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Police Crackdown on Bicyclists

Friday, Nov 20, 2009 | Updated 1:16 PM EST

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City council is considering bills that could raise fines on violations for bikers, require registration and even confiscation as a penalty.

Police in Philadelphia are cracking down on pedal-powered scofflaws.

Following the deaths of two pedestrians who were hit by bicycles last month, Philadelphia police are putting new emphasis on traffic laws for bike riders in downtown Philadelphia.

Police Capt. Dennis Wilson says increasing complaints about bicyclists blowing through red lights and stop signs and riding on sidewalks also prompted the crackdown.

Wilson says officers will be working with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia to educate riders about the enforcement effort.

Two men died last month after being struck by bicycles. A 40-year-old paralegal was in a coma for two weeks before dying after an Oct. 15 accident and a 78-year-old man died of injuries following an Oct. 8 accident. No charges have been filed in either case.

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