over the posted speed on pathways were fined $50. Now, speeders can expect to pay a whopping $400 fine! 

The city isn’t just looking for people going well above the speed limit. If you are caught speeding but under 10 km/h over the posted limit, you can still be fined $150. 

If you were hoping to avoid a fine, that may prove difficult because according to CBC, six uniformed officers will be out seven days a week! They will be keeping an eye out for everything including speeding, out of control pets, and people drinking in the parks. 

Sgt. Fausto Ricioppo, members of the city’s community standard division, spoke with CBC and stated that no tickets have been issued yet. Written and verbal warnings have been given, however, as the city is taking an education-first approach. 

The Calgary subreddit has been buzzing with jokes since this announcement was made. A large majority of people are commenting about how the officers could even enforce this. One Reddit user even asked if he would be pushed off the bike in order to be stopped and fined.

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Others are wondering if they will make fake siren noises. Fingers crossed that they do. 

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Many Reddit users are pointing out that this could be a huge cash grab for the city as $400 does seem a tad over the top. One person even called Calgary the “city of fines.”

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One user pointed out the fact that it could be cheaper to speed in a car! While speeding in a car could result in paying for a tow and a reduction of points on your license, the ticket may still be cheaper than the $500 biking penalty.

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Bikes are now concerned that penalties like this will only encourage people to drive or bikers to use the road alongside cars – which can be extremely dangerous. 

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While no tickets have been issued yet, the threat of the $400 fine is still out there. 

This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.