Victoria Police Continue Blitz On Cyclists

Following a blitz on bicycle safety in Melbourne's CBD back in June, Victoria Police continued its focus on cyclists this week as it hit the city of Moreland.

Sergeant Bruce Strating said 15 cyclists were fined during the operation, which targeted high risk areas around Sydney Road at Brunswick and Coburg.

"A lot of bike riders were caught running red lights at Park Street, Brunswick," Sergeant Strating said.

"We want to make sure cyclists abide by the road rules and wear appropriate safety gear such as helmets.

Sergeant Strating said it's not just cyclists that need to be aware of the operation's safety message, with 30 other infringement notices going to cars and other road users for parking over train lines, bike paths and running red lights.

Inspector Sharon Cowden said abiding by road rules will help to reduce the number of accidents.

"This year, 11 cyclists have been taken to hospital with injuries in Moreland but police are focussed on ensuring that figure does not climb as we head into the warmer months," Insp Cowden said.

According to Senior Sergeant Andrew Falconer, police have become increasingly concerned with the safety of cyclists. This week's TAC-funded campaign will see officers targeting motorists stopping in cyclist 'boxes' at traffic lights, stopping in bicycle lanes and otherwise endangering cyclists.

Motorists stopping in bicycle lanes face an on-the-spot fine of $175.

Sen Sgt Falconer said cyclists must adhere to the road rules like everyone else, including keeping left of tram safety zones which incurs a $292 on-the-spot fine, and stopping behind stationary trams while their doors remain open.

More than 300 cyclists are injured on the roads each year and this year five cyclists have been killed.