Fines could reach over $12,000 after a man riding a bicycle fitted with a gas-powered motor was recently given several tickets under the Highway Traffic Act.
On Thursday, August 12, 2021 at approximately 8:30 a.m., Cobourg Police Sgt. Mike Richardson noticed a man riding what appeared to be a bicycle with a gas-powered engine.
Richardson caught up with the vehicle on Division Street just south of Chapel Street where he spoke to the driver.
“I said, “sir do you have a driver’s licence?”
Richardson said the operator may have been confused or simply didn’t want to cooperate, but he told the man he was being investigated under the Highway Traffic Act.
“A gas engine affixed to a bicycle now makes that bicycle a motor vehicle.”
As a result, a driver’s license, registration and insurance are required among other items subject to the Highway Traffic Act as he was on a roadway.
The man was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with several offences including drive while under suspension, operate motor vehicle with no insurance, drive vehicle with no plates, drive motor vehicle with no permit, improper brakes on a power-assisted bicycle and improper muffler on a motor-assisted bicycle.
Each offence carries a maximum $2,000 fine.
The device was impounded for 45-days at a local tow company at a cost of $250 for the tow and $60 per day.
Richardson says if anyone ever has concerns about the legalities of such devices to call him at the Cobourg Police Service or search under the Ministry of Transportation which gives all the rules.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
