Cyclists fined during monthly protest ride

Cyclist, May 24 2009

Fifteen cyclists taking part in the Critical Mass cyclist movement on Friday were fined up to $500,  and some were even arrested by the SPVM for obstruction of traffic.

According to Radio Canada, the SPVM intervened at the corner of Belmont and Beaver Hall Hill just after the cyclists left Philips Square around 6p.m., where they had gathered to begin riding.

The cyclists were fined under section 500.1 of the Highway Safety Code.

It is rare that participants are fined during the Critical Mass movement.

The event takes place on the last Friday of every month in hundreds of cities across North America, with multiple reasons according to the movement’s Facebook page… including making a statement for sustainable transportation, to travel the city without the usual danger of motor vehicles, and to re-imagine the use of public space.

Flickr Photo by: Justin Scott Campbell

STORY WRITTEN BY: CATLIN SPENCER