DC Proposes Higher Fines for Hitting a Cyclist
So many cyclists have stories of brushes with cars and trucks while out riding. Some even have stories of harrowing car-bike collisions. When a car strikes a cyclist, things can get deadly. But a motorist at fault will often walk away with little more than a slap on the wrist—especially if the cyclist survives—and a fine that seems more in line with not picking up after a dog, rather than endangering a fellow human's life.
But Washington, DC, has proposed an increase in this fine, from the current $50—yes, that’s the fine for hitting a cyclist in our capital city—to $500. Dooring a cyclist would go from $25 to $100. The fines still seem low, but they could be a small victory for cycling advocates. In addition to that proposed raise, the fine for a driver failing to yield to a pedestrian while turning right on red increase from $50 to $200, and parking in a bike lane would incur a $200 fine, up from $65. It’s notable that the old fines made parking in a bike lane more costly than smashing into a cyclist.
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Not surprisingly—but sadly—the proposed increases are being challenged. It’s the same in many cities across North America: In Toronto, a proposed fine increase is being debated despite being introduced in July. Champion of the increase is Toronto City Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon, who was struck by a car while riding. The current Toronto fine is $85, but she wants to see it increased significantly alongside other added consequences.
Most cities don’t have a policy or fine system in place for hitting cyclists. Take Bethesda, Maryland, where Tim Holden was killed after a motorist struck him from behind during a group ride. Just last month, criminal charges against the driver were dropped, and the consequence of his lethal actions was reduced from manslaughter to a $690 fine for three moving violations.
Some places in the US have cracked down on motorists who strike cyclists not just with fines, but also with jail time. A few years ago, New York passed “Hayley and Diego’s Law,” which issues a fine of $750 or 15 days of jail time; participation in a driving training course; suspension or revocation of the driver’s license or registration; or any combination of these penalties for striking a cyclist or a pedestrian.
Of course, fines are only helpful if enforced; DC’s handling of the fine increases will be as telling as the issuing of them. Check back on the issue after January 8, when the proposition will be heard.
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